Last season, there was almost always one Vegas Golden Knights player who'd step onto the ice first. It was Reilly Smith and he had the same routine that he'd use for each practice.
Put your head down and practice your stick-handling. He would do this four to five times before joining the boys in practice. It was as simple as that. Get down to work and focus on bettering yourself on the fundamentals. How could a regular guy like myself apply those fundamentals and become better in life?
Well, here's the thing. I've been practicing my soccer skills for over a year. It has been something that has kept me sane, improving my mental health and my overall health. Along the way, I've learned how to apply fundamentals of technique and focus to my craft. In turn, I've greatly benefited in my overall stature in life.
I'm talking about applying these little principles to your work. It could come with improving your output. It could also mean learning to focus and pay attention in your relationships. After all, it's the little things in life that add up to something greater, right?
But all of this doesn't just apply to myself. It also applies to the Original Misfit, who's spent the majority of his NHL career with the Golden Knights. How do you think he achieved such a remarkable feat of playing for the organization for eight seasons? That's not easy to do for any mere mortal.
Why watching Reilly Smith practice with the Vegas Golden Knights has made me better in life
Looking at Reilly Smith's practice routine, it's easy to see how it turned into a long combined Vegas residency. He scored 143 goals and 180 assists during his Vegas tenure, making him one of the most important wingers in franchise history. Without the Misfit, you don't get to two Stanley Cup Finals and win a Stanley Cup (remember, 26 goals and 30 assists that season went a looooong way).
With that, seeing Smith put down his head and work on his stick-handling was a simple reminder of how you can go far by nailing the basics. Knowing how to maneuver your stick and establishing power in your shot has made me a better soccer player. One can only imagine that this logic gets applied to Smith whenever he stepped onto the ice for the Golden Knights. Not bad for a teacher.
If you're able to score 143 goals in eight years just by doing that, think of what you can do just by applying this principle to everyday life. You could be immensely better at playing the guitar. You could be as good at swimming as Michael Phelps (okay, not that good, but still).
Here's hoping that everyone takes a page out of Reilly Smith's playbook and works on the fundamentals today (and the next day). It'll help everyone improve their livelihoods and help them reach their goals. Just keep your head down and work on your stick-handling (or other applicable skill), my friends!
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