GIVE MORE BE MORE.

A motto Jeff LoVecchio lives by every single day. It’s a mindset of effort, generosity, and excellence. Jeff didn’t earn a successful 10-year career in professional hockey on accident. He lived a lifestyle that reflected his mindset and matched his goals. When we pour into both ourselves and others, we become better. On our hardest days, we show up for ourselves. When our bank accounts are low, we continue to give to our community. Excellence is created.  

I had the chance to speak to Jeff at a recent lululemon event. Through 14 concussions and deemed “not good enough” as a St. Louis native, Jeff doubled down on discipline and focus to beat the odds that were stacked against him. As a young teenager (and leaving home at 15 years old), he chose SUCCESS over school parties. He knew that to be “extraordinary,” he had to do the “extra.” As a result, he was different amongst his peers and often teased for defying the teenage norm.  

I want to share a few of his key principles and practices that will help you, regardless of your goals, struggles, age, or affinity towards hockey.  

VISUALIZATION 

Today, as a Performance Enhancement Specialist training elite athletes, Jeff begins every training session with a visualization practice. He believes in the power of visualization, and we even practiced on-site. The idea is to visualize our best self, and the pinnacle of our success however we personally define that. Having a crystal-clear image becomes cemented in our subconscious and influences our behavior and habits. What we want becomes a reality in our minds. The clearer the picture, the more likely we can achieve it because we know it, we feel it and we become it.  

What do you look like? 

What do you sound like? 

How do you feel? 

What do you hear? 

Who is around you? 

What do you smell? 

What does it feel like when you reach your goal? 

When I was training for Burn Athlete back in 2018 and 2019 (a national competition for Burn Boot Camp Trainers), I used this technique to visualize various elements of the competition. I was committed to making myself PROUD but also having FUN. I didn’t want the pressure of the competition to steal the joy in the experience. So, I had to learn how to manage my thoughts and influence my behavior so my desired outcome would be my reality. And, it was.   

I could feel the sweat dripping down my back. I counted every burpee. 2…3…4…89…90…91. I became hyperaware of when my form started to fail or how badly I wanted to break. I felt my legs shaking and my heart pounding through my chest. I listened to the rhythmic, swishing sound of the jump rope hitting the ground for every double under I jumped. Every hard rep, I felt it. Every negative thought, I listened to it. I faced self-doubt head-on and kept moving.  

Over time, I replaced self-doubt with words like, “YES, I CAN.” I faced the competition head-on, so I no longer feared it. 

I felt the bell under my sweaty palm and collapsed to the floor FINISHED. I was gasping for air and my lungs were burning as if I swallowed an Altoid whole. My peers were clinging to me in sweaty celebration, and the energy and sounds of the crowd continued to fill the gym. “I did it.”  I felt accomplished, proud, and capable. 

It took me a while to master this practice. Initially, I got bored, and my mind would wander. I would lose focus and find myself looking for food in the pantry or scrolling my phone. Finding discipline in mental visualization became a skill that has since helped me paint a picture for many areas of my life. I’ve spent time visualizing a better marriage, my forever home, succeeding in business, and even Christmas dinners when my kids are grown, and the relationships I’m building today to make those future dreams a reality. And like anything else, there’s always room for improvement in refining these visualization skills. 

 In 1996, there was a visualization study done by the University of Chicago. The study was to understand the power of visualization using basketball players shooting free throws. There were three groups: 1) Those that practiced free throws every day for 30 minutes for 30 days; 2) Those that did nothing for 30 days; 3) Those that visualized free throws for 30 minutes every day for 30 days. Of these three groups, the group that physically practiced and the group that mentally practiced (via visualization) experienced a 24% and 23% improvement, respectively. That is, the practice and power of visualization can essentially yield the same results. 

It doesn’t matter what you are looking to achieve. You can visualize reaching your fitness goals, running around with your children, graduating college, writing a book, putting in your resignation, eating healthier, launching your own business, doing one pull-up, or smiling at yourself in the mirror. This is unique and personal to each of us. 

“WIN THE DAY” 

If we found success in the day-to-day, every day, we would all be better off, wouldn’t we? Breaking down our BIG goals into daily targets can feel less daunting, and more attainable.  We become more in control of our own destinies by taking smaller steps. Having a clear vision of both our long-term and short-term goals help make this possible.  

Jeff stressed this cycle of INTENTION -->ACTION --> REFLECTION --> REPEAT.  

First, you must know your intention. If you’re unclear on what this is, that’s your first sign you need to spend more time with yourself. Concentrated time alone provides clarity. To change your life, instill new habits or alter your mindset, you must apply dedicated energy towards this. Our desired state rarely just falls into our lap. We must work toward it. Jeff journals daily with “I WILL” statements. The discipline in repetition helps close the gap between where we are, and what we WILL become.  

Action follows intention. Our actions may not always be in line with our intentions. We’re human. We experience setbacks, prioritize in the wrong direction, and lose focus, at times. We either take action in a way that drives us closer to our goals, or we take action that drives us further from our goals.  

Reflection allows us to understand our behavior better.   

Where did you go wrong?  

Where did you go right? 

How did you feel? 

What will you do differently tomorrow?  

This cycle of renewal keeps us grounded in our intention, and places personal responsibility solely on our shoulders. 

SACRIFICE: A MINDSET SHIFT 

When I acknowledged the sacrifices that Jeff faced as a young boy in pursuit of his dreams, he was quick to share his views on what sacrifice really means.  

If we’re pursuing a dream, is it really sacrifice? He argues that if he were committed to school dances and late-night parties, that would be the ultimate sacrifice. He would have sacrificed a career in professional hockey instead. 

With everything you do, you sacrifice. Whether or not it’s worth it is solely up to you.  

When I moved to St. Louis in October of 2017 to open Burn Boot Camp Manchester, I came solo. Ted remained back at home (Charlotte, NC) to care for our two young kids. I sacrificed time with my family in pursuit of my own purpose, and the opportunity to help others. The sacrifice is positive. The ultimate sacrifice would have been living the status quo in fear of my own failure. 

Right now, you are sacrificing something. Is it your health? Laughter? Personal accomplishment? Strength? Energy? Quality time with people you love? Healthy relationships? The way your kids perceive you? The business you always wanted to start? The legacy you could leave behind? The opportunity to make a difference?  

Is whatever you are choosing instead worth it? Only you can decide that.  

Thank you, Jeff. Your passion for life and high standard of excellence is inspiring!  

You can follow Jeff on Instagram/Twitter: @jefflovecchio 

Click here to view the photo gallery from the event. (PW: takeinspiredaction)

BONUS DIALOG! 

Question: How do you prepare for training your own clients?  

Answer: I have a lot of experience in using sports psychology from my own career – both from my own experiences as well as being a captain on almost every single team I played on, and helping others bring their best every day. For me, it’s very natural now. Daily, the only thing I do is try to find another angle to come at the same message so it’s consistent, but not monotonous.  

Question: What is your biggest regret?  

Answer: I don’t believe in regrets. Your rear-view mirror is 1/20th the size of your windshield for a reason. Learn from the past, be better in the future.  

Question: What is your biggest accomplishment? 

Answer: Individually, signing in the NHL and coming back from what would have been a career-ending injury for 99% of people. Not individually, creating a place where elite hockey players WANT to come to every day knowing they are getting better (my gym).  

Jeff LoVecchio, a St. Louis native, and creator of GMBM (GIVE MORE BE MORE), has earned an impressive 10-year career in professional hockey first signing with the Boston Bruins; he has traveled the world increasing his ranks through Italy, Austria, Norway and Asia. Today, as an Entrepreneur and Performance Enhancement Specialist, Jeff owns RIPT Hockey and is a Co-Host to the Hockey Think Tank podcast. He has a passion for functional movement, developing top talent and creating excellence on purpose.