So What Does Development Really Mean?

As a Philosophy major, its in my nature to want to define things—mhm, even something as seemingly straightforward as development. Might sound a bit stupid at first, right? Bear with me though. When you actually look at the dictionary and look up "development" along with its root "develop," you end up in this weird loop. Like, Oxford literally uses "developing" to define development. But breaking it down, "develop" essentially means to grow or mature. Turns out defining this term in our context is relevant to set a baseline for this series. Oh yeah the first series is gonna be on development so buckle up [audience claps.] So develop means to grow and I think that right there is the key point–GROWTH.

When we talk about development in the context of sports, or really any endeavor, it's often with a specific goal in sight. Development is goal-oriented; it's the roadmap we follow to enhance skills, reach a higher level of play, or achieve a particular objective. Think of it as the structured training regimen an athlete follows to improve their shot, skating, strength, etc... There's a clear target–every drill, every rep, it's a step toward hitting that goal.

Growth, on the other hand, operates on a different spectrum. It's not confined to the achievement of predefined goals. Growth encompasses the broader, sometimes unexpected expansions of our capabilities, understanding, and self-awareness. It isn't a means to an end, it's the resilience you build after a tough loss, the leadership qualities you develop as a captain, or the sense of discipline you cultivate through consistent practice. These aspects of growth aren't tied to a specific goal; instead, they emerge naturally as byproducts of our experiences and efforts in sport. Kinda beautiful don't you think?

While development asks, "How can I achieve this specific aim?" growth asks, "What can I learn from this experience?" [Growth mindset, we'll talk about it later] It's the difference between pursuing a tangible goal and embracing the evolution of your character, skills, and mindset. In the grand scheme of things, growth might not have the same straightforward metrics as development, but it's equally, if not more, important. It's what makes you not just a better athlete, but a more rounded, resilient person.

This mindset transcends the realm of sports, extending into all aspects of life. It marks the fine line between defeat by failure and transforming failure into a stepping stone for learning. Adopting this perspective allows us to frame our experiences as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles that can break us [something I learned the hard way.] It's about building a resilience that not only makes us better athletes but also more adaptable, insightful individuals in every aspect of our lives. This approach teaches us to value every experience—not for its immediate outcome but for the lessons and strength we gain along the way, ensuring that we come out on the other side not just surviving but as stronger individuals.

So, what does development really mean in the context of sports? Is it just a simple equation where doing X guarantees you Y? No. If only things were that straightforward. Unfortunately, just like most aspects of life, the path in sports isn’t a straight line or linear.

In the context of sports and personal growth, development is about setting your sights on a goal and designing some sort of plan to reach it. It’s the physical and mental process of maturing, you’re ticking off boxes and climbing the ladder, aiming for that next big achievement. Development is structured; it’s your game plan for getting better, stronger, and more skilled, with clear objectives in mind.

But then there's growth—this concept isn’t about the destination; it's all about the ride. It’s what happens along the way, in the midst of all your plans, sometimes even despite them. Growth is the unexpected lessons learned, the resilience built from setbacks, and the adaptability forged in the face of new challenges. It’s the character development that happens in the trenches of your athletic journey.

So, when we talk about using these concepts in unison, we’re looking at the entirety of the athlete, not just the scorecard. It’s recognizing that while development might have a specific end goal, growth is the continuous evolution that doesn’t always need a finish line to be valuable. Together, they create a well-rounded, resilient, and insightful individual, capable of thriving both on and off the ice. In the grand scheme of things, this combo ensures that you're not just achieving goals but also becoming a better version of yourself throughout the process. Which is what we all want. Right?

Development Is:

1. Patience: Understanding that skills and understanding of the game unfold over time, not overnight.
2. Resilience: The capacity to bounce back from setbacks, disappointments, and failures, turning them into learning opportunities.
3. Passion: A deep love for the game that drives continuous effort, improvement, and enjoyment.
4. Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new challenges, roles, and environments, fostering versatility both on and off the ice.
5. Commitment: Dedication to practicing, learning, and growing, even when progress seems slow.
6. Teamwork: Recognizing that success in hockey comes from working well with others, valuing the contributions of teammates.
7. Life Skills: The development of qualities like leadership, communication, resilience, the list goes on... through athletics.
8. Enjoyment: Corny, but maintaining the joy of sport at the heart of the experience, remembering that love for the game is foundational. Like, sport really is a beautiful thing.

Development Isn't:

1. Instant Gratification: Expecting immediate results or success without the required time and effort.
2. Linear: A straight path without obstacles, setbacks, or plateaus; real growth often involves taking a few steps back to leap forward.
3. One-Size-Fits-All: The mistaken belief that there is one path to develop talent and skill in athletics.
4. Always Winning: Reducing the value of sports to the outcomes of games or competitions, rather than the process and personal growth.
5. Pressure: Placing undue stress on athletes through achievement, progress, etc... which can lead to burnout and loss of interest.
6. Specialization Only: The early and exclusive focus on a single sport without exploring other interests and athletics.
7. Without Challenges: A path absent of adversity, where facing and overcoming challenges is non-existent.
8. Selfishness: Focusing solely on personal achievements without considering the team's goals and the well-being of fellow players and people.

As we've begun to unravel the complex concept of athletic development, it's clear that our journey is just beginning. In the coming weeks, we will dive deeper into the diverse paths that lead to excellence, highlighted by real-life examples from the world of hockey. We'll explore the misconceptions that shroud the concept of a "singular path to success" and celebrate the multitude of routes athletes take to reach their goals inside and outside of the game. Through discussions on the importance of diverse experiences, the psychological impacts of rigid expectations, and the personalization of developmental paths, we aim to broaden our understanding of what it truly means to develop as an athlete and an individual. So, stay tuned as we continue to explore this concept, offering insights and stories that challenge conventional idelogies and inspire a more nuanced appreciation of the athletic journey.

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