One Simple Trick to Not Getting Emotionally Dragged into the Muck

It’s 7:42 am on a Sunday, and the championship game is about to start. Unlike times past, my stomach isn’t in a knot of anxiety.

Our neighborhood hockey team is at an international tournament in Montreal and the kids enter the final undefeated, against a team of upstarts from Boston. How dare they, don’t they know this is our sport?

My son alternates in the goalie spot, and this morning it’s his turn. In years past I would be a nervous wreck at this point, moving towards throwing up by the time the puck is dropped.

Will my son let the team down? Will he be the MVP? No idea. He’s capable of either, but I’m confident, he’s got this. My wife got him a small double double coffee from Tim Hortons this morning. The sugar and caffeine hit should have him practically vibrating off the ice. My wife is nervous, she can’t stop pacing. But not me. I’m calm as a cantaloupe.

What changed? One simple thing.

Instead of getting caught up in the reality of it all, when things get tense, I pretend I’m watching a movie. A thriller to be sure, but the outcome is already decided. It’s going to be what it’s going to be. My stressing out isn’t going to change the outcome.

There are moments of pain, my son lets in the game’s first goal. Oh no. Then joy, a breakaway, we score and tie it up! Exciting! To me it’s Iron Man saving the villagers! Tom Cruise landing the motorcycle! Oh no, Dr. Evil has a laser!

Am I excited? Yes, certainly. Am I stressed? Not even a little bit.

So next time you find yourself getting caught up in the moment, take a breath. This isn’t real. The movie has been made. You’re just getting to watch it for the first time. Hold up your fingers and create a frame to help you get the right perspective.

Next time you’re at a kids sporting event, next time you’re having a serious talk with your boss, next time you’re waiting for a sales update, making a speech, or not getting that recruiters phone call —  it’s just a movie. It’s already been made. You just haven’t seen it yet.

It’s 9:30 am. The hockey game is done. This movie is over. On this day, with this cast, this particular movie isn’t going to win any Academy Awards, but it gets a 100% fresh score from the critics that count, me and my fellow parents. That’s my kid holding the championship plaque with his amazing superhero squad of teammates and coaches!

The final score? It doesn’t matter. Who keeps score at the movies?

1. Twenty epic movie moments. Don’t get too emotional!

2. Miracle on Ice trailer. Americans can too play hockey!