Grit and The Power of Adapting: Rolling With the Punches

In hockey, the goals are the goal--scoring them, blocking them, making sure that you achieve yours before time runs out. The goal of getting goals is a job many people covet, but few ever attain. Paul Stewart, by many accounts, did not have what it took to be a professional hockey player. Cut from his college team, Paul was discouraged but undeterred. He regrouped and tried out for a professional hockey team where he quickly proved his value. Where Paul’s hands were less suited for scoring goals, they were extraordinarily suited for the role he took on--enforcer. Paul racked up record penalty minutes per game, both in the minor leagues and eventually in the NHL, culminating in a legend night where he alone took on three of the NHL’s toughest tough guys. Paul had a goal--playing in the NHL--and decided he would do whatever it took to get there. If his team needed tough guys, he decided he’d be the toughest and trained himself night and day to fill this role.

But the role of an enforcer is by its nature not a permanent position. As Paul lost ground in the NHL, he began to look for alternative ways to remain in the world of professional hockey. Referencing his roots, Paul decided to switch teams--from being the guy who accumulated all of the penalties, he decided to become the guy handing them out. Paul went on to have an extraordinary career as an NHL referee, reffing not only the prestigious Canada Cup games, but also refereeing several Stanley Cup games during his career. At the apex of his career as a referee, however, Paul was dealt the most devastating blow of of his life--a Stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis. The chances for living were grim; the chances for returning to the game were zero.

In spite of this, Paul defied the odds and not only survived cancer, but made it back to the NHL as a referee. He went on to ref over 1,000 games in the NHL and received a welcome most refs dare not even dream of: in his first game back from his cancer treastments, Paul received a standing ovation from players and fans alike.

In life and in business, blows are dealt all of the time. People face setbacks, frustrations and seemingly impossible circumstances that seem to prevent them from reaching their goals. Triumphing in the face of bad odds, however, is Paul’s specialty. The value of tenacity and grit--digging deep inside of oneself to fulfill your own potential is his life story. In Paul’s inspirational talks, you can see your ability to choose your own course, even by charting a new one--takes determination and a willingness to absorb some punches along the way. It highlights the value of surrounding yourself with the best possible teammates, who understand that you are partners in a team working towards a shared goal.

Attendee Results:

• Learn to use rejection and setbacks as fodder for increased efforts
• Understand the need to reassess your path to your actual goal when everything else has failed
• Understand the value in filling even less desirable jobs within your organization
• Experience what the human experience is by means of a moving and powerful example.
• Learn the true meaning of “grit” and what that looks like when you are at the end of your obvious resources
• Observe the realm of possibilities that exist for reaching your goals ones you reassess your path