Aapo Siivonen: “Mirjam guides you to do the work and find your own answers.”
Photo: Ella Taponen
“Mental coaching has helped me execute at my best level, and grow both as a person as well as a hockey player.
Growing as a person helps you progress as an athlete, too. These days I emphasize personal growth, as it correlates directly with how you perform on the ice.
Every year in coaching I learn something new. Having built strong foundations, we don’t have to focus on problem solving anymore, but instead I’ve been able to really challenge myself within mental performance. It’s a big aspect of overall development.
Coaching is a big part of my mental well-being, too.
After sessions my mind is empty in a good way, and I always feel like I’ve discovered something new within and been to a zone of growth that I wouldn’t be able to get to by myself.
I find it important to process your emotions regularly, and explore the way you think.
Getting to know yourself better makes it easier to play hockey.
As a person I feel more balanced, and the meaning I assign to hockey has changed in a good way. It’s helped me deal with pressure and improved performance.
Photo: Ella Taponen
Coaching keeps getting better as I grow.
Each year we know each other better, which makes it easier to find words for how I feel. I can be totally honest and say exactly what’s on my mind. I feel like Mirjam understands my experience.
I like how Mirjam doesn’t hand you solutions straight up, but instead guides you to do the work and find your own answers.
Even after 5 years I’m still motivated to keep finding things to explore and work on.
Mirjam is smart and understanding.
I trust her and know I can be open about everything. Talking helps with well-being, which in turn improves performance.
I recommend starting mental coaching.
It helps with growing as a person and executing better on the ice. You get to know yourself better and have a place to deal with your worries.
Coaching has helped a lot. If you’ve been considering it, you should start. Mind and performance improve hand in hand.”
-Aapo Siivonen, Hockey Player
Follow Aapo on Instagram: @siivonenaapo