You never know who needs it today
You never know when a few simple words can change someone’s entire day.
I try to be aware of that when I’m out in the world.
Even today, I was sitting in the hot tub at the YMCA and there was a guy in there who just looked…off. You could see it in his face. Shoulders slumped. Quiet. Heavy.
I asked him how he was doing.
He kind of mumbled something back and didn’t really engage. So I just gave him a smile and said, “Hope your day gets better.”
That was it.
We didn’t have some deep conversation. He didn’t open up. But that’s not the point.
You never know what’s going on in someone’s life, and you never know when a small moment like that actually lands.
And that applies directly to your team.
Make it a habit to connect with your teammates every day. Not just your best friends. Not just the ones you naturally click with.
I’m talking about everyone…especially the ones you don’t naturally gravitate toward.
When I played, I always saw myself as a “glue guy.” That didn’t mean I was best friends with everyone. I wasn’t.
But I respected every guy in that locker room, and I made sure they felt that.
Something strange happens when you lift people up around you…the whole team gets better.
And so do you.
I was reminded of that this week in a way I didn’t expect.
I was on a Zoom call with Lee Elias, Founder of Wraparound, going over ideas and planning out how we can keep bringing value to you all.
And he told me a story.
He said someone came up to him at the rink and started talking about “those emails from that Bobby guy.”
Said he reads every single one. Even reads them out loud to his team.
That hit me.
I’m not gonna lie—it meant a lot to hear that. It fired me up. Made me want to keep going and get better at this.
That’s the power of encouragement.
One comment. One moment. One person going out of their way to say something.
And it sticks.
So here’s your challenge today:
Find one person and encourage them.
Could be a teammate. Could be someone at school. Could be someone in your family. Could even be a total stranger.
Say something real. Something you actually mean.
“You never quit on a play.”
“I respect how hard you work.”
“You’ve been getting better, I see it.”
You’ll know when the moment is right. Trust your instinct.
And here’s the bonus one…this one might feel weird, but do it anyway.
Tonight, when you’re in the bathroom brushing your teeth, look yourself in the mirror and say something encouraging to yourself.
Out loud.
Doesn’t have to be loud…you can keep it between you and the mirror.
But say something that’s true.
Something you need to hear.
Because if you’re chasing something big in this game, you better learn how to build yourself up too.
Let’s keep showing up for each other.
And let’s get back to work.
Knuckles Up,
Bobby Robins
P.S. If you’re serious about getting better this offseason, get off your phone and get on the concrete. A Puckaround is the closest thing to real ice you’ll get in your driveway. Grab one (or a few) and start putting in the reps now...because the players who improve the most aren’t waiting for next season to start.
>>>GET IT<<<