How to Build a Winning Mindset & Achieve Long-Term Success w/ San Jose Sharks NHL Coach Jeff Ulmer | Ep. 58

In this episode of The Grind: Road to Success podcast, host Zak Krysak sits down with San Jose Sharks Assistant Coach and former NHL player Jeff Ulmer. Most professional athletes never reach 1,000 games, yet Jeff's journey defies expectations. From a tiny village in Saskatchewan to over 19 years playing across 13 countries and coaching in the NHL, Jeff’s story reveals a blueprint for resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. What separates the good from the great isn’t just talent — it’s mindset, discipline, and a willingness to embrace change.Jeff shares how he turned setbacks into stepping stones, balancing a long overseas career with a clear vision for life after hockey. He discusses the mental skills learned through decades of constant change, from playing under 30 coaches to mastering multiple languages, and how those experiences built a unique perspective as an NHL assistant coach. You’ll discover practical insights on handling rejection, staying motivated long-term, and the importance of mental toughness in peak performance. Perfect for athletes, parents, and coaches alike, this episode unpacks how the world’s top performers cultivate the habits that sustain them through injury, failure, and relentless competition. Jeff’s journey proves that understanding your own resilience can unlock higher levels of performance—whether you’re aiming for the NHL or simply striving to be the best version of yourself.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Grind Road to Success Podcast02:00 Jeff Ulmer's Unique Hockey Journey05:50 Overcoming Adversity and Rejection09:14 Building Self-Belief and Confidence15:10 Mental Resilience and Longevity in Sports19:46 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation27:32 Finding Purpose and Internal Motivation30:26 Adapting to Change and Coaching Philosophy36:57 Communication and Support for Athletes43:24 Parental Guidance and Conversations with Young Athletes43:53 Navigating Parent-Athlete Conversations47:23 Quick Hits: Fun Insights and Personal Stories58:55 The Importance of Mindset in Sports01:02:10 Developing Young Athletes: Insights from Experience01:07:23 The Key Traits of Elite Athletes01:11:43 Lessons from a Career: Sharing Knowledge with Young Players01:14:32 Preparing for Life After Sports01:18:20 Reflecting on the Journey: Advice to My Younger Self🏆 If you want to learn how to take your game to the next level as an athlete and succeed at the highest level then claim your FREE 14-Day Trial to The Grind Performance Academy. CLICK HERE: https://www.thegrindperformance.com/Subscribe & Follow for more elite level content, strategies and mental performance tips!YT: ⁨@thegrindperformance⁩ IG: instagram.com/thegrindperformance#ProAthleteMindset #Mindset #JeffUlmer #NHL #NHLCoach #StanleyCup #StanleyCupChampion #HeadCoach #Coaching #SanJoseSharks #SanJose #Sharks #Hockey #SportsParents #Sports #Parenting #Parentingtips #SportsParents #SportsPsychology #MentalPerformance #Performance #Athlete #Champion #Culture #AthleteDevelopment #MindsetMatters #YouthSports #Motivation #Leadership #Confidence #PersonalDevelopment #TrainLikeAChampion #Podcast #SportsPodcast #TheGrindPodcast #TheGrindPerformance #TheGrind #Trending #Fyp