Im just a perfectionist
Why being a Perfectionist Is Not a Good Thing
Perfectionist: a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection.
Having high expectations, being a hard worker, being resilient, and expecting and chasing high performance have absolutely nothing to do with perfection. It is very much the opposite. Let me explain:
1. Again, perfection is impossible.
2. Claiming to be a perfectionist is often used as an excuse by others or by the person as to why they can’t handle something, having a tantrum, or giving up.
3. It is used as a compliment when it shouldn’t be. Parents, coaches, and teachers are really guilty of this, which is where kids/athletes will learn this phrase and start to identify with it. The crazy thing is it is usually used a time when a person is lacking resilience but still used as a compliment.
4. “Perfectionists” often need coping strategies and lack resilience but are not taught this because again, we say “oh, they are just a perfectionist.”
5. Since we are incapable of perfection, this mindset puts us on a never-ending journey where we will never be satisfied or find out true potential.
6. Athletes who claim they are perfectionists were taught this was a good thing, but it’s not. If you identify as a perfectionist, you are more prone to low self-confidence, manipulation and control by teachers/coaches/parents, frustration, slow progress, detachment from the moment, lack of joy, and anxiety.
7. Claiming to be a “perfectionist” will limit you as not just an athlete but as a human.
You might still be thinking “being a perfectionist is what makes me a good athlete.” I can tell you first hand, the best athletes I have ever worked with did not define themselves as a perfectionist, They were ok with failure and failed a lot! They had the ability to push through challenges. They did not let frustration control them. They worked their butts ofF and found joy in doing so. How do we change this mindset? How do you love your sport, be competitive, feel confident, and grow from failure to become the best athlete you can?
Master the mental side of your sport.
