Demystifying Mental Toughness 170 How To Help Perfectionists With Their Mental Approach
Supporting athletes with perfectionist tendencies is a large part of our work at Inspiring Sporting Excellence. They often display the following characteristics:
- Difficulties transferring their practice or training to competitive events or matches.
- Trying too hard.
- Focusing intensely on results and outcomes.
- Unable to trust themselves under pressure.
- High, rigid and often unrealistic expectations of themselves and others.
- Impatience and a tendency to demonstrate poor body language in the face of difficulties and for some to give up too easily.
- Being frightened of letting other people down.
- Having brittle confidence.
- Letting their own self-worth and self-esteem be influenced by poor sporting performances.
Additionally, the perfectionist athlete can be very hard on themselves which informs the content in today's episode where I share a case study and a helpful exercise relating to recovering from mistakes and errors.
Key Learning Points
- When we're not emotionally involved it's easier to be kind and compassionate.
- Often athletes find it easier to be kinder to team-mates than themselves when difficulties arise.
- The pressure of being judged and critiqued in sport can impact on an athlete's ability to deal with mistakes.
- Being kind to yourself as an athlete doesn't mean that you are going soft.
- Learning how to be more self-compassionate can help you motivate yourself more than fear- based motivational methods.
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Relevant Podcast Episodes To Help Perfectionist Athletes
Ep129: David Charlton – How to Deal with Self-Criticism using Self Compassion – PT1
Ep130 David Charlton – How to Deal with Self-Criticism using Self Compassion – PT2
Ep131 David Charlton – How to Deal with Self-Criticism using Self Compassion – FINAL PART
Ep142: Alessia Bruno – Is Striving for Perfection a Good Thing in Gymnastics?
Ep156: Ruth Chiles – There is Hope: How to Overcome Focal Dystonia
Other Relevant Blogs And Resources To Benefit the Athlete Who Desires To Be Perfect
Coach Development Helping Athletes Overcome Fear Of Failure
5 Ways To Create A Psychological Safe Sporting Environment
Are You A Rugby Player With Perfectionist Tendencies?
How to Trust Your Skills When You're a Goalkeeper
How to Help Children Overcome Fear of Failure
How To Play Well When You Aren't Feeling Great