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. Connect with David Charlton Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn 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 Conversations with Kids - Dealing with Criticism Kristin Neff Website on Self-Compassion