Today, with my colleague Dr Alessia Bruno we discuss the downsides to perfectionism and how many athletes can get obsessed by their sports, training harder and harder, pushing themselves to the limit.  The result can then be burnout, playing in fear or a lack of enjoyment. Enjoy tuning in!

Key Learning Points

• Sport can be seen as a job by perfectionist athletes.
• When searching to get better, the perfectionist can lose the ability to perform with freedom and trust.
• Physically the perfectionist athlete can become tense and rigid losing control of their fine motor skills, rhythm and timing.
• Striving for perfection can lead to loss of enjoyment.
• Visualisation is a great tool when trying to reconnect with the fun and playful part of your personality.

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Relevant Podcast Episodes To Help Perfectionist Athletes

Ep122: Prof Camilla Knight - Helping Your Children Get The Most From Their Sporting Experiences

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

Ep170: David Charlton - How To Help Perfectionists With Their Mental Approach

Relevant Blogs To Help You Deal Better With Perfectionism

Perfectionism Blogs

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