Resources tagged as "Perfectionism"
Proper Perfectionism
Jan 21st, 2010
Athletes are often perfectionists. However, there are two main types of perfectionism, one good and one bad. The good form of perfectionism is embodied by a self-oriented desire to maintain high personal standards. The bad form of perfectionism is embodied by a fear of failure or mistakes, and often arises when an athlete is sensitive to coaching or parental expectations, criticisms, or doubts. Predictably, the good form of perfectionism leads to improved athletic performance and effective management of high-pressure situations. The bad form of perfectionism leads to worse athletic performance, poor handling of pressure, and burnout. Coaches and parents should encourage the good form of perfectionism in all athletes, and should be sensitive to placing too much pressure on athletes who tend toward the bad form of perfectionism. Dr.’s Sam Sagar and Joachim Stoeber recently explored these ideas in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.
By IntelliSport