Perfectionism in Sports

Perfectionism in sports refers to a mindset where athletes set very high standards for themselves, striving for flawlessness and extreme excellence. While this can motivate improvement, it can also lead to excessive self-criticism, stress, and fear of failure if those standards aren’t met. Perfectionists may become overly focused on mistakes instead of progress, which can hinder performance and enjoyment. Balancing high standards with self-compassion is key, as healthy perfectionism fosters growth without the negative pressures that can impair an athlete’s well-being and performance.