Dr. Heather Wheeler, a psychologist and former elite athlete, explores the dual nature of perfectionism in high performers. She discusses how perfectionism can both drive success and contribute to mental health risks like anxiety and depression. The conversation delves into the role of early conditioning and societal pressures that shape perfectionistic traits. Wheeler emphasizes the importance of recognizing unmet needs and fostering connections to combat isolation. Finally, she highlights the need for a supportive environment that values both achievements and setbacks.
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insights INSIGHT
Defining Perfectionism Dimensions
Perfectionism is a multi-dimensional construct involving both high standards and expressions in behavior and cognition.
It's vital to separate 'perfectionistic strivings' from 'evaluative concerns' to understand when perfectionism becomes maladaptive.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Perfectionists May Avoid or Overcompensate
Recognize two core categories of perfectionist behaviors: overcompensation and avoidance (freeze mode).
Help avoider types who withdraw due to fear of failure instead of pushing through.
insights INSIGHT
Origins of Perfectionism
Perfectionism stems 30-40% from genetics and largely from nurturing in family and coaching environments.
It often arises as an overcompensation to unmet needs for attachment, belonging, and safety.
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At first glance, perfectionism looks like an asset; however, the same internal drive that fuels greatness can also erode well-being, leaving success feeling empty and unsatisfying. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Heather Wheeler, psychologist and former elite athlete, to explore the psychology of perfectionism in high achievers. In this conversation we cover:
Defining perfectionism: What is it and is it ever adaptive?
Early Conditioning: The role of coaches, parents, and social environments in shaping perfectionistic traits.
When It Becomes Harmful: How to recognize when a drive towards excellence is tipping into burnout or mental health risk.
Identity & Performance: How high performers conflate self-worth with performance—and what happens post-retirement.
Working with High Performers: Navigating some of the specific challenges that can come with working with high performers
Perception by others: How perfectionistic high performers can be perceived by others in an untoward fashion and what can be done about it
Evolutionary Significance: The potential evolutionary origins of perfectionism
Unmet Needs: How leveraging awareness of unmet needs, loneliness and a lack of connection within one's broader life can help high performers achieve a higher quality of life
Injury & Recovery: How a perfectionistic mindset can both help and hinder the recovery process.
Mental Health Risks: Links between perfectionism and anxiety, depression, and eating disorders in high performers.
Values: Facilitating effective discussions with high performers in therapeutic, parenting and coaching contexts
Heather is one of Canada’s leading experts at the intersection of mental health and high-performance sport. Recognized for her deep knowledge and skill as a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in performance psychology, alongside her passion and enthusiasm for creating change, Heather’s impact is system-wide; including support for athletes, coaches, sport leaders and organizations across all levels of the Canadian sport system. She has been on the leading edge of the evolution of mental health prioritization in sport in recent years, helping build awareness of the unique challenges related to “mental injuries,” including eating disorders. She is adept at driving high-performance cultures through a series of steps and processes that develop the right conditions for people and organizations to grow to their full potential. As Mental Health Lead for Athletics Canada, Swimming Canada and Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, Heather leads the path for early intervention and treatment of athletes and coaches. She is also the psychologist for the HighPerformance Centre – Ontario (HPC-ON), working with the national swim team athletes and coaches and creating a psychologically-informed environment. She has been supporting high-performance and world-class athletes and coaches on their journey up to and including the Olympics and Paralympics since 2008 and is a provider for Game Plan’s Mental Health Network. Heather has over two decades of experience providing psychological assessment and evidence-based treatment to diverse populations, in both private practice and the public healthcare system. Beyond clinical practice and leadership roles, Heather is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, known for creating engaging, transformative experiences and workshops related to mental health for high-performers.
Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 