Coach Your Brains Out PERFECTIONISM with Korab Idrizi
Mar 27, 2025
Korab Idrizi, a former Boston College tight end and PhD candidate in psychology, dives into the complex world of perfectionism in youth sports. He discusses how perfectionism can both drive success and damage self-worth, particularly for young athletes facing immense pressure. The conversation highlights the importance of shifting focus from outcomes to processes, fostering joy in sports, and the necessity of supportive coaching. Korab also emphasizes mindfulness techniques to help athletes manage anxiety and find their flow in performance.
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Korab's Perfectionism Story
- Korab Idrizi shares his personal experience with perfectionism as a lifelong trait that causes anxiety and drive.
- His athletic background and work with student athletes highlight common struggles with perfectionism and conflicting external pressures.
Perfectionism's Double-Edged Sword
- Perfectionists have high standards and are highly productive, often excelling despite their own harsh self-judgment.
- Their discipline and willingness to sacrifice personal time contribute to their advanced performance compared to peers.
Nature and Nurture of Perfectionism
- Perfectionism arises from both nature and nurture, involving genetic tendencies and environmental pressures like outcome-focused parenting.
- Some athletes internalize cultural and parental expectations, while others struggle despite supportive backgrounds.