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MindStrong

#129 - The Paradox of Perfectionism

May 24, 2022
In this podcast, the host delves into the paradox of perfectionism among athletes, discussing the origins and manifestations of perfectionism. They explore the different forms of perfectionism and its effects on personal standards and concerns over mistakes. The influence of parents on perfectionism is also examined. The episode concludes with a discussion on embracing imperfection and overcoming perfectionism through self-acceptance and mindfulness.
32:58

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Perfectionism can have both positive and negative effects on athletes, leading to high standards but also harsh self-criticism and burnout.
  • Different models explain the origins and complexities of perfectionism, including personal standards, concerns over mistakes, organizational perfectionism, and parental influences.

Deep dives

The Paradox of Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be both a good and a bad thing for athletes. While striving for high standards is important, it can also lead to harsh self-criticism and doubts. Perfectionism stems from various factors, including personal standards, concerns over mistakes, doubts over actions, organization, parental criticism, and parental expectations. It can manifest in obsessive-compulsive behaviors and task aversion, leading to procrastination. There are different models that explain perfectionism, such as the Frost model, Hewitt and Flett model, Stoeber and Otto model, and the commonly used 2x2 model. Elite athletes often exhibit high personal standards and organization, but have low concerns over mistakes. Perfectionism can be influenced by social learning, social expectation, and social reaction models, often stemming from upbringing and parental influences. Mindfulness and self-acceptance can help mitigate the negative effects of perfectionism, reducing burnout and injury risk. Self-awareness and recognizing the paradox of perfectionism can also aid in reframing perfectionistic tendencies.

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