Performance Anxiety and Perfectionism
The pursuit of excellence in athletics often brings about a desire for success, but this aspiration can also lead to immense pressure. While pressure can motivate, it can also trigger performance anxiety, hindering clear thinking, smooth movement, and focus. Coping with setbacks is a challenge many athletes face. The difference between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism lies in our response to mistakes. Striving for excellence is healthy, but self-criticism and negative reactions to errors can be detrimental.
Here's a great interview relating to perfectionism:
The Tim Ferriss Show with Brené Brown - Striving versus Self-Acceptance
Finding Balance and Flexibility
Balancing sports and life can be demanding. What works well in sports might not suit other contexts. For instance, while analyzing game performance aids improvement, applying this mindset to relationships can lead to frustration and conflict as we may end up trying “fix” others. Developing awareness and flexibility is key. Asking yourself the following can be a good place to start: Does my action benefit myself ad others both now and the future? Adaptability is a valuable skill, enabling diverse approaches to different situations.
Navigating Life Transitions and Identity
Transitioning from an athlete's life, whether by choice or due to injuries, can be emotionally challenging. The intertwining of sports and personal identity can make this shift difficult. It's normal to feel uncertain about the future. Embrace your emotions during this change and reflect on your athlete journey. Below are some valuable questions you can ask yourself as you face this major transition:
- What have I learned about myself during this chapter of being an athlete?
- Who am if I take away my label of being an athlete?
- What characteristics, traits, and values do I have?
- Are there ways in which I can bring these above qualities into other areas of my life?
- How would I show up today if I were living in alignment with my values rather than my labels and the expectations that come with them?
Need a little help in understanding your strengths and values?
Check out the following character strengths assessment:
Take Survey | VIA Institute
Check out this interview to learn more about latest research on identity:
Dr. Maya Shankar: How to Shape Your Identity & Goals - Huberman Lab | Podcast on Spotify
Coping with Loss and Grief
Losses are part of an athlete's journey, whether in competition or missed opportunities due to injuries. Grief, a response not exclusive to death, can trigger various emotions. Everyone grieves differently, influenced by personal and cultural factors. Grief affects your mind, body, and spirit, impacting sleep, eating, energy levels, and focus. Seek support if needed, and remember, seeking help is a sign of strength.
Resources on Grief:
Body Image and Well-being
Athletic pursuits focus heavily on our bodies, leading to mixed messages about body image and health. This can contribute to distorted body perceptions and even eating disorders. Beware of signs like chronic dieting, weight fluctuations, and obsession with calories. If you notice yourself experiencing some of these behaviours, it does not mean you are broken, flawed, or a failure. But it could be a sign that more is going on underneath and you may benefit from talking to a trusted health professional or close friend. It can be worth reflecting on what might be driving these behaviours and if perhaps it is something worth changing because although it may help you in the short-run, it could be hurting you over time.
Coping with Feeling Down
With each win or moment of achievement comes a great high, but with each loss and set back there can be lows. Fluctuations in mood are part of being human. And feeling down occasionally is normal, but persistent sadness interfering with daily life might indicate depression. Balancing athletic demands with academics and other stressors can contribute to these feelings. Signs of depression include loss of interest, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and more. Reach out to professionals or your campus for support.
Remember, your mental health is vital, and seeking help is a sign of strength. You're not alone, and support is available.
