A perfectionistic approach to performance will result in pressured stress and diminished performance.

Coaches, instructors, and parents have contributed to perfectionistic expectations of young performers.

Mistakes and disappointments are a normal part of any performance.

“Have no fear of perfection—you’ll never reach it.”

Great observation by Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. Unfortunately, many people in today’s world haven’t figured that out.

The pursuit of perfection is a common pitfall of many performing artists, athletes, coaches, instructors, and parents. It’s a trap with razor-sharp teeth that will shred your psyche with stress and pressure guaranteed to disrupt athletic and other performance efforts.

As renowned psychologist David Burns aptly expressed it, “Perfection is man’s ultimate illusion. It simply doesn’t exist in the universe. If you are a perfectionist, you are guaranteed to be a loser in whatever you do.”

Despite the impossibility of reaching perfect performance, so many young people suffer when their performance falls short of perfection due to being admonished by coaches, instructors, parents, peers, and themselves based on their totally unrealistic expectations.

Time to explore this sad and vexing sinkhole problem.

Attend any youth or high school sporting event, and you’re bound to witness........

© Psychology Today