Stan discusses the invisible pressure athletes place on themselves, particularly the pursuit of perfectionism. He explores how this self-imposed pressure can lead to anxiety, decreased enjoyment of the game, and a distorted sense of self-worth tied to performance. Stan emphasizes the importance of reframing thoughts from 'I have to' to 'I choose to' and offers practical strategies to help athletes manage their expectations and cultivate self-compassion. The conversation highlights the need for a healthier approach to motivation and performance in sports.
Takeaways
- Athletes often impose unrealistic expectations on themselves.
- Perfectionism can lead to anxiety and decreased enjoyment of sports.
- Healthy motivation is about wanting to play well, not needing to be perfect.
- Self-worth should not be tied to performance in sports.
- Recognizing the difference between 'I have to' and 'I choose to' can reduce pressure.
- Listing successes can help shift focus from mistakes to achievements.
- Compassion towards oneself is crucial for mental well-being.
- The fear of failure can hinder performance and enjoyment.
- Understanding the real consequences of mistakes can alleviate pressure.
- Consistency and effort are more important than perfection.
