The following post is an excerpt from the Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible NOW available through most on-line retailers! Click Here to Order
Perfectionism
Perfectionists are often unwilling to learn and improve because their shortcomings may be exposed. Their overriding primary concern is to prove that they’re always right. They are referred to as “un-coachable.” Does this antagonistic defensive behavior hurt their chances of success? You bet, in tennis and in life.
“Parents and athletes must accept the fact that the road to the top will include failures, painful emotions, obstacles and setbacks, which are inevitable parts of the journey.”
Constructive criticism to a perfectionist isn’t seen as a positive step toward a better performance. It threatens to expose their flaws, which is a catastrophic assault on their self-worth. Sadly, they don’t want the truth…They want to be correct.
“The perfectionist will find fault in paradise.”
If you have a perfectionist athlete, spouse or coach, ask them to be open to suggestions, be willing to discuss options and be interested in feedback and teamwork. Maximizing potential at the quickest rate depends on a growth mindset.
“Success is more of a function of persistence than perfection.”
