The hunt for perfection and obsession over tiny mistakes are strongly linked to burnout in athletes, a new study has found.
Striving for Perfection and Fear of Failure in Sports Linked to Burnout, Study Reveals
In the high-pressure world of sports, the relentless pursuit of perfection and an overwhelming fear of failure can have severe consequences. A recent study has discovered a close relationship between these attitudes and burnout in athletes. It’s like a race car pushing itself to the limit in a never-ending quest for speed – eventually, it runs out of fuel and breaks down. Similarly, athletes who constantly strive for perfection and agonize over even the smallest mistakes often find themselves emotionally and physically depleted. They put themselves under so much pressure that they risk burning out, experiencing symptoms such as exhaustion, decreased performance, and loss of motivation. This research sheds light on the harmful effects of our society’s fixation with success and highlights the importance of finding healthy balance and self-compassion in sports and other competitive endeavors. To learn more about this fascinating study and its implications, dive into the full article!

Farah is a Middle Eastern-Canadian sociologist from Ottawa, examining the role of social structures in fostering personal growth. Her passion is highlighting stories of human adaptability, and promoting inclusive group strategies for realizing untapped potential.