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The Ugly Reality of Perfectionism in Sport

Introduction

The issue of ‘toxic positivity’ is more common than one might think in the world of sport. The term ‘toxic positivity’ refers to the cognitive distortion of perceiving all challenges and setbacks as being positive, even when they are clearly not. For example, you might think your team lost because the other team was stronger, but in reality, it’s because your own team didn’t play their best game. Toxic positivity is often found in high-pressure environments where perfectionism is valued-which can lead to anxiety if left unchecked. It goes without saying that it is of course important to try and have a positive outlook when possible, but there is a line, as there is with a lot of issues, where there can be too much of a good thing and if left unchecked and mis-managed it can have negative outcomes.

Why do athletes experience toxic positivity?

Within high-pressure environments where perfectionism is valued, such as sports, the culture of toxic positivity can be easy to fall into. Perfectionist environments can make athletes feel like they need to earn the title of “winner,” and the pressure to always win can be overwhelming for some. In order to cope, complacency becomes a defence mechanism, and toxic positivity might seem more realistic than it actually is.

How does it affect athletes?

When athletes are exposed to a culture of toxic positivity, it can have some serious consequences. For one, it can lead to an inability to cope with defeat or failure. Rather than learn from their mistakes, athletes who find themselves in the cycle of toxic positivity will often blame themselves and internalise their failures. This can lead to low self-esteem and in extreme cases, even depression.

Furthermore, toxic positivity can also prevent athletes from reaching their full potential. By convincing them that they’re already doing well, it discourages athletes from working harder and pushing themselves. As a result, they may never realise their full potential or become world-class athletes.

7 biggest signs of Toxic Positivity

There are a few key signs that can indicate whether or not someone is dealing with toxic positivity. Remember however, that these are not the only indicators and if you have felt one or two of these at times, it does not necessarily mean you have anything to worry about. But keeping an eye on your mental health when training is still always important. Here are seven of the most common signs:

1. You’re always “positive” even when things aren’t going well.

2. You feel like you have to be perfect.

3. You’re constantly “motivated” and never experience setbacks.

4. You find yourself making excuses for why you didn’t win/perform as well as you wanted to.

5. You don’t feel comfortable admitting that you need help or that you’re struggling.

6. You downplay other people’s accomplishments and successes.

7. You feel guilty or ashamed when you don’t perform your best.

How to address the issue of toxic positivity in sport

One of the ways to address the issue of toxic positivity in sport is to teach athletes how their own feelings and self-talk can affect their performance. This might include mindfulness practises, for example. It’s also important to encourage athletes who experience toxic positivity to get out of that mindset and challenge themselves. Rather than working hard to earn certain titles, athletes can work harder because it’s their passion and they love what they do. This shift in mindset could make them happier and more successful in the long run.

If you’re looking for more information on mental health and sport, here are a few resources to get you started:

1. The Centre for Mental Health and Sport: This website provides information on the various ways that mental health can affect athletes. It also includes links to various resources on how to deal with mental health issues in sport.

2. Mind: This website is dedicated to providing information on all things related to mental health. It includes articles, videos, and interviews with experts in the field.

3. Active Minds: This nonprofit organisation focuses on educating people about mental health issues and providing support for students who are struggling with their mental health.

4. National Institute of Mental Health: This is the largest mental health research institution in the United States. It provides information on all aspects of mental health, including sports-related mental health.

5. American Psychological Association: This website provides information on a variety of psychological topics, including sports and mental health. It includes helpful resources like tip sheets and fact sheets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, toxic positivity can be a serious mental health issue and one that can be a problem in the world of sport. This type of cognitive distortion sees challenges and setbacks as being too positive, which can have negative consequences in high-pressure sports where perfectionism thrives. Consequences of this can prevent athletes from reaching their full potential and realising their goals in life and can also be detrimental for the wellbeing of the athlete. For more information and advice, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Disclaimer: We are not mental health professionals. If you or someone you know is struggling then you should seek medical advice from your GP or a mental health professional.