Perfectionism can cause a lot of anxiety
I am the first to admit that it would have been beneficial for me to talk to someone neutral about my life happenings. At times, I felt a little scatterbrained and priorities were getting mixed up. There was a point in time during high school where I was consumed with soccer. I couldn’t get enough of it. My teams were always winning and I loved it. Nothing else really mattered. Reflecting back, I would probably call that a little bit of perfectionism and perfectionism can cause a lot of anxiety.
The Definition of Perfectionism
“Refusal to accept any standard short of perfection.”
Oxford languages
My last post talked about the importance of mental health in order to perform on and off the field.
It seems like kids in soccer are being put on a pedestal younger and younger. There are more “elite” leagues and tournaments than ever before.
From 4v4 youth academy to 11v11 high school age, you can find a league that requires an invitation or qualification.
Pressures of games, practices, tryouts, ID camps, and tournaments can add up to certain levels of anxiety. On top of all that, academics isn’t a cake walk either. You need good grades to play in college.
As parents and players, is this level of commitment that we want to pursue?
For the players who want to play beyond high school at the highest level then yeah, this is how we have to live and raise our kids.
I don’t see any signs of anxiety
Anxiety can look different for every individual from internalizing anxious feelings to externalizing behaviors that may become problematic for you or your child.
Soccer takes a toll in ways that we don’t really recognize. In my opinion, it’s the most demanding sport.
How do we help develop the tools to work through high levels of stress in a competitive environment?
Being intentional about keeping an eye on your behavior or your child’s behavior is very important. Things out of the norm such as isolation or outbursts may be a sign you or your child may have difficulty coping with expressing how you feel in ways that benefit positively.
Perfectionism can be developed slowly over the course of your playing career. I get it.
At the end of the day, you know yourself and being self aware of how you’re feeling and if those feelings cause you any trouble, pain, or unhappiness it is important to seek guidance and support through a coach, a teacher, a friend or a mental health professional. You’re not alone, feelings come and go.
It will get better!
