The Reality of Perfectionism

“Perfectionism” allows players to keep getting angry over mistakes.

Let’s take a closer look at the concept of “perfectionism,” which I see as substantially different from the common understanding.

When people label themselves as “perfectionists” they usually do so with a hint of pride. There seems to be something quite admirable about being the type of person who will settle for nothing less than perfection.

The reality is quite different. The “perfectionists” that I run into – the ones that are forever getting angry or depressed when they make mistakes on the tennis court – simply suffer from an immature and distorted view of reality.

Of course they make mistakes, and of course they don’t like making mistakes. Nobody does. But they have not yet accepted the truth that they make mistakes because it is impossible not to make them, and it always will be. That’s the reality of the situation, and it’s a reality they are not yet able to accept.

Calling the trait “perfectionism” turns it into more of a virtue than it is and allows them to continue getting angry at mistakes they can’t help. If they saw the issue as one of being simply immature and…