From Perfection to Progress: Shifting the Athlete Mindset
- Megan Monfredi
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
by coach Megan
Perfection.
It's a word athletes hear all the time.
“Keep going until it’s perfect.”
“It has to be perfect.”
“Why aren’t you perfect?”
This word—and the idea behind it—can rob athletes of the joy of their sport and the mental state they truly need to succeed and accomplish their goals.
But what is perfection? And who gets to define it?Perfection is an abstract idea that doesn’t really exist. There’s always room to grow, improve, and learn. So why do we strive for something that’s unattainable? Instead, athletes can benefit from shifting their mindset toward goals and habits that are achievable and growth-oriented.
When athletes chase perfection, they often focus only on the negatives in their performance. This mindset is mentally exhausting and draining—it doesn’t lead to motivation, confidence, or excitement for the next practice or competition. Over time, it can wear athletes down from the inside out.
However, when athletes shift their focus from perfection to progress, they begin to see their performances in a new light—through a lens that is constructive, energizing, and encouraging. They learn to evaluate their performance in ways that promote growth rather than frustration.
How to Shift from Perfection to Progress
Here are a few simple ways athletes can begin to change their mindset:
Control What You Can ControlKeep your focus on what’s within your control—your effort, attitude, preparation, and response. Let go of what’s outside of your control, such as referees, weather, or others’ opinions.
Challenge Your Self-TalkNotice how you speak to yourself after mistakes or tough performances. Would you say those same things to a teammate? Replace critical thoughts with helpful and realistic ones that move you forward.
Reflect After Every PerformanceTry journaling:
Two things you’d like to improve from this performance
Two things you’re proud of
One goal for next time
These small shifts help athletes refocus on what truly matters—growth, effort, and resilience. By letting go of perfection, athletes can rediscover the joy in their sport, build confidence, and continue progressing toward their goals one step at a time.
Megan Monfredi, M.S.
Mental Performance Coach
Psych Me Up Consulting
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