Progress, Perfection, and Mental Training

Progress is “forward or onward movement” (Oxford Dictionary). Perfection is the “condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects” (Oxford Dictionary). Progress and perfection are two topics often discussed in sports (and life). We all are striving for perfection but perfection should not be the destination. If we are always striving for perfection, we are not enjoying and learning from the progress we are making. Mental training will help you focus on the progress you are making and to set goals not related to perfection.

Perfection is not the Destination

Importantly, we need to remember that perfection is not the destination, learning is. I always say, if games or life had no mistakes, it wouldn’t be very interesting. Our mistakes are what makes our lives fun and how we learn and adapt.

Progress

Firstly, we have the definition of progress and perfection but what does it mean for you? Progress is about learning and growing each day. Moreover, progress is about the steps we take and how we learn from the mistakes we make. Lastly, it is important to remember that progress is not always upward. Progress is like a rollercoaster, we go up and down, we get flipped upside down, but we make it through the ride and we have fun doing it!

Mental Training

Mental training is a great resource in learning to set goals as well as learning to focus on the progress instead of the destination or perfection. Progress over perfection is all about your mindset. Therefore, it requires your practice connecting to progress, to set goals that are SMART, and to learn how to not to put so much pressure on yourself.