Digital vs Analog thinking: an issue for perfectionist in sport and business
I am working with a number of perfectionist clients at the moment. All have different reasons for how they came to believe they needed to be this way. as you may know if you have read me over time I deal mostly in solutions rather than in causes. Yes understanding your cause with regard to perfectionism is helpful, it also takes a long time to understand. So I prefer to help people with solutions instead and this is where the idea of Digital vs Analog thinking: an issue for perfectionist in sport and business comes to play.
We live in a digital age. The age of computers. Computer language is build on 00011100 coding. Ones and zeros, on verses off. Much like a light switch we are either perfect or we are un-perfect and if un-perfect it that it means something is unacceptable, then we are in a world of hurt. This digital thinking leads to anxiety, loss of confidence and frequently a dismantling of the individual self concept of themselves. This of course leads them down the path were they become even more perfectionistic and at some point either give up or continue in the whirlpool of self incrimination.
I’ve written other posts here on how this cycle is triggered often by shame, but for now I want to focus on helping you change the cycle one step at a time. I want you to think analog. For some of you this can be hard as so much of our world is no digital.
I’d like you to think of change as a radio dial instead of a light switch. Change ne
ed not be on or off. Certainly athletic improvement is not on / off but gradual, and that is exactly how you need to think. This is analog thinking. Recognizing that improvement comes in stages and that being perfect may be the ultimate result, but accepting gradual improvement and momentary failure is simply part of the process. it’s like finding the right station on the radio dial. You start at one end of the spectrum and move in the direction of something you want. It could be a different station or it could be volume control. It is most definitely not just turning on the radio and expecting it to play the music you want at the right volume.
This is in fact what the entire journey is about. It is the pursuit of excellence that we are after. Mental Game training is all about preparing for your best performance. We know that when you are Calm, Confident, Motivated, Focused and Play Carefree that you are as close to playing your own perfect game. But if your focus is on just flipping a switch mentally Its harder to get there.
I see perfectionism as a terrible waste of energy. It is often brought on from feelings of shame. shame is a tool that others in our past used to control us. It has no place in your head. We can work on that again at a later date, but for now, if you would, think analog and your progress will be enhanced and you’ll enjoy the journey much more.
Digital vs Analog thinking: an issue for perfectionist in sport and business
I am working with a number of perfectionist clients at the moment. All have different reasons for how they came to believe they needed to be this way. as you may know if you have read me over time I deal mostly in solutions rather than in causes. Yes understanding your cause with regard to perfectionism is helpful, it also takes a long time to understand. So I prefer to help people with solutions instead and this is where the idea of Digital vs Analog thinking: an issue for perfectionist in sport and business comes to play.
We live in a digital age. The age of computers. Computer language is build on 00011100 coding. Ones and zeros, on verses off. Much like a light switch we are either perfect or we are un-perfect and if un-perfect it that it means something is unacceptable, then we are in a world of hurt. This digital thinking leads to anxiety, loss of confidence and frequently a dismantling of the individual self concept of themselves. This of course leads them down the path were they become even more perfectionistic and at some point either give up or continue in the whirlpool of self incrimination.
I’ve written other posts here on how this cycle is triggered often by shame, but for now I want to focus on helping you change the cycle one step at a time. I want you to think analog. For some of you this can be hard as so much of our world is no digital.
I’d like you to think of change as a radio dial instead of a light switch. Change need not be on or off. Certainly athletic improvement is not on / off but gradual, and that is exactly how you need to think. This is analog thinking. Recognizing that improvement comes in stages and that being perfect may be the ultimate result, but accepting gradual improvement and momentary failure is simply part of the process. it’s like finding the right station on the radio dial. You start at one end of the spectrum and move in the direction of something you want. It could be a different station or it could be volume control. It is most definitely not just turning on the radio and expecting it to play the music you want at the right volume.
This is in fact what the entire journey is about. It is the pursuit of excellence that we are after. Mental Game training is all about preparing for your best performance. We know that when you are Calm, Confident, Motivated, Focused and Play Carefree that you are as close to playing your own perfect game. But if your focus is on just flipping a switch mentally Its harder to get there.
I see perfectionism as a terrible waste of energy. It is often brought on from feelings of shame. shame is a tool that others in our past used to control us. It has no place in your head. We can work on that again at a later date, but for now, if you would, think analog and your progress will be enhanced and you’ll enjoy the journey much more.