The Mental Downside of Over Achieving

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Title: The Mental Downside of Over Achieving

Word Count: 549

Author: Lynn VanDyke

Email: ArticlesByLynn@...

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The Mental Downside of Over Achieving

Copyright 2006 strength-training-woman.com

Websters.com defines over-achieving as performing better or

achieving more success than expected. While this article

discusses how athletes can fall victim to the downside of

over achieving, the lessons can be applied to every day

people. When athletes a mission to be the best in their

sport many factors need to fall into place. Mental

preparations, proper exercising, diet, training regime,

supportive friends and family, and a knowledgeable coach

are just a few of these factors. Overall, there must be a

positive mental and physical atmosphere that allows

athletes to excel.

When athletes are exhilarated with their performance they

feel on top of the world, untouchable and non-stoppable.

These feelings are a much welcomed relief after weeks,

months, or even years of hard training. Athletes love

their sport and feeling victorious at it. However,

sometimes these feelings can cause more harm than good.

Over-achieving can become addictive, negative and

disruptive in several areas of an athlete's life.

The downside of over-achieving can start with one victory,

one comment, one ideal, or another's pre-conceived notion.

Athletes, just like every body else, harbor expectations of

themselves. It is when these expectations become a focal

point or obsession that addictive behaviors can begin.

These over achieving athletes want that indestructible

feeling all the time. That feeling can become the focal

point for many people, not just athletes. It is their

belief that being indestructible all the time is their

right for all they have put into their sport. They believe

they should be the best and they will do whatever it takes

to get there. They will train through injuries. They

start to tell themselves that they are not good enough and

that they need to do better. These thoughts all support a

negative emotional environment that can lead to depression,

a mental breakdown, or serve as their exit from their

beloved sport.

An over-achiever can often feel alone or distant from loved

ones. This distance only fuels the negative emotional

atmosphere. Sad thoughts can quickly snowball into massive

feelings of isolation and desperation. At this point the

over achiever is at their lowest point. The exact opposite

from where they desperately want to be- the best.

Feeling alone makes anyone feel imperfect. Feeling

imperfect makes over achievers push even harder to become

better. The downside of over achieving can become a

vicious cycle. It can lead to physical problems suck as

being sick, injured, and drug and alcohol abuse.

All of these feelings are not in sync with the original

plan of having a supportive environment. Often over

achievers alienate their friends, family and spouses. Over

achievers also alienate their authentic self.

Succeeding in life or in sport is an amazing feeling, but

over achievers must learn, know and accept balance in life.

While pushing further, harder and longer every one must

accept that they are doing their best at all times.

Over achievers should have constant support from family and

friends. They should keep their circle of support updated

on their progress and their feelings. This alleviates

feeling isolated and alone.

The constant need for perfection extends beyond sports. It

affects everyone. It affects young and old. Men and

women. Often the drive to be the best is the over

achievers ultimate un-doing.

About the Author:

Lynn VanDyke is an elite personal fitness professional and

fitness nutritionist. She is the proud owner of

http://www.strength-training-woman.com . She is absolutely

dedicated to helping you achieve safe and life long fat

loss. You may learn more about her and her wildly popular

program at http://melt-the-fat.com