Text by Ann Zaprazny
Photo by Andrea Tummons on Unsplash

Perfection almost killed this article. I’ve been thinking about writing about this topic for two weeks. I kept putting off getting started. I wanted it to be just right.

Why an article on perfectionism? 

Because the desire to be perfect is one of the biggest challenges that adversely affect the performance of athletes and business professionals. 

It is said that perfection is the enemy of done.

Perfectionism is often tied to unreasonably high personal expectations. Perfectionism prevents us from trusting in our skillset. In believing our effort or that “we” are enough.

There are many positives about being a perfectionist. 

Perfectionists are very motivated, have a strong work ethic, and commit to their goals. 

Who wouldn’t want anyone with those traits on their team?

Perfectionists also have some challenging traits. They often evaluate their performance or themselves as an A or F....

Text by Ann Zaprazny
Photo by Hannah Gibbs on Unsplash

In this article, you will gain insight into achieving more success in sports and life.

Want more success in sports and life?

Drop your expectations! 

If curiosity killed the cat, expectations stressed the athlete. 

It stresses the athlete.

There is a big difference between goals and expectations.

Goals are aspirational.

Expectations are what we internalize and believe we should achieve.

When we don’t achieve our expectations, we may be brutal on ourselves for falling short.

Athletes often have ambitious goals and unrealistic expectations. 

It’s important to have goals.

It’s counterproductive to have unrealistic expectations. Unrealistic expectations often lead to disappointment, anger, and frustration derailing performance.

Want to learn the same key mental performance skills as elite athletes? 

Get a FREE copy of our ebook for athletes here and learn how to compete more relaxed...

Text by: Ann Zaprazny
Photo by Jeffrey F Lin on Unsplash

As a high school athlete, you may be looking at the big picture of being a varsity player, aiming for college scholarships and future careers. 

Yet, how do you ensure you're on the right path? 

Table of content:

1. Stay positive and focused on your goals.
2. Develop your skills step-by-step. 
3. Keep your grades up.  Strong student-athletes have more options. 

Here are 3 tips about how to boost your long-term success in sports and life. 

1. Stay positive and focused on your goals

Sports in High School can be amazingly fun. 

They can also be challenging. 

An important step in having a positive high school experience is identifying what you want from your high school sports experience.  

Four years seems like a long time, but before you know it - your High School Sports Career will be over. 

Take time to set goals: 

• What do you want to achieve in...

Are you an athlete who wants the transition from high school to college to go well? 

The 4 steps you can do when you are at college to help you out so your college life gets more successful.

Step 1: Academics

• Go to class
• Do the readings in advance of the class
• Do your homework
• Find study partners or study groups to work with
• Build relationships with your classmates and your professors. 
• Ask for help if you are struggling. 
• Seek tutors if you are struggling. 
• Be intentional with how you manage your time. 

Your self-care and time management skills will be as critical as your athletic skills. 

Do you sometimes feel stressed and want to be calmer? Then take a look at this solution.

Step 2: Athletics

• Work hard
• Be early to practice
• Be prepared
• Ask questions when confused
• Build strong relationships with your teammates, coaches, trainers, etc. 

Step 3: Self-care

The demands on a college athlete are high. However, to be your best, you need to...

Text: Ann Zaprazny – Photo by Eliott Reyna on Unsplash

Congratulations! Your plan to complete college. You have achieved your childhood dream.  Making the transition from high school to college can be challenging. 

As an athlete, you might have wondered, what are the things I should do to prepare myself before going to college? 

This 4-step-guide will help you get ready for college so you make the transition go well. 

1. Reduce your academic load in your first semester

If a typical student takes five courses, I recommend taking four classes. Why? Your first semester can set the tone for your success in college. I did not do this and regret it. 

I was a scholar-athlete at my high school. My major was Chemical Engineering with a biology minor. In addition, I played basketball and worked 8 hrs a week on campus. 

My first semester GPA was terrible, and my scholarship was in jeopardy. I struggled academically because I was underprepared....