A double-edged sword—that’s how most perfectionists will define this bane of their existence. Paige Spiranac, for one, knows the cost of being a perfectionist. The arduous effect it has on the mental health of young people with big dreams. Having dealt with the wrath of depression and anxiety in the past, the golf beauty seems to have another dream: to help the next generation of golfers break free from the agony that her past has put her through.

“I was also very depressed and struggled with a ton of anxiety,” said Spiranac, describing her younger days. In a recent interaction, the pro-golfer turned social media influencer, made an effort to cultivate a healthier mindset in young dreamers in their pursuit of excellence.

Her experiential learning taught her some key lessons. Foremost, to stop seeking a perfect swing and start playing. Spiranac told her younger, golf-driven audience to break free from the chains of perfectionism and shift their mindset to one that is focused on learning how to compete and conditioning that helps them see the game as fun. Her gymnastics and sport-centered background led her into a mental jail where her hours of practice took away her natural athleticism and restricted her movement, a fate she would not wish for the coming generation of golfing professionals.