Dina Asher-Smith recalls Serena Williams "letting go" of perfectionism while revealing her own experience on it

Dina Asher-Smith recently revealed how she took inspiration from Serena Williams to overcome self-doubt and accept her imperfections.

Asher-Smith is one of the fastest and most successful sprinters in the world. She has won numerous medals at the World Championships, the European Championships, the Olympics, and the Commonwealth Games.

In an editorial with ELLE magazine, Asher-Smith admitted that she was often too hard on herself and had unrealistic expectations. She says that she would feel disappointed and frustrated if she did not perform at her best or win every race.

"I have learned to manage my perfectionism and see it not as a badge of honor or something that’s aspirational, but rather a trait that is exhausting and unforgiving," she said. "It took years for me to get there. My perfectionism was mainly tied to my profession as a sprinter, and it used to come out in how I prepared for big races."

"I was very fixed-minded; it had to be flawless. It didn’t mean that I couldn’t perform well, but more that I lacked that comforting feeling of knowing I was in the best shape I’d ever been in. And no one in elite sport wants that nagging sense that they could have done more when the big moments arrive," she added.

Asher-Smith says that one of the people who inspired her to embrace her flaws was Serena Williams, the most decorated tennis player of all time. Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, four Olympic gold medals, and numerous other accolades. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

But Williams has also faced challenges and setbacks in her career. She has suffered from injuries, illnesses, controversies, and losses. She has also faced racism, sexism, and criticism for her appearance and behavior.

Asher-Smith recalls watching Williams play at the 2020 US Open, where she lost in the semifinals to Victoria Azarenka.

"Serena Williams said after a 2020 US Open match "I’m a perfectionist – it has been the story of my life." She explained how she remembered being self-critical from a young age and saw her daughter doing the same thing. She shared how she had to tell herself: "Okay, Serena, stop." Only Jesus was perfect, so just stop."" Williams said after the match.

---

Serena Williams secures 2-book deal, promises intimate look into her life and career

Serena Williams at the 2023 Leagues Cup

Serena Williams recently signed a two-book contract with the Random Publishing House Group, where she will share her insights on various aspects of her life.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion is widely regarded as one of the best in her sport. She has also been very successful in her off-court ventures and is one of the most sought-after sports personalities in the contemporary world.

According to the Associated Press, the first book will be a memoir that will disclose information about her early life, her journey as a tennis star, the challenges she faced in her career, and more.

“For so long, all I was focused on was winning, and I never sat down to look back and reflect on my life and career. I couldn’t be at a more perfect place to be able to take-on such a personal intimate project," Serena Williams said in a statement.

The other book will be an "inspirational" work, covering her charitable endeavors, her business achievements, and her promotion of inclusion and women’s rights in and out of the court.

“Williams will offer rules for living that draw on her experiences as a philanthropist and advocate, her career as an investment unicorn with Serena Ventures, and someone who has long sought to lift a diverse and emergent generation of young women whose aspirations are not confined to the court,” Random House said in a statement.

Serena Williams retired from tennis last year at the 2022 US Open, where she lost to Ajla Tomljanovic in three sets, 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.