DeepSummary
This podcast episode features an interview with Thomas Curran, a professor at the London School of Economics and author of 'The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough'. The discussion revolves around the concept of perfectionism, its definition, types, and its impact on mental health. Curran explains that perfectionism stems from a sense of insufficiency and the need to prove one's worth to others.
Curran outlines three flavors of perfectionism: self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented. He highlights the surprising finding that there are no significant gender differences in levels of perfectionism. The conversation also delves into the root causes of perfectionism, the variables that lead to it, and Curran's critique of capitalism and the 'growth mindset' as contributors to perfectionism.
The interview provides practical advice on combating perfectionism, including mindfulness, vulnerability, self-compassion, and radical acceptance. Curran also discusses how to achieve inner abundance, make good work without caring about others' opinions, and navigate parenting and leadership while promoting excellence without fostering perfectionism.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Perfectionism stems from a sense of insufficiency and the need to prove one's worth to others.
- There are three types of perfectionism: self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented.
- Perfectionism can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to the pursuit of unattainable standards and harsh self-criticism.
- Combating perfectionism involves cultivating mindfulness, vulnerability, self-compassion, and radical acceptance of one's imperfections and circumstances.
- Achieving inner abundance and making good work requires letting go of the need for external validation and embracing the power of 'good enough'.
- Consistent love and approval from parents, and promoting psychological safety in the workplace, can help prevent the development of perfectionism in children and employees.
- Capitalism and the 'growth mindset' can exacerbate perfectionism by perpetuating a scarcity mindset and the constant pursuit of more.
- Social media should be used responsibly to build communities and share interests, rather than as a source of comparison and validation.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Vulnerability has to be the first step in turning the corner on perfectionism. We have to be willing to embrace all of ourselves and all of our feelings and go into the world and open ourselves up to a little bit criticism and open ourselves up to maybe failing or doing something badly.“ by Thomas Curran
- “Perfectionism makes us extremely vulnerable to setbacks, making mistakes, failing, because our self esteem is tied to how we appear. And once that perfect appearance is shattered, in a moment of slip up or screw up or whatever it might be, we go in on ourselves, harshly self critical. Our self esteem plummets, and we brood and ruminate over that mistake for a long, long time.“ by Thomas Curran
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Episode Information
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier
5/13/24
Actionable advice on working with one of the few socially acceptable vices.
Whilst striving for perfection might seem logical on some level, it’s not actually attainable. And the research shows it can lead to burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, reduced productivity, and reduced resilience.
Thomas Curran is a professor in the Department of Psychological and Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics and is the author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough.
In this episode we talk about:
- The definition of perfectionism – it’s more than just high standards
- The 3 flavors of perfectionism
- The surprising findings on perfectionism and gender
- Perfectionism VS imposter syndrome
- The root of perfectionism
- The variables that lead to perfectionism
- Thomas’ critiques on capitalism and growth mindset
- How to actually implement mantras like “progress not perfection” and “embracing good enough”
- 4 elements to combat imperfectionism
- The recipe for achieving inner abundance
- How to make good work without caring what other people think of you?
- And parenting and perfectionism
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- The Zen of Therapy | Mark Epstein
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