Revisiting Perfectionism with Thomas Curran

Just how high are your standards when you're striving for your goals? Are you striving for excellence or are you striving for perfection? The pressure to be perfect is on the rise and it affects our everyday lives - from social media to parenting, work to hobbies. I sat down with Thomas Curran, professor of psychology and behavioral science at the London School of Economics, to unravel the complexities of perfectionism, providing you with knowledge and tools to strive for a healthier mindset.

Thomas's expertise and extensive research on perfectionism culminates in his book "The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough," where he guides us to reflect on the expectations we set for ourselves, the harmful comparisons we make, and how our relentless pursuit of success can sometimes lead to failure and setbacks.  

We navigate the world of athletics, where the pursuit of perfection is often unrivaled. From the grueling challenges of the Tour de France to my own personal racing experiences, we'll examine how striving for perfection can leave us feeling empty. 

Let’s tap into embracing a new definition of success and cultivate self-compassion along the way. Because isn't it beautiful to enjoy each day as you live it?

Here are some key takeaways:

• Understanding the three types of perfectionism: self-oriented, socially prescribed, and avoidant perfectionism
• The role of social media in perpetuating comparison and discontent
• The problem with growth mindset; it can lead to a constant need for more progress without accepting plateaus and regressions
• Why high performing athletes can feel empty without a first place medal because of the emphasis and celebration of one winner
• Practical strategies for counteracting perfectionistic tendencies, such as self-compassion and embracing our own humanity

Links

• Learn more about Thomas Curran
• Read The Perfection Trap by Thomas Curran
• Sign up for my weekly newsletter!
• Want more? Listen to this episode about the  paradox of expectation and comparison

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The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.