The Kolher Principle | Perfectionism & Work Stress Recovery

Contact us by whatsapp on +447485622662- let us know what you think of this episode. You've done brilliant work. But is it ever 'enough'? Explore the Kohler Principle—why high-achieving women sacrifice nervous system health chasing polish over truth—and the burnout pattern hiding behind your "I'm fine." Cheryl Paris reveals how perfectionism becomes the invisible driver of workplace burnout, and what recovery actually requires.If you’ve ever looked at something you created and thought, “It’s fine… but it doesn’t look impressive enough,” you’re not alone.I’m Cheryl Paris, and I’m exploring a common thread that ties together work stress, anxiety, and perfectionism: our tendency to value polish over truth. A polished presentation, a neatly crafted email, a confident reply, or an attractive wellbeing program can all give the impression of quality. However, presentation is not the same as substance, and when we confuse the two, we start doubting our own judgment and reward appearances instead of true value.We examine how “high standards” can trap us: rewriting, rehearsing, checking, and then doing the invisible second job of making everything appear effortless. This shifting goalpost keeps you in a constant state of work without allowing you to truly land or succeed.I also delve into the fears underlying perfectionism—the belief that if you can achieve perfection, you can ensure your safety. The issue is that you can be fully prepared and still face criticism; not all criticism reflects your true worth.Then, we move into practical territory with a simple framework that you can start using today: good, better, best. These are not measures of your self-worth but levels of investment based on time, energy, and the needs of the situation.I share four questions to help you choose the right standard, along with the ABGW method: Awareness, Balance, Growth, and Wellbeing. This approach aims to alleviate the pressure of work feeling like a judgment of your value.If this resonates with you, please subscribe, share it with a friend who might also be over-polishing their work, and leave a review. What’s one task you’re ready to finish at “good” today?The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have a specific health concern or condition, please consult a qualified Healthcare professional for more details. Check out herguru dot uk forward slash disclaimersSupport the showIf this episode helped, please share it with someone who needs a calmer five minutes:https://followthepodcast.com/workstressanxietyIf you'd like to support the podcast, leaving a review genuinely helps other overwhelmed humans find it without having to survive another "10x your mindset" podcast first:https://lovethepodcast.com/workstressanxietyGot feedback, a question, or a future episode suggestion?https://podcastfeedback.com/workstressanxietyWork Stress Anxiety by ABGW is part of HerGuru Hypnotherapy and Coaching™ and grounded in the ABGW Method®.Calm first. Reality first. Then change.™Connect with Cheryl ParisLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylparis/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/abgwblogShared stories are anonymised.This podcast is provided for educational and self- reflective purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, workplace, or professional advice.Disclaimer:https://herguru.uk/disclaimers/© Cheryl Paris. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.