Aiming for perfection seems like a noble goal. It’s like we’re holding ourselves to a higher standard or standing out from the crowd.

But striving for perfection means working toward the impossible. And the cost to our mental and physical health can be enormous.

London School of Economics Professor, Thomas Curran, experienced the impact of perfectionism firsthand. As a recovering perfectionist, he’s made the field the focus of his research.

Curran’s research led to his book, The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough. In it, he explains the psychology behind it, calls out cultural messages that reinforce it, and shares steps we can take to overcome it.

Episode Links

Perfectionists Need to Embrace Failure

The Rise of Perfectionism – and the Harm It’s Doing Us All

Understanding Perfectionism and Impostor Syndrome with Dr. Thomas Curran

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

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CM 247: Thomas Curran on the Perfection Trap

Curious Minds at Work