The Perils of Perfectionism in the Age of Social Media

How can you strive for excellence without overworking yourself? Why is perfectionism on the rise? And is Angela part of the problem?

• SOURCES:
  • Kristin Andrus, philanthropist.
  • Aaron (Tim) Beck, professor emeritus of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania.
  • Thomas Curran, professor of psychological and behavioral science at the London School of Economics.
  • Julia DiGangi, neuropsychologist.
  • Zac Efron, actor.
  • Scott Hugo, housing justice attorney at Oakland City Attorney's Office.

• RESOURCES:
  • "For Happiness in the New Year, Stop Overdoing Everything," by Julia DiGangi (The Wall Street Journal, 2023).
  • "Good Enough," by Thomas Curran (Character Lab, 2023).
  • The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, by Thomas Curran (2023).
  • "Perfectionism Is Not the Secret to Success (and Pursuing It May Guarantee the Opposite)," by Next Big Idea Club (Fast Company, 2023).
  • "Zac Efron Rides Again," by Lauren Larson (Men's Health, 2022).
  • "Tim Beck’s Final Brainstorms," by Stephen Fried (The Philadelphia Gazette, 2022).
  • "Perfectionism Is Increasing Over Time: A Meta-Analysis of Birth Cohort Differences From 1989 to 2016," by Thomas Curran and Andrew P. Hill (Psychological Bulletin, 2019).
  • "UCLA Senior From Alamo Among 32 Rhodes Scholars," by Steve Rubenstein (SFGate, 2008).

• EXTRAS:
  • "What Does Success Look Like?" by No Stupid Questions (2024).
  • "Is Perfectionism Ruining Your Life?" by People I (Mostly) Admire (2023).
  • "Are You Suffering From Burnout?" by No Stupid Questions (2023).
  • Happy Days, TV series (1974-1984).
  • The Period Project.