How to Be Awesome at Your Job

999: How Perfectionism Holds Us Back–and What to Do About It with Dr. Greg Chasson

Oct 3, 2024

Dr. Greg Chasson, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in cognitive-behavioral therapy, delves into the dual nature of perfectionism. He explains how it differs from high standards and the inefficiency that can actually boost effectiveness. The conversation tackles the detrimental effects of perfectionism on creativity and mental health, while offering practical strategies to confront it. Listeners learn the importance of accepting flaws, aligning actions with personal values, and fostering supportive environments to combat perfectionistic tendencies.

40:08

Episode guests

Greg Chasson

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Dr. Greg Chasson emphasizes that perfectionism is not the same as high standards, often leading to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.

Organizations can mitigate perfectionism by encouraging risk-taking and normalizing failure, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.

Deep dives

The Illusion of Control in Anxiety

People with anxiety often overestimate their control over situations, leading to increased feelings of worry and distress. Many aspects of life are unpredictable, and the belief that one can control them often exacerbates anxiety. To navigate this, individuals are encouraged to identify their core values, which can serve as a guide to discern where to invest their efforts and take risks. Understanding that not every situation warrants an attempt at control can empower individuals to focus only on what truly matters to them.

Transform Your Space with Intentional Elegance

01:03

Perfectionism Stifles Innovation

01:54

Prioritize Wisely: Emphasize What Matters

01:23

Intro

2min

Embracing Imperfection Through Playfulness

2min

The Perils of Perfectionism

10min

Confronting Perfectionism: Challenges and Strategies

22min

The Paradox of Perfectionism and Control

2min

Understanding Perfectionism and Control: A Path to Overcoming Anxiety

2min

Embracing Imperfection and Intentional Prioritization

2min

Dr. Greg Chasson reveals the double-edged nature of perfectionism—and provides expert strategies for managing it.

— YOU’LL LEARN —

1) How perfectionism differs from high standards

2) How inefficiency can make you more effective

3) How to deal with another perfectionist at work

Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep999 for clickable versions of the links below.

— ABOUT GREG —

Dr. Greg Chasson is a licensed clinical psychologist, board-certified cognitive-behavioral therapist, Associate Professor, and the Director of Behavioral Interventions of the Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders Clinic in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago. Over the past two decades, Dr. Chasson has provided cognitive-behavioral therapy for clinically severe perfectionism and has owned and operated two mental health practices.

As an active scholar, Dr. Chasson has authored or co-authored more than 70 scientific publications and one academic book (Hoarding Disorder: Advances in Psychotherapy – Evidence-Based Practice). He also serves as the editor of the scientific journal and the behavior therapist, and he has served on the board of directors for a variety of professional non-profit organizations.

• Book: Flawed: Why Perfectionism is a Challenge for Management

• Website: GregChasson.com

— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW —

• Book: The Selfish Gene (Popular Science) by Richard Dawkins

• Past episode: 278: The Critical Factors Separating High and Low Performers with Morten Hansen

• Past episode: 482: David Allen Returns with the 10 Moves to Stress-Free Productivity

— THANK YOU SPONSORS! —

• Jenni Kayne. Use the code AWESOME15 to get 15% off your order!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.