Katherine Morgan Schafler on Control, Perfectionism, and Letting Go | EP 572

Feb 13, 2025

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Have you ever felt that your pursuit of excellence leaves you more stressed than satisfied? What if perfectionism isn’t a flaw to be fixed but a strength to be harnessed?

In episode 572, John sits down with Katherine Morgan Schafler, psychotherapist, speaker, and author of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power. Katherine’s groundbreaking approach challenges everything we think we know about perfectionism, showing us that it isn’t something we need to eliminate—but rather, something we can transform into a tool for personal and professional growth.

They explore the five types of perfectionists—Classic, Intense, Parisian, Messy, and Procrastinator—and how understanding your type can unlock self-awareness, resilience, and healthier relationships. Katherine reveals how perfectionism intersects with belonging, self-worth, and the universal need to matter, as well as why it can be both a motivator and a barrier in our pursuit of fulfillment.

Full shownotes can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/katherine-morgan-schafler-on-perfectionism/

Key takeaways:

1. The Three Dimensions of a Good Life
2. How Novelty and Exploration Lead to Fulfillment
3. The Global Village Paradox and Social Media's Impact
4. Happiness vs. Meaning vs. Psychological Richness
5. Why Regret Comes from Inaction
6. The Role of Negative Emotions in a Rich Life
7. How to Cultivate Psychological Richness

Connect with Katherine Morgan Schafler: https://www.katherinemorganschafler.com/

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Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Katherine Morgan Schaffler, a renowned psychotherapist and author of The Perfectionist Guide to Losing Control, a Path to Peace and Power. Katherine challenges the conventional view of perfectionism, suggesting that it can be harnessed as a personal superpower rather than a flaw. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could transform your relationship with perfectionism.

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