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People I (Mostly) Admire
114. Is Perfectionism Ruining Your Life?
Sep 16, 2023
Psychologist Thomas Curran, an expert on perfectionism from the London School of Economics, argues that perfectionism often stems from a sense of never being enough. He highlights its negative effects in education, mental health, and the economy. Curran discusses the emotional toll on writers and how social media aggravates feelings of inadequacy. He addresses parental expectations and critiques the role of capitalism in promoting perfectionist ideals, ultimately advocating for a healthier 'good enough' mindset to combat these pressures.
58:30
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Quick takeaways
- Perfectionism leads to mental distress and does not result in improved performance or success.
- Perfectionism can be categorized into self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented types, each with distinct negative effects on interpersonal relationships.
Deep dives
The Negative Impact of Perfectionism
Perfectionism, contrary to popular belief, is not a positive trait. Research shows that perfectionism is associated with significant mental distress, such as anxiety, depression, low mood, and self-harm. Moreover, perfectionism does not lead to improved performance or success. It creates an incessant need to be perfect, which prevents individuals from feeling satisfaction and appreciating their achievements. Perfectionists are also highly sensitive to failure and criticism, making it difficult for them to handle feedback. Overall, perfectionism is a universally negative trait with detrimental effects on mental wellbeing.
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