Evidence-Based: A New Harbinger Psychology Podcast
Toxic Striving with Paula Freedman-Diamond, PsyD
Oct 29, 2024
Paula Freedman-Diamond, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and author of "Toxic Striving," dives into the dangers of hustle culture and societal expectations. She discusses how relentless ambition fuels anxiety and perfectionism, often fostering dissatisfaction. The conversation highlights the struggle between self-acceptance and external validation, emphasizing the need to redefine personal values beyond superficial ambitions. Freedman-Diamond advocates for self-compassion and flexibility, encouraging listeners to prioritize their mental health over rigid expectations.
49:17
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Quick takeaways
- Toxic striving leads individuals to connect their self-worth with productivity and external validation, resulting in anxiety and disordered eating.
- Both acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and intuitive eating promote listening to one's internal needs over societal pressures, fostering self-compassion.
Deep dives
Understanding Toxic Striving
Toxic striving is characterized by a relentless pursuit of perfection and external validation, often experienced by high-achieving individuals such as perfectionists and people pleasers. This behavior arises from a complex interplay of both innate predispositions and societal pressures, leading to a constant feeling of inadequacy despite achieving numerous goals. Many individuals find themselves trapped in a cycle where their self-worth is directly tied to their productivity or appearance, which can manifest in anxiety, disordered eating, and poor body image. Ultimately, this toxic mindset creates a psychological prison, diminishing the ability to feel satisfied or at peace with one's achievements.
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