The Greg McKeown Podcast

156. The Man Who Couldn't Show Weakness

Dec 13, 2022
Discover the hidden costs of perfectionism as it obstructs personal growth and relationships. An intriguing story highlights the struggle of a successful individual who refuses to show weakness. Learn how embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections and actionable solutions for overcoming perfectionism. This insightful discussion reveals the burden of striving for unattainable ideals and offers a fresh perspective on how to prioritize what truly matters.
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ANECDOTE

The Man Who Couldn't Show Weakness

  • Greg McKeown shares a story about Benjamin, a colleague who constantly boasts about his achievements.
  • Despite talking a lot, Benjamin never reveals vulnerabilities or weaknesses, making it hard to truly know him.
INSIGHT

Perfectionism and the Fragile Ego

  • McKeown connects Benjamin's behavior to perfectionism, a defense mechanism against a fragile ego.
  • A fragile ego depends on things like always appearing right, leading to twisting reality and damaging relationships.
INSIGHT

Brene Brown on Perfectionism

  • Brene Brown defines perfectionism as a self-destructive belief system fueled by the desire to avoid shame and judgment.
  • It's an unattainable goal that hinders achievement and correlates with issues like depression and anxiety.
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