#163 - Dr. Gordon Flett - Being an Adaptable Perfectionist
Jun 20, 2023
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Dr. Gordon Flett, a psychologist known for research on personality and depression, discusses the concept of perfectionism among athletes. They explore topics such as perfectionism assessment, development, the role of mindfulness, and the importance of adaptability over perfection. They also discuss resilience, overcoming perfectionism, and its prevalence among young people.
Perfectionism can hinder growth, adaptability, and overall well-being
Adaptability allows individuals to adjust to new circumstances, problem-solve, and make necessary changes
To overcome perfectionism, individuals can strive to manage their perfectionistic reactivity and focus on adaptability rather than perfection
Deep dives
The Negative Effects of Perfectionism
Perfectionism can have negative effects on individuals, leading to high levels of stress, burnout, and self-doubt. Perfectionists often fear failure and engage in procrastination, rigid routines, and constant comparison to others. This can hinder growth, adaptability, and hinder overall well-being. It is important for individuals to recognize the cost of perfectionism and evaluate its impact on their lives.
The Importance of Adaptability
Adaptability is a crucial trait for success and overall well-being. While perfectionism focuses on rigid standards, adaptability allows individuals to adjust to new circumstances, problem-solve, and make necessary changes. Learning to embrace adaptability can help individuals navigate challenges, make fast decisions, and find alternative approaches. It is essential to cultivate a mindset that embraces change and sees it as an opportunity for growth.
Overcoming Perfectionism and Building Resilience
To overcome perfectionism, individuals can strive to manage their perfectionistic reactivity. This involves developing self-compassion, accepting imperfections, and challenging harsh self-judgment. Mindfulness practices can also help in building self-awareness and reducing the internal pressure associated with perfectionism. Additionally, focusing on adaptability rather than perfection and adopting a growth mindset can foster resilience and enable individuals to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to new situations.
The Rise of Perfectionism Due to Social Media
The podcast discusses how social media has contributed to the rise of perfectionism, particularly among young people. The constant exposure to examples of public scrutiny and criticism has created a fear of making mistakes and a tendency to hide one's actions. This fear stems from the perceived consequences of being judged by others. The podcast highlights the negative impact of social media on young people's mental health and how it magnifies the pressure to meet impossible standards.
The Importance of Adaptability and Lowering Stress
The podcast emphasizes the importance of adaptability and stress management in overcoming perfectionism. It suggests that focusing on excellence, rather than rigid perfection, can lead to better performance. It also discusses the benefits of finding ways to lower stress levels and develop an external focus by engaging in activities that contribute to the community. The podcast recommends promoting understanding and acceptance, as well as reducing pressure, to help perfectionists thrive and achieve their goals.
Gordon L. Flett, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at York University in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Flett is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, which has cited him as one of the top 25 most productive authors in psychology. He is best known for his research on personality and depression, as well as groundbreaking work on perfectionism.
In this episode, expect to learn ways athletes can become adaptable perfectionists. Lewis and Gordon focus on perfectionism among athletes and explore questions such as: How is perfectionism assessed and conceptualized? How does perfectionism develop? What is the role of mindfulness in overcoming perfectionism? Why do the best athletes focus on adaptability and not perfection?
[00:00] Introduction
[03:49] Perfectionism Versus Striving For Excellence
[07:42] Self-Care Is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
[10:58] How Does One Become a Perfectionist?
[15:16] The Internal Dialogue of a Perfectionist
[17:28] Perfectionism From a Motivational Perspective
[20:23] Self-Awareness and Mindfulness
[24:20] What is Perfectionistic Reactivity?
[27:26] Perfectionism in Adolescents
[33:10] Understanding Rigid Perfectionism
[36:12] Adaptability and Perfectionism
[42:55] The Best Athletes are Adaptable
[49:57] Adaptability Versus Perfectionism
[52:42] The Best Way to Build Resilience as an Athlete
[56:40] How to Overcome Perfectionism
[01:00:42] Perfectionism Among Young People
[01:02:52] How to Achieve Excellence Without Being Perfect
[01:08:16] Where to Find Gordon
[01:10:20] Gordon's Go-To Resource Recommendations
Links and Resources:
Gordon's Email address: gflett@yorku.ca
Gordon on Twitter: twitter.com/FlettGordon
Perfectionism: A Relational Approach to Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment by Paul L. Hewitt, Gordon L. Flett, and Samuel F.
Mikail
Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi
Tomorrow I'll Be Perfect by Dave Stieb
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For more on the podcast visit http://www.lewishatchett.com/podcast
Contact the show at podcast@lewishatchett.com
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