Former Google on-site therapist Katherine Morgan Schafler challenges listeners to rethink perfectionism, discussing adaptive vs maladaptive perfectionism and the importance of self-compassion for personal growth. She explores the transformative power of self-compassion in managing stress and embracing inherent worth.
Embrace self-compassion for personal growth and well-being.
Understand perfection as completeness and worthiness, not flawlessness.
Deep dives
Understanding Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a complex concept that can be expressed both constructively and destructively. Unlike commonly portrayed, it is not exclusively negative but a universal desire to achieve our imagined ideals. The distinction between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism is crucial, emphasizing the importance of using perfectionism to one's advantage. Managing perfectionism involves understanding its power and setting boundaries to prevent it from negatively impacting one's life.
The Role of Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is highlighted as a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being, contrary to the common misconception of it being merely a self-soothing act. Defined as a three-step resiliency building skill, self-compassion involves mindfulness, recognizing common humanity, and practicing kindness towards oneself. Embracing self-compassion can significantly improve physical, mental, and relational health, offering a transformative approach to dealing with perfectionism.
Embracing Wholeness and Worthiness
Perfection is reframed as completeness and wholeness, rather than flawlessness, emphasizing that individuals are born whole and deserving of love and joy. Rejecting the notion of needing to earn happiness through achievement, the concept of being inherently worthy of joy, connection, and freedom is highlighted. Understanding one's innate wholeness and perfection allows for a shift in perspective, enabling individuals to access their power and find freedom in embracing self-compassion and worthiness.
To end the week, we'll hear from Katherine Morgan Schafler, a former on-site therapist at Google, who challenges us to change the way we look at perfectionism.
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