The Psychology of your 20s 353. The psychology of perfectionism
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Nov 13, 2025 The podcast dives deep into the layers of perfectionism, revealing it as more than just a self-proclaimed strength. It highlights three types: self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed, and explores how social media fuels heightened anxiety. Personal stories illustrate perfectionism as a mask for insecurity and the struggle for control. Listeners discover practical strategies, like digital detoxes and redefining success through personal values, showing that true happiness often lies beyond relentless striving.
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Perfectionism Is Fear, Not Excellence
- Perfectionism is driven more by fear than excellence and creates a relentless internal critic.
- This fear convinces you that imperfection means worthlessness, which fuels constant striving and exhaustion.
Three Distinct Forms Of Perfectionism
- There are three types: self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism.
- Each type has different drivers and interpersonal consequences, with socially prescribed driven by perceived external expectations.
Social Pressure Has Inflated Perfectionism
- Socially prescribed perfectionism has risen sharply and links to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
- Increasing sensitivity to external pressures makes it the most debilitating form for young people.
