Ellen Hendrickson, a clinical psychologist at Boston University's Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders and author of "How to Be Enough," discusses letting go of perfectionism. She examines its impact on mental health and advocates for 'anti-resolutions' focused on self-acceptance. The conversation emphasizes nurturing authentic relationships and practicing vulnerability over pursuing unattainable ideals. Strategies like cognitive diffusion and self-compassion are explored, making a compelling case for redefining our relationship with perfection.
The podcast encourages a shift from traditional New Year's resolutions to 'anti-resolutions,' promoting self-acceptance over perfectionism for personal well-being.
Dr. Hendrickson highlights how perfectionism, influenced by societal and familial pressures, significantly impacts mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.
Deep dives
The Benefits of the Sleep Number Smart Bed
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Challenging Perfectionism in the New Year
The podcast emphasizes a shift away from traditional New Year's resolutions toward a more forgiving approach, termed 'anti-resolutions.' This involves letting go of the pressure to achieve perfection and instead accepting that it's okay to do less. Dr. Ellen Hendrickson discusses her experience with perfectionism, sharing how pressure for perfection can lead to burnout and various physical and emotional health issues. She advocates for self-acceptance and the idea that striving for excellence shouldn't come at the cost of personal well-being.
Understanding the Roots of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is rooted both in individual predispositions and societal pressures, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism. Dr. Hendrickson outlines how perfectionism can manifest in various forms and impact mental health, including conditions like anxiety and depression. The pressure to excel can stem from family dynamics, such as conditional love based on performance, and social influences from modern culture, particularly amplified by social media. Acknowledging these factors can help individuals recognize that perfectionism is not a reflection of their worth, but rather a societal norm that can be challenged.
It’s the new year, a time when so many of us set out to do more, be better. It can feel overwhelming, and most resolutions end up broken. So what if this year, you tried something different? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sets out to explore surprising ways we can all let go in the new year and still live healthier and happier lives. He kicks this journey off with a conversation about letting go of perfectionism, without lowering your standards.