TED Talks Daily Breaking up with perfectionism | WorkLife with Adam Grant
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May 22, 2022 
In a thought-provoking conversation, organizational psychologist Adam Grant, renowned for his insights on leadership, chats with perfectionism expert Thomas Curran. They explore the detrimental effects of perfectionism on mental health, especially among today's youth, and the anxiety it instills. Grant shares his own journey of letting go of the quest for perfection while maintaining a commitment to excellence. They discuss the importance of embracing failure as a pathway to personal growth and the power of open dialogue about mistakes in fostering resilience.
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Grant's Balk
- Adam Grant, a recovering perfectionist, struggled with "balking" in diving.
- He would restart dives repeatedly, aiming for unattainable perfection.
Excellence vs. Perfectionism
- Striving for excellence means pursuing high standards of quality.
- Perfectionism, driven by a feeling of being flawed, requires perfect results.
Perfectionism's Downside
- Perfectionism makes individuals sensitive to setbacks, increasing anxiety and hindering risk-taking.
- This vulnerability prevents long-term success due to limited challenges.