Escaping Perfectionism with Professor Thomas Curran
Apr 1, 2025
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Thomas Curran, a Professor of Psychology at the London School of Economics and author of The Perfection Trap, dives into the hidden dangers of perfectionism and its rise among young people. He discusses how the pursuit of perfection can lead to anxiety, procrastination, and feelings of isolation. Curran advocates for a 'good enough' approach to life and work, emphasizing the importance of growth and authentic connections. He also critiques the societal pressures that fuel these ideals and shares strategies to embrace imperfection for personal fulfillment.
Perfectionism stems from inadequacy, leading to obsessive behaviors and a negative spiral that hampers personal growth and well-being.
Socially prescribed perfectionism amplifies pressures among younger generations, contributing to mental health issues and a conflict between individual achievement and societal expectations.
Deep dives
Understanding Perfectionism as a Deficit
Perfectionism is rooted in a feeling of inadequacy, where individuals struggle with a fragile sense of self-worth. Those who identify as perfectionists often believe that they need to achieve impossible standards to prove their value. This mindset leads to a constant drive for validation and can manifest as obsessive behaviors and over-generalizing mistakes. Ultimately, as perfectionists strive to cover their perceived shortcomings, they can create a negative spiral that hinders both personal growth and emotional well-being.
The Rise of Socially Prescribed Perfectionism
Younger generations are increasingly facing socially prescribed perfectionism, where perceived expectations from society amplify the pressures to excel. This form of perfectionism can lead to mental health issues, as individuals feel the burden of not only meeting their standards but also those imposed by others. Research indicates that this trend is growing, particularly in Western cultures like the U.S., where the focus on individual achievement conflicts with societal pressures. This phenomenon underscores the importance of addressing these external influences to alleviate the pressures associated with perfectionism.
Perfectionism and Procrastination Connection
Despite the common belief that perfectionists are always productive, their traits can actually lead to procrastination and stunted performance. Research shows that perfectionists often expend excessive effort and may sabotage themselves by avoiding situations where they fear failure or judgment. This avoidance leads them to distract themselves with easier tasks, creating a cycle of ineffectiveness that inhibits progress. As a result, the drive for perfection can paradoxically result in lower overall achievement and increased feelings of inadequacy.
Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Growth
A sustainable approach to personal and professional growth involves recognizing the importance of mistakes and learning from them without the weight of perfectionism. Shifting focus from an incessant need for improvement to embracing each step of the journey allows for a more balanced perspective. To combat the pressures of perfectionism, it's crucial to nurture environments that promote safety and acceptance of flaws, enabling individuals to learn and evolve. Ultimately, honoring purpose, empathy, and genuine human connection, rather than chasing unattainable ideals, fosters a healthier mindset for growth and fulfillment.
Thomas Curran is a Professor of Psychology at the London School of Economics and the author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough. In it, he charts the recent rise in perfectionism among young people, exposes the paradoxical effects of perfectionism on everything from work performance to relationships and argues for a “good enough” approach to work that prioritizes sustainability over achievement.
On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Thomas joins Leah to discuss the harms of perfectionism and how to break free from both internal and external pressures to be perfect. Leah and Thomas also take a critical look at the concept of the “growth mindset” and reflect on their own journeys toward overcoming perfectionism.