Everyday Better with Leah Smart Escaping Perfectionism with Professor Thomas Curran
Apr 1, 2025
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.
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Perfectionism's Root
- Perfectionism stems from a feeling of not being good enough, unlike conscientiousness or meticulousness.
- It involves trying to hide shortcomings and seeking external validation.
Perfectionism and Procrastination
- Perfectionism and procrastination are linked, often surprisingly.
- Perfectionists tend to avoid challenging tasks or those where they might fail publicly, leading to procrastination.
Overcoming Perfectionism
- Expose yourself to small amounts of stress and anxiety, like resisting the urge to seek reassurance after completing a task.
- Gradually increase the challenge to overcome perfectionistic tendencies.
