The goop Podcast Letting Go of Perfect
4 snips
Apr 1, 2025 
Gwyneth Paltrow chats with Thomas Curran, a social psychologist from LSE and author of 'The Perfection Trap.' They dive into the roots of perfectionism and its detrimental effects on mental health, especially among young people. Curran emphasizes that striving for perfection often leads to self-sabotage and dissatisfaction. The conversation encourages embracing vulnerability and redefining success through self-acceptance. They also discuss societal pressures, particularly on women and minorities, and how to find joy in imperfection.
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Curran's Perfectionism Journey
- Thomas Curran's anxiety and societal pressures led to mental health problems.
- Therapy revealed that perfectionism caused these problems, not prevented them.
Perfectionism's Roots
- Perfectionism is 30-40% genetic, leaving a significant portion influenced by environment.
- Conditional regard from parents and societal pressures contribute to perfectionism.
Paltrow's Perfectionism
- Gwyneth Paltrow felt less perfectionistic as a child, but it increased in her 20s.
- In her 30s, it manifested as the need to handle more than others, which proved harmful.
