Thomas Curran

In this engaging talk, Professor Thomas Curran, a leading perfectionism expert from the London School of Economics, unravels the hidden dangers of perfectionism. He explores how societal pressures shape our unrealistic standards and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in overcoming these challenges. The conversation reveals that perfectionism can stem from both genetic and cultural influences. Curran advocates for embracing imperfection as a source of growth and resilience, urging listeners to redefine their self-worth beyond material success and societal approval.

Thomas Curran, a psychologist at the London School of Economics, dives deep into the rising trend of perfectionism and its detrimental effects on mental health. He shares eye-opening insights on how perfectionism fuels anxiety and burnout, particularly among youth. Adam and Thomas discuss the importance of embracing failure and fostering environments that prioritize growth over flawless execution. They introduce the 'Church of Fail,' a concept that celebrates vulnerability and learning from mistakes, revealing how redefining success can lead to healthier and more productive workplaces.

In job interviews and in life, perfectionism is often seen as a selling point – an asset disguised as a flaw. But as psychologists have found rising rates of perfectionism in the United States and around the world in recent decades, they’ve begun to recognize the toll that the drive to be perfect can take on people’s mental health and well-being. Thomas Curran, PhD, author of “The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough,” talks about different types of perfectionism, why more and more of us feel the need to push ourselves to perfection, and what can we do – as individuals, as parents and as a society – to recognize that often, ‘good’ is good enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Curran, a London School of Economics professor and author of The Perfection Trap, delves into the complexities of perfectionism. He discusses how perfectionism isn't just about having high standards but manifests in various forms, impacting mental health and relationships. Curran critiques capitalism's focus on growth, advocating for a shift toward well-being. He also offers practical advice on embracing 'good enough,' highlighting the importance of self-compassion and mindfulness in combating the pressures of perfectionism and fostering personal fulfillment.

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.

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.

Thomas Curran, a Professor at the London School of Economics and a leading expert on perfectionism, discusses the cultural implications of striving for perfection in modern society. He explores how social media drives unrealistic standards and the mental health crises they can trigger. Highlighting the Wabi Sabi philosophy, Curran advocates for embracing imperfection and promoting a 'good enough' mindset. He emphasizes the importance of valuing authenticity over flawless performance in workplaces, suggesting that fostering resilience and creativity leads to greater well-being.

Thomas Curran, the author of 'The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough,' challenges the notion of perfectionism and its negative impacts on mental health and relationships. The podcast explores the nature of perfectionism, its dimensions and influence on self-esteem and performance. It also delves into socially prescribed perfectionism, the pitfalls of social media, personal strategies to combat perfectionism, and the relation of perfectionistic thinking to agile project management. The importance of embracing 'good enough' is emphasized.

Thomas Curran, a professor of psychology, discusses the overwhelming pressure of perfectionism. They explore its roots, impact on mental health, importance of embracing imperfections, and finding healthier paths to growth and fulfillment. They also touch on challenges of parenting, understanding metabolic health and nutrition, and the difference between high standards and perfectionism.

Psychologist Thomas Curran, an expert on perfectionism from the London School of Economics, argues that perfectionism often stems from a sense of never being enough. He highlights its negative effects in education, mental health, and the economy. Curran discusses the emotional toll on writers and how social media aggravates feelings of inadequacy. He addresses parental expectations and critiques the role of capitalism in promoting perfectionist ideals, ultimately advocating for a healthier 'good enough' mindset to combat these pressures.