

Perfectionism Rewired
Perfectionist Solutions
How do I stop living in fear of failure? Why can't I stop overthinking? When will I feel good enough? Why am I so hard on myself? Why do I self-sabotage? Will ruminating + catastrophizing ever end?
There's a BETTER Way to Perfectionism, that's empowering highly driven, Type-A, ambitious perfectionists to OWN their perfectionistic tendencies instead of being owned by it. Perfectionism Rewired host Courtney Love Gavin (CLG) illuminates this in every episode.
Listen for fierce insights for perfectionists on exiting victim mentality, what self-sabotage *really is*, how to stop people pleasing without compromising kindness, overthinking, catastrophizing, ruminating and black and white thinking, so you can quit fighting against your perfectionistic tendencies and start enjoying the life you've worked so hard to create.
Perfectionism Rewired podcast provides answers to questions like:
- Self worth vs self esteem
- Why am I overthinking
- How to increase self confidence
- What causes perfectionism anxiety
- Why am i so hard on myself
- Am I A Perfectionist
- WTF is Interoception? Does It Build Resilience?
- how to rewire your brain
Being a perfectionist is very powerful. But only if you know how to leverage it. For more on optimizing your perfectionism go to https://courtneylovegavin.com
There's a BETTER Way to Perfectionism, that's empowering highly driven, Type-A, ambitious perfectionists to OWN their perfectionistic tendencies instead of being owned by it. Perfectionism Rewired host Courtney Love Gavin (CLG) illuminates this in every episode.
Listen for fierce insights for perfectionists on exiting victim mentality, what self-sabotage *really is*, how to stop people pleasing without compromising kindness, overthinking, catastrophizing, ruminating and black and white thinking, so you can quit fighting against your perfectionistic tendencies and start enjoying the life you've worked so hard to create.
Perfectionism Rewired podcast provides answers to questions like:
- Self worth vs self esteem
- Why am I overthinking
- How to increase self confidence
- What causes perfectionism anxiety
- Why am i so hard on myself
- Am I A Perfectionist
- WTF is Interoception? Does It Build Resilience?
- how to rewire your brain
Being a perfectionist is very powerful. But only if you know how to leverage it. For more on optimizing your perfectionism go to https://courtneylovegavin.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 18min
White Knuckling & the High Price of Powering Through
The discussion kicks off with the pitfalls of white knuckling through tough times, revealing the hidden costs to personal well-being. They dive into the struggles of perfectionism, emphasizing the impact of second-guessing oneself and obsessive self-evaluation. Listeners learn about the dangers of overfunctioning and how it can lead to control issues and burnout. Practical strategies for self-compassion and breaking free from unproductive cycles provide empowering insights for anyone feeling the weight of unrealistic expectations.

7 snips
May 8, 2025 • 32min
How To Feel Your Feelings (So They Stop Controlling You)
Unpack the common myths surrounding feelings and thoughts, especially for perfectionists. Learn how acknowledging emotions can bring greater control rather than chaos. Follow Manon’s journey as she transforms her parenting challenges into moments of growth. Discover the mood meter framework for managing emotions based on activation and pleasantness. Explore tailored strategies for emotional regulation and the connection between feelings and perception, ultimately fostering a more adaptable mindset.

6 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 19min
Access Your Abilities in a Way Burnt Out You Could Never Compete With
Feeling burnt out despite ticking all the boxes of success? Discover how pushing through can wire your brain for survival, leaving you drained and overthinking. Learn about the concept of a 'person account' and the signs your mind might be starving. This insightful discussion reveals that ruminating isn't just a nuisance but a symptom to decode. Accessing your true abilities without burnout is within reach, offering a life where you feel as good inside as you appear outside.

Mar 28, 2025 • 17min
The #1 Thing That Stops Perfectionists from Growth
Feel like you're working hard but not seeing the progress you want? It's NOT YOU or your PERFECTIONISM – it's your Person Account™ . Discover my proprietary framework that’s changing the game for Perfectionist Solution’s clients, and will do the same for you. In this Episode You’ll Learn:How ruminating + running a 10k impact you the exact same wayWhy perfectionist brains work overtime + cost more to operateHow to tell if you’re operating in a constant state of depletion without realizing itWhat Cortisol actually is (it's NOT a STRESS HORMONE)The hidden reason therapy + personal development don't workOn paper, you’ve got it together— isn’t it time you felt like it? Whether it's stop playing out worst case scenarios in your head or JOYFULLY PRESENT AMBITIOUS again, Perfectionism Optimized, private 1-1 coaching gives you the life-long skills to *finally feel* as amazing on the inside as your life looks on the outside. Get your stress-free start today at https://courtneylovegavin.com/rewire Resources Mentioned In Episode 252:Perfect Start SessionMagic Skill for Control of Emotions [Neuroscience Series #1] Perfectionism Rewired Ep. 248How Perfectionist Brain *Actually* Works [Neuroscience Series #2] Perfectionism Rewired Ep. 249Can't Stop Ruminating? Here's Why [Neuroscience Series #3] Perfectionism Rewired Ep. 250 TIMESTAMPS:0:53-Why You're Not Making Progress Despite Trying Harder02:15-Allostasis: How Your Brain Allocates05:07-The Hidden Reason Therapy Isn’t Working06:30-Why Perfectionist Brains Cost More to Operate07:25-Living in a Depleted State Without Realizing It09:31-Stressed out: Eustress vs. Distress10:29-Truth about Cortisol + Stress Response12:35-The Slow Drip of Perfectionist Burnout15:17-How to Tell if You’re Running on Empty Citations/Sources:Barrett, L. F. (2017). How emotions are made: The secret life of the brain. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.Bobba-Alves, N., Juster, R.-P., & Picard, M. (2022). The energetic cost of allostasis and allostatic load. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 146, 105951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105951Dwyer, P. (2022). The Neurodiversity Approach(es): What Are They and What Do They Mean for Researchers? Human Development, 66(2), 73–92. https://doi.org/10.1159/000523723Ganzel, B. L., & Morris, P. A. (2011). Allostasis and the developing human brain: Explicit consideration of implicit models. Development and Psychopathology, 23(4), 955–974. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0954579411000447Guidi, J., Lucente, M., Sonino, N., & Fava, Giovanni A. (2020). Allostatic Load and Its Impact on Health: A Systematic Review. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 90(1), 11–27. https://doi.org/10.1159/000510696Kleckner, I. R., Zhang, J., Touroutoglou, A., Chanes, L., Xia, C., Simmons, W. K., Quigley, K. S., Dickerson, B. C., & Feldman Barrett, L. (2017). Evidence for a large-scale brain system supporting allostasis and interoception in humans. Nature Human Behaviour, 1(5). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-017-0069Knezevic, E., Katarina Nenic, Milanovic, V., & Knezevic, N. N. (2023). The Role of Cortisol in Chronic Stress, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Psychological Disorders. Cells, 12(23), 2726–2726. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12232726McEwen, B. S., & Gianaros, P. J. (2011). Stress- and Allostasis-Induced Brain Plasticity. Annual Review of Medicine, 62(1), 431–445. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-med-052209-100430
Perfectionism Rewired is committed to truth and accuracy through a perfectionist affirming lens, offering cutting-edge research on perfectionism, interoception + neuroscience, for the practical perfectionist who wants to enjoy the life they've worked so hard to create.

Mar 24, 2025 • 7min
Neuroplasticity
Discover how neuroplasticity can transform your mindset and combat perfectionism. Learn why brain flexibility diminishes after 45 and the importance of using it or losing it. Real-life coaching breakthroughs demonstrate that change is possible. Get insights into overcoming rumination, self-doubt, and overanalyzing mistakes. This engaging discussion offers practical strategies for achieving cognitive flexibility and personal transformation.

Mar 15, 2025 • 22min
Can’t Stop Ruminating? Here's Why
Struggling with constant overthinking? Discover the reasons behind ruminating and perfectionist tendencies. Learn how chronic stress can hinder your brain's ability to change. Explore how past experiences create a false sense of danger and stifle decision-making. Uncover six sneaky ways your brain clings to outdated habits, contributing to a cycle of self-doubt. It's time to break free and embrace a joyful, ambitious mindset, transforming your mental landscape into one of empowerment.

Mar 1, 2025 • 17min
Perfectionist Tendencies Begin In Your Brain
Are you constantly overthinking or replaying conversations in your mind? Discover how perfectionistic traits like rigidity and over-preparing signal a misfiring brain. The discussion dives into the neuroscience of overthinking and how catastrophizing can lead to chronic stress. You'll learn about neuroplasticity and effective strategies to rewire your thought patterns, ultimately helping you transition from black-and-white thinking to a more balanced perspective. It's time to feel aligned on the inside with how you appear on the outside!

Feb 17, 2025 • 22min
Tired of Feeling Overwhelmed? Start Here
Feeling overwhelmed? Discover why precise emotional labeling is crucial for managing anxiety and stress. Unpack the physiological power of words and how they impact your body’s response. Explore techniques for emotional regulation and learn how to rewire your brain. The podcast also introduces the concept of becoming an 'Emotional Sommelier,' helping you construct and express feelings more accurately. Embrace a new perspective to transform your perfectionism and empower your emotional health!

Feb 6, 2025 • 24min
The Right Way To Compare Yourself
Self-comparison can be a trap, especially for perfectionists. Discover empowering ways to reshape how you compare yourself and the importance of the CAKE skill set—Connect, Accept, Kindness, Empathy. Explore the difference between healthy and unhealthy comparisons and learn how to break free from fear-based striving. With tools to instantly upgrade your perspective, embrace the present while fostering personal growth. It’s time to feel as amazing inside as your life looks on paper!

Jan 30, 2025 • 24min
How Can I Stop Comparing Myself
Perfectionists struggle with self-comparison, often leading to hidden costs like self-punishment. Tactical approaches to stop comparing fall flat; it's essential to focus on skill development rather than mere knowledge. Scientific insights reveal why perfectionists find it harder to break this cycle. The podcast illustrates this through a fascinating study on Olympic medalists, showing that silver medalists often feel more disappointment than bronze ones. Embracing acceptance and choosing growth over a fear of failure are key to rewiring these harmful habits.