Embrace Imperfection and Challenge Yourself

How can you strive for excellence without overworking yourself? Why is perfectionism on the rise? And is Angela part of the problem?

• SOURCES:
  • Kristin Andrus, philanthropist.
  • Aaron (Tim) Beck, professor emeritus of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania.
  • Thomas Curran, professor of psychological and behavioral science at the London School of Economics.
  • Julia DiGangi, neuropsychologist.
  • Zac Efron, actor.
  • Scott Hugo, housing justice attorney at Oakland City Attorney's Office.

• RESOURCES:
  • "For Happiness in the New Year, Stop Overdoing Everything," by Julia DiGangi (The Wall Street Journal, 2023).
  • "Good Enough," by Thomas Curran (Character Lab, 2023).
  • The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, by Thomas Curran (2023).
  • "Perfectionism Is Not the Secret to Success (and Pursuing It May Guarantee the Opposite)," by Next Big Idea Club (Fast Company, 2023).
  • "Zac Efron Rides Again," by Lauren Larson (Men's Health, 2022).
  • "Tim Beck’s Final Brainstorms," by Stephen Fried (The Philadelphia Gazette, 2022).
  • "Perfectionism Is Increasing Over Time: A Meta-Analysis of Birth Cohort Differences From 1989 to 2016," by Thomas Curran and Andrew P. Hill (Psychological Bulletin, 2019).
  • "UCLA Senior From Alamo Among 32 Rhodes Scholars," by Steve Rubenstein (SFGate, 2008).

• EXTRAS:
  • "What Does Success Look Like?" by No Stupid Questions (2024).
  • "Is Perfectionism Ruining Your Life?" by People I (Mostly) Admire (2023).
  • "Are You Suffering From Burnout?" by No Stupid Questions (2023).
  • Happy Days, TV series (1974-1984).
  • The Period Project.