Conscientiousness, perseverance and meticulousness are all words associated with perfectionism. But perfectionism comes from a deeper sense of inadequacy, of not feeling good enough. Constantly striving to prove yourself leads to anxiety, depression and burnout. Researcher Thomas Curran describes perfectionism in detail, why it’s getting worse and what we can do about it.
Thomas Curran is a professor of psychology and behavioral science at the esteemed London School of Economics and author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, just released on August 8, 2023. In the book he explores the roots of perfectionism in wider society and explains how it affects our mental health and productivity.
Perfectionism has risen sharply since the mid-2000s, which Thomas attributes to societal pressures like social media, smartphones, economic instability, and an emphasis on educational and career achievement. Collectively, these factors have led to increased feelings of not measuring up. Thomas argues that perfectionism is as much a cultural issue as a personal one, influenced by an economic model that demands constant growth and consumption.
Topics
(5:18) Welcome to Thomas Curran.
(7:30) What exactly is perfectionism?
(9:46) How growing the economy feeds into perfectionism.
(13:38) The hustle of “successful” people and why we need to look beyond it.
(17:47) How perfectionism can sabotage your own success.
(21:10) What parents can do to help minimize perfectionism in their children.
(24:05) How we can be encumbered with a growth mindset.
(26:01) The 3 types of perfectionism.
(27:50) Does perfectionism self correct with age?
(29:58) Why perfectionism has risen since 2007.
(38:56) How society could change to minimize perfectionism.
(47:52) What music would Thomas take to a desert island?
(51:54) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on perfectionism.
© 2023 Behavioral Grooves
Links
The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough: https://amzn.to/3RtWGP5
Thomas Curran: https://www.thomascurran.co.uk/
Episode 301, How To Fix Burnout (Hint: It Isn’t Another Yoga Session) with Jennifer Moss: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/how-to-fix-burnout-jennifer-moss/
Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves
Musical Links
Joy Division “Love will tear us apart”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuuObGsB0No
Bruno Mars “That’s what I like”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMivT7MJ41M
For Revolutionary Solutions, Look To Evolutionary Ideas | Sam Tatam
Why Mindset Matters Most: The Secrets of Achievement | Paul Szyarto
Women Do Too Much Non-Promotable Work: How To Say No More with Linda Babcock
How The Invisible Influence of Culture Shapes Our Behavior | Michele Gelfand
The Psychological Benefits of Using a Process to Achieve an Outcome | Joseph Keebler PhD & Peter Krask
Transport Your Thinking; Why We Need To Reframe Travel | Rory Sutherland & Pete Dyson
Why Not All Nudges Work ”In The Wild” | Nina Mazar & Dilip Soman
The Steps Needed To Empower the Powerless | Julie Battilana PhD
Why Talking To Strangers Is Actually Good For Your Wellbeing | Nick Epley
If You’re Wrong It’s Meaningless, But If I’m Wrong It’s Valuable | Peter Montoya
The Three Phases of Growth and Learning | Whitney Johnson
Mindset Matters Most: Top Tips from The Sales Evangelist, Donald C. Kelly
Is The A-nus Really The Key To All Intelligent Life? | Henry Gee
Why Applying Behavioral Science to Public Policy Delivers Better Policy | David Yokum PhD
Why Leaders Need To Care For People, Not Manage Them | Sesil Pir
Do We Judge Others By The Way They Speak? | Katherine Kinzler PhD
We Are Greater Together; The Power Of Belonging | Dominic Packer PhD
How Can Smart, Kind People Harness Their Influence? | Zoe Chance
No Regrets? Really? Why Regrets Actually Bring Us Hope | Daniel H. Pink
How To Stay Motivated So You Exceed Your Goals | Ayelet Fishbach PhD
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Poetry of Science
Hidden Brain
Choiceology with Katy Milkman
The Science of Happiness
The Psychology Podcast