Ep 174: Four Ways to Overcome Perfectionism

The Purposeful Career Podcast

Have you ever held yourself to a standard so high that anything less than perfect felt like a failure? That's a question I pondered deeply after reading a Harvard Business Review article on the three types of perfectionism. I know...who knew there were three types?
In this episode we discuss the three types of perfectionism identified by psychologists Paul Hewitt and Gordon Flett. We'll uncover the sources of pressure, from internal drivers to societal expectations, and the often-unspoken connection between perfectionism and procrastination—a revelation that hit close to home.
This episode isn't just for those who label themselves perfectionists; it's a mirror for anyone who's felt the weight of relentless standards, including leaders and caregivers of the high-achievers among us.
Embarking on this journey of self-discovery is more than just an intellectual exercise; it's about transforming the way we live and interact with the world. Awareness is the first step, and we'll navigate the tricky terrain of negative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy that frequently accompany perfectionist tendencies.
Finally, I'll share four game-changing perspectives to help shift your mindset, from embracing failure as a stepping stone to setting achievable goals. Whether you're wrestling with self-oriented perfectionism or find yourself imposing these expectations on others, this episode promises to shed light on strategies that will empower you to break free from the shackles of perfection and celebrate the beauty of being perfectly imperfect.

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Chapter

1. Understanding Perfectionism (00:00:00)

2. Overcoming Perfectionist Tendencies Through Awareness (00:16:28)