How to Avoid the Trap of Perfectionism with Professor Thomas Curran

The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux

Thomas Curran is a professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and author of a landmark study that the BBC hailed as “the first to compare perfectionism across generations.” His TED Talk on perfectionism has received more than three million views. He is the author of THE PERFECTION TRAP: Embracing the Power of Good Enough which we discuss in depth. If you feel like you or your child struggles with perfectionism this is a must listen!

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WE DISCUSS:

1. Thomas’ definition of perfectionism.
2. The three perfectionism dimensions.
3. How behind perfectionism is a feeling of not being “good enough”.
4. How it can lead to anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and feelings of suicide.
5. The impact social media has on fueling perfectionism especially as it relates to teens and younger adults.
6. The role of procrastination as it relates to perfectionism.
7. Ways to navigate perfectionism so it doesn’t rule your life, and more.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Join Michele’s Newsletter
• Michele on Instagram
• Michele’s Book
• Website: https://www.thomascurran.co.uk/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/thom-curran/
• https://twitter.com/thom_curran?lang=en
• Book: The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough
• Ted talk: Our dangerous obsession with perfectionism is getting worse.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Thomas Curran is a professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and author of a landmark study that the BBC hailed as “the first to compare perfectionism across generations.” His TED Talk on perfectionism has received more than three million views. His research has been featured in media ranging from the Harvard Business Review to New Scientist to CNN and he has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. He is the author of THE PERFECTION TRAP: Embracing the Power of Good Enough

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