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Perfectionism is a pervasive issue that affects many people's lives, from mental health to work environments. Research shows that 92% of people are affected by perfectionism, and 86% believe it impacts their work. But where does this come from?

Is it our upbringing, internal narratives, or even our physical brain structure? This episode explores the psychology of perfectionism, its effects on mental health, and how it impacts our ability to achieve goals.

Perfectionism can create a toxic dynamic where others' affection and validation become conditional on achieving flawlessness.

To combat perfectionism in the workplace:

• Establish clarity with clear goals and expectations
• Focus on the journey, not just the destination
• Embrace a growth mindset
• Give positive feedback
• Learn to be patient
• Practice open communication
• Be brave

Progress requires a shift away from the pursuit of flawlessness and towards embracing imperfection. By acknowledging our own perfectionism tendencies and practicing these strategies, we can collaborate more freely, take risks without fear of failure, and celebrate progress along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Perfectionism is a pervasive issue that affects many people's lives.
• It can create a toxic dynamic where others' affection and validation become conditional on achieving flawlessness.
• Combating perfectionism in the workplace requires a shift towards embracing imperfection.
• Strategies for overcoming perfectionism include establishing clarity, focusing on the journey, and practicing open communication

Resources: Visit Humility Resources blog at www.humilityresources.com to learn more about working with perfectionism and developing strategies for collaboration.

Sources:

Damiano, S. (2023, March, 2). Having the courage to let go of perfectionism [Online article]. Retrieved from https://www.aboutmybrain.com/blog/having-the-courage-to-let-go-of-perfectionism

Reilly, C. (2024, February 13). Why perfectionism is bad for your wellbeing. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/colleenreilly/2024/02/13/wouldnt-it-be-nice-to-be-perfect-studies-say-perhaps-not/

APA Dictionary of Psychology.  https://dictionary.apa.org/perfectionism

Wu D, Wang K, Wei D, et al. Perfectionism mediated the relationship between brain structure variation and negative emotion in a nonclinical sample. Cogn Affect Behav Neurosci 2017; 17: 211–223.

Kim S, Lee D. Prefrontal cortex and impulsive decision making. Biol Psychiatry 2011; 69: 1140–1146.

Aupperle RL, Paulus MP. Neural systems underlying approach and avoidance in anxiety disorders. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2010; 12: 517–531.

Bromberg-Martin ES, Matsumoto M, Hikosaka O. Dopamine in motivational control: rewarding, aversive, and alerting. Neuron 2010; 68: 815–834.

Paul L Hewitt GLF. When does conscientiousness become perfectionism? Current Psychiatry; 6.

Benson E. The Many Faces of Perfectionism. American Psychological Association 2003; 34: 18.