How to Fight Perfectionism

Perfectionism can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

• Laurie Santos warns, “When we tie our worth to our achievements, any setback feels like a personal failure.”
• Perfectionism is linked to higher rates of clinical depression. Curran’s meta-analyses suggest perfectionists are more likely to experience chronic stress.

Shifting the focus from perfection to progress can foster well-being.

• Santos emphasizes, “When we focus on learning and growth instead of flawlessness, we gain more satisfaction from the journey.”
• Practical Tip: Replace rigid goals with flexible ones, celebrating small wins and progress rather than unattainable standards.

Self-Compassion: Treat yourself as you would a close friend who is struggling.

• “Self-compassion isn’t about lowering standards; it’s about being kind to ourselves while pursuing those standards.”

Mindfulness: Cultivate present-moment awareness to reduce overthinking.

• “Mindfulness helps us detach from the narratives of perfectionism and focus on what truly matters.”

Reframing Failure: View mistakes as opportunities for growth.

• “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a step toward it.”

Perfectionism often stems from external validation rather than internal fulfillment.

• Laurie Santos concludes, “True happiness comes from accepting our imperfections and recognizing our inherent worth.”