The Perfection Trap With Thomas Curran BE GOOD! podcast

4M ago 55:41

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🎧 In this episode we are honored to welcome Dr. Thomas Curran, acclaimed social psychologist and Associate Professor at the London School of Economics.

Dr. Curran's groundbreaking research focuses on perfectionism and its alarming rise among young people in the 21st century. His pioneering work examining the psychological impact of neoliberalism, competitive educational systems, and meritocracy has been featured in leading publications worldwide and has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of contemporary mental health challenges.

Today we're excited to discuss his compelling and timely book, "The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough in a World That Pushes Us to Extremes."

During this thought-provoking conversation, we'll explore:

🧠 How perfectionism has evolved into a social epidemic affecting younger generations
💰 The hidden costs of perfectionism in organizations
🔎 The hidden psychological costs of our achievement-oriented culture and its connection to rising anxiety, depression, and burnout
⚔️ Evidence-based strategies for breaking free from perfectionism's grip and embracing "good enough" in our personal and professional lives
🌍 How cultural shifts and social media have accelerated perfectionist tendencies worldwide

💡 To learn more about Dr. Curran's work, you can find his extensive research publications in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and through his institutional profile at LSE.

📚 In addition, Dr. Curran regularly shares accessible insights through his viral TED talk "Our dangerous obsession with perfectionism is getting worse" (over 2 million views) and articles in prestigious publications like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC.

And now more about us by visiting our website 👉 https://www.bvanudgeconsulting.com/

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Chapters

1. Professor Curran's Unexpected Path: From Football to Psychology (00:01:54)

2. Developing a Focus on Perfectionism: Personal Struggles & Academic Research (00:05:45)

3. Unpacking Perfectionism: The Multi-Dimensional Trait (00:12:26)

4. Perfectionism as a Societal Adaptation: Beyond a Personality Trait (00:14:11)

5. Driving Forces: Social Media & Competition (00:15:44)

6. The Influence of Neoliberal Values & Education System: The Tyranny of Could (00:19:50)

7. The Cost of Perfection: Mental Health Consequences (00:25:09)

8. Perfectionism's Paradox: Hindering Performance & Straining Relationships (00:28:11)

9. Perfectionism in the Workplace: Performance, Culture, and Innovation (00:33:50)

10. Escaping the Trap: Systemic Solutions & Redefining Success (00:38:49)

52 episodes