The Perfection Trap
Embracing the Power of Good Enough
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4.4 • 5 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
“Offers a hopeful beacon and a steady path for anyone struggling to find their footing in a world of impossible standards.” —Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive and The Power of Regret
In the tradition of Brené Brown’s bestseller The Gifts of Imperfection, this illuminating book by an acclaimed professor at the London School of Economics explores how the pursuit of perfection can become a dangerous obsession that leads to burnout and depression—keeping us from achieving our goals.
Today, burnout and depression are at record levels, driven by a combination of intense workplace competition, oppressively ubiquitous social media encouraging comparisons with others, the quest for elite credentials, and helicopter parenting. Society continually broadcasts the need to want more, and to be perfect.
Gathering a wide range of contemporary evidence, Curran offers “a clear-eyed look at how perfectionism and its capitalistic ‘obsession with boundless growth’ has contributed to mass discontent and insecurity” (Publishers Weekly). He shows what we can do as individuals to resist the modern-day pressure to be perfect, and in so doing, win for ourselves a more purposeful and contented life.
Filled with “many useful lessons and valuable insights…This book offers an alternative path to a fulfilling, productive life” (Kirkus Reviews) and the relief of letting go to focus on what matters most.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Curran, an associate professor of psychology at the London School of Economics, debuts with a clear-eyed look at how perfectionism and its capitalistic "obsession with boundless growth" has contributed to mass discontent and insecurity. He outlines different types of perfectionism, including self-oriented (perfectionism directed from within), socially prescribed (perfectionism directed from external sources), and other-oriented (the notion that other people must be perfect). Overcoming perfectionism isn't simple, Curran acknowledges, advising readers to begin by recognizing it as a problem and "making a wholehearted commitment to acceptance of who we are and where we're at in life," even if "such acceptance may never be fully realized." His tips for reaching toward acceptance include making a list of "what perfect looks like to you," choosing to challenge that notion in some way (such as by striking up an impromptu conversation with a stranger, risking embarrassment), and learning that anxiety will pass. Curran adds that despite the perfectionistic urge to "sacrifice ourselves at the altar of our jobs," research reveals that "employees who give themselves work-life balance are far more productive." Ultimately, he advises readers to "trust... that you can be happy when things are good enough." Supported by scholarly research and down-to-earth personal anecdotes, Curran's explication is smart, thorough, and reassuring. The burned-out will find solace here.
Customer Reviews
My Review
I liked how the book gave a good explanation on how thinking about perfection can make us feel insecure when others want to do better in academics or sports as time goes on.