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Our dangerous obsession with perfectionism is getting worse

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About this talk

“I’m a perfectionist” is a personality flaw that most people are happy to self-identify with. And for good reason—being a perfectionist implies working hard and never settling, qualities that are celebrated in our achievement and success-oriented society. While a person’s quest for perfection is usually made in the well-intentioned pursuit of improvement and advancement, perfectionism is often a never-ending summit, a cycle of self defeat in the face of impossible standards.

About Thomas Curran

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Thomas Curran is a leading expert on perfectionism and its effects on mental health. He is a professor of psychological and behavioral science at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His research focuses on how societal pressures and an emphasis on achievement have led to a rise in perfectionism, especially among young people. His work, which has been featured in major publications and media, argues that the constant drive to be perfect is a major cause of anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health issues. His book, The Perfection Trap: The Power of Good Enough in a World That Never Stops, explains how society promotes perfectionism and offers advice on how to combat it. Thomas has published numerous scientific papers and is a sought-after speaker on the topic of mental health and well-being. His research has shown that perfectionism is not a positive trait but a serious problem that is worsening. He advocates for changing our values and priorities as a society to focus more on health and happiness, rather than on unattainable perfection.

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