Escaping Perfectionism with Thomas Curran

Everyday Better with Leah Smart

Thomas Curran is a Professor of Psychology at the London School of Economics. His first book, The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, charts the recent rise in perfectionism among young people, exposes the paradoxical effects of perfectionism on everything from work performance to relationships and argues for a “good enough” approach to work that prioritizes sustainability over growth.

On this episode of Everyday Better, Thomas joins Leah to talk about where perfectionism comes from, why it’s so harmful and how to break free from the internal and external pressures we feel to be perfect. They also take a critical look at the “growth mindset” and reflect on their own journeys towards overcoming perfectionism in their professional and personal lives.

Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.

Follow Thomas Curran on LinkedIn.

For more on perfectionism, check out Thomas’s book The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough.

Sign up for Leah’s weekly newsletter to get practical tips on how to level up with small steps every day.