Perfectionism is the tendency to set excessively high standards for oneself or others and is accompanied by self-criticism and fear of failure. While it can drive work ethic and ambition, it also magnifies stress and leads to emotional vulnerabilities, burnout, and inefficiency.
Outcome
Participants will gain evidence-based insight from the latest academic research into the distinction between pursuing high standards and perfectionism, the effects of perfectionism on well-being and performance, the particular challenges it poses for the contemporary workforce, and strategies that both individuals and organisations can employ to mitigate its influence.
Why Dr Curran?
Dr Thomas Curran is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the London School of Economics, the author of the international bestselling book THE PERFECTION TRAP, and the “world’s leading expert” on perfectionism.
Popular Perfectionism Topics
The Perfectionism Paradox
In theory, perfectionists are committed to excellence, meticulous, hard-working, and take immense pride in their work. In reality, perfectionists are overworked, chronically burned out, self-sabotaging, and perpetually dissatisfied with their accomplishments. Not only do they suffer, their work suffers as well. Their workload overwhelms them because they struggle to delegate. Innovation is stifled because they’re too scared of failure to take risks and try new things. Procrastination becomes a coping mechanism for the anxiety that comes when facing challenging tasks.
In this presentation, Thomas Curran outlines the many ways that perfectionism itself is the hurdle preventing us from doing our best work. With illuminating case studies and evidence-based strategies, he offers eye-opening insights into how letting go of the need for perfection can paradoxically unlock higher performance and greater fulfillment in our lives and careers.
The Myths and Truths of Perfectionism
In this session, Thomas Curran explores the science of perfectionism. Although an often-glamorized trait, research shows that it can in fact lead to mental health difficulties, reduced accomplishment, and burnout. He explains how perfectionism is not about pursuing excellence but about compensating for feeling of not being enough, which result in worry, anxiety, and procrastination due to paralysing fears of failure. All of which hinder innovation and productivity as people recoil from making mistakes, and experience strained relationships from the fear of receiving critical feedback.
Combatting Self-Criticism
In this talk, Thomas Curran will describe how self-criticism erodes morale and diminishes self-confidence. With illuminating case studies and cutting-edge research, he will show how perfectionism leads to the habituation of negative self-beliefs, which contaminates motivation and hinders personal growth. He will introduce the latest work on cultivating self-compassion and practicing gratitude, which can help people combat self-criticism, fostering a kinder outlook on work (and life) and enhancing overall well-being.
Imposterism
Imposterism (vis-a-vis imposter syndrome) manifests as a persistent feeling of inadequacy despite evidence of success, causing individuals to constantly doubt their achievements and abilities. Perfectionism and Imposterism are closely related by how the two conspire to undermine confidence and professional advancement. Tom outlines how, via evidence-based strategies, adequate changes can be put into practice, and this debilitating affliction be overcome.
More keynote topics
Whilst renowned for his groundbreaking work on perfectionism, Dr Curran also offers a range of speaking topics that delve into the complexities of human behaviour, mental health, and team performance.