The Perfection Trap: The Power Of Good Enough In A World That Always Wants More

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A ground-breaking and honest examination of the recent rise in perfectionism, which asks how we got here, how we can embrace imperfection and, ultimately, how as a society we might get out. 'This book will transform how you think about success' Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, creators of High Performance Today, burnout and depression are at record levels, driven by a combination of intense workplace competition, the comparative world of social media, the quest for elite credentials, and helicopter parenting. Society continually broadcasts the need to want more, and that we have to be perfect to get it. Why is this a trap, and how can we escape it Gathering a wide range of contemporary evidence, acclaimed professor at the London School of Economics Thomas Curran calls for both a mindset shift and broader, societal change. He explores the paradoxical effects of perfectionism on everything from performance to social and financial inequality, and shows what we can do as individuals to resist the modern-day pressure to be perfect - and how we can create a culture that celebrates the joys of imperfection.

Reviews

Even if you don't think of yourself as a perfectionist, this remarkable book will illuminate some insidious effects of perfectionism in your life, as well as in society . . . Research-based, wise, and practical, The Perfection Trap is a must-read -- Amy C. Edmondson, Professor, Harvard Business School and author of RIGHT KIND OF WRONG
A powerful, poignant book on the impossibly high expectations that stand in the way of happiness, health, and success. Thomas Curran is the world's leading expert on perfectionism, and he's written the definitive book on why it's rising, how it wreaks havoc on our lives, and what we can do to stop it. If you've ever found yourself fearing failure, ruminating about mistakes, or just feeling that you aren't good enough, this is a must read. -- Adam Grant, bestselling author of THINK AGAIN
This book will transform how you think about success. It is a must-read for anyone interested in living meaningfully and achieving lasting happiness -- Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, creators of HIGH PERFORMANCE
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
A beautiful, reflective and rigorous exploration of the causes and consequences of perfectionism. Curran doesn't shy away from analyzing either the psycho-spiritual, or the political, cultural and economic, sources of this malaise, yielding a fascinating and panoramic analysis of perfectionism in modern capitalist societies -- Grace Blakeley, author of STOLEN
Almost every page spoke to me directly . . . I loved it -- Joe Wilkinson
A manifesto damning our economic system for creating and maintaining a warped set of values that drive perfectionism . . . Ive always had a vague sense of these forces, but Ive never seen this theory laid out so succinctly . . . As an explanation of how the destructive illusion of perfectionism arises and as a critique of the economy that creates it, this is an important book * Wall Street Journal *
The Perfection Trap makes a stirring and delightful case for getting over our culture's 'favorite flaw.' Paradoxically, perfectionism is keeping us from being so much better. Thomas Curran is an accomplished scientist whose knack for empathetic storytelling is on display as he reveals the human beings - including himself - behind the statistics on perfectionism, anxiety, and the insecurity built into our economic and social systems. This book gives me hope that you, I, all of us can let go of the impossible ideals that frustrate so many lives -- Jonathan Malesic, author of THE END OF BURNOUT
An amazing piece of work -- Gwyneth Paltrow
An enjoyable read -- Steve Levitt, author of FREAKONOMICS

Author Bio

Thomas Curran is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics. Perfectionism is his primary area of expertise. He has written for the Harvard Business Review, and his work has been covered by publications including the Guardian, Telegraph, and Ariana Huffington's 'Thrive Global' campaign. In 2018, he gave a TEDMED talk entitled 'Our Dangerous Obsession with Perfectionism is Getting Worse'.