logo
episode-header-image
May 2022
41m 50s

Breaking Up with Perfectionism

TED
About this episode

Perfectionism is on the rise–and not just in job interviews when people claim it’s their greatest weakness. But the desire to be flawless is not always productive—or healthy. As a recovering perfectionist, Adam dives into how he managed to abandon the quest for 10s while holding onto his drive for excellence. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/WL45

We have a quick favor to ask you! We love making the show, and we're always trying to make it better. So if you have a few minutes, please take our survey at surveynerds.com/worklife

For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcripts


Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
ReThinking: Breaking leadership barriers with hockey coach Jessica Campbell
Jessica Campbell is a hockey coach with the Seattle Kraken, and the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history to work behind the bench. In this episode, Jessica and Adam reflect on the lessons from being the first or only girl on a team, break down Jessica’s three cor ... Show More
37m 3s
Mar 10
ReThinking: How to spot psychopaths and narcissists, with Leanne ten Brinke
Leanne ten Brinke is a social psychologist at the University of British Columbia and an expert on narcissists, psychopaths, and liars. In this episode, Leanne and Adam debunk common myths about people with these dark personality traits and share tips for spotting them.They also b ... Show More
35m 25s
Mar 3
ReThinking: Esther Perel on the relationship baggage we bring to work
Esther Perel is a psychotherapist known for her innovative approach to relationships. In this episode, Adam and Esther discuss the relational baggage we all carry through our lives and into our work, and how our differing personalities and relationship styles can affect collabora ... Show More
36m 55s
Recommended Episodes
May 2022
Breaking up with perfectionism | WorkLife with Adam Grant
Perfectionism is on the rise -- and not just in job interviews when people claim it's their greatest weakness. But the desire to be flawless is not always productive or healthy. As a recovering perfectionist, organizational psychologist Adam Grant dives into how he managed to aba ... Show More
42m 26s
May 2022
Breaking Up with Perfectionism | WorkLife with Adam Grant
Perfectionism is on the rise–and not just in job interviews when people claim it’s their greatest weakness. But the desire to be flawless is not always productive—or healthy. As a recovering perfectionist, organizational psychologist Adam Grant dives into how he managed to abando ... Show More
42m 30s
Sep 2021
749 - The Truth About Perfectionism
Get this episode ad-free when you join TLBC+ today: https://tlbc.co/join In this episode, I share the truth about perfectionism. Get excited, because this is Tiny Leaps, Big Changes. Welcome to another episode of Tiny Leaps, Big Changes where I share research-backed strategies yo ... Show More
16m 5s
Dec 2021
Perfectionism is an EXCUSE To Not Take Action
<p>Today's episode is a classic segment from GaryVeeTV! Perfection is only an excuse people use to hide their insecurities or explain why they aren't doing something they don't want to do. Aiming for "perfection" is actually slowing you down from reaching your goals. Once you rea ... Show More
10m 33s
Nov 2021
Perfectionism is an EXCUSE To Not Take Action
<p>Today's episode is a classic segment from GaryVeeTV! Perfection is only an excuse people use to hide their insecurities or explain why they aren't doing something they don't want to do. Aiming for "perfection" is actually slowing you down from reaching your goals. Once you rea ... Show More
10m 32s
Oct 2023
Escaping Perfectionism
<p>Perfectionism is everyone’s favorite flaw. It’s easy to assume that our push to be perfect is what leads to academic, athletic, and professional success.  But psychologist <a href="https://www.thomascurran.co.uk/">Thomas Curran</a> says perfectionism has a dark side, and that ... Show More
52m 50s
Sep 2023
Ep.54 Perfectionism Is Holding You Back: How To Achieve AND Be Highly Productive [SOLO EP]
“You have this false perception that perfectionism is good for your work, but realistically it’s actually harming your work in the long term” 💅🏼 In this week's solo ep, we're talking all about perfectionism - in work, relationships and life in general, with the aim to reframe o ... Show More
22m 8s
Dec 2022
Adam Grant on Perfectionism and Procrastination
<p><em>New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.</em></p> <p>---</p> <p>According to guest Adam Grant, excellence does not require perfectionism, and rather than obsessing over the outcome of your work, ... Show More
1h 8m
Oct 2018
Perfect Is the Enemy
Perfectionist tendencies are a trap that can be difficult to avoid, but we’ll be more productive and advance faster if we don’t worry so much about making the occasional mistake. We talk about how perfectionists can get out of their own way, and how to effectively manage a perfec ... Show More
36m 59s