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The Perfection Trap

The Power of Good Enough in a World That Always Wants More

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The Perfection Trap

By: Thomas Curran
Narrated by: Sid Sagar
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

When did 'good enough' become the same as 'perfect'? Why does society increasingly promote ideals that are completely unrealistic? And what does it mean for all of us that perfectionism is on the rise?

In The Perfection Trap, you'll discover what's really driving the rise in perfectionism, its impact on how we learn, work, parent and relate to ourselves and each other. From the personal to the impact on the economy, grounded in over a decade of research and filled with real stories, this timely book reveals how our quest for perfection impacts our health and mental well-being and promises practical techniques and policy proposals to help us break free of the perfection trap.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Thomas Curran (P)2023 Penguin Audio
Personal Success Social Psychology & Interactions Mental Health
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Critic reviews

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)
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 writ large. Fortunately, Thomas Curran offers a way out, a way to increase our fulfillment and joy by learning how to embrace the power of "good enough". 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)
Packed with vivid and thought-provoking case studies, this book will transform how you think about success. It reveals how perfectionism has come to plague all our lives - and what we should do in response. It is a must-read for anyone interested in living meaningfully and achieving lasting happiness (Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, creators of HIGH PERFORMANCE)

What listeners say about The Perfection Trap

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Radical and Powerful

The Perfection Trap is an audacious book that fearlessly challenges the traditional self-help genre and takes a revolutionary approach to tackling the pervasive scourge of perfectionism. With its bold insights and refreshing perspective, this book is a game-changer for anyone trapped in the relentless pursuit of more.

Thomas Curran masterfully weaves personal anecdotes, scientific research, and expert interviews to present a thought-provoking title that turns conventional wisdom on its head. From the get-go, you'll realize this is not just another run-of-the-mill self-help guide; it's a daring exploration of the human psyche inside a world that always demands more, urging listeners to take a closer look at what they're told is the "good life" - fitter, bigger, better - and ask whether, actually, that way of living is doing more harm than good.

While some listeners may initially find the ideas presented in The Perfection Trap uncomfortable, it is precisely this discomfort that signals the book's transformative power. It challenges preconceived notions and invites readers to question societal norms. This audiobook is not for those seeking life hacks and quick fixes. It is for those seeking genuine change and collective liberation from the shackles of our society's obsession with perfection.

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Perfect book for how not to be perfect

I really enjoyed this book and appreciated the personal story alongside science and research. I’ve dealt with a lot of my own stuff around perfectionism and it really resonated for me. Also, very useful in my line of work as a leadership consultant and facilitator as it comes up a lot in individuals but also is ingrained in the culture of many organisations.
Only part I would disagree with is that not all life coaches preach the be positive approach. That’s just not realistic and therefore I felt it was a bit of a generalisation especially as one of the reasons I was able to unhook myself from my own perfectionist traits was with the support of a coach. They definitely didn’t take a be positive stance.

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Very insightful

Insightful and well supported look into modern epidemic of perfection. Highly recommend to all suffering from work stress and burnout.

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Wonderfully uplifting

I found this book oddly uplifting despite the fact that it outlines in just how many ways our society, economy and political systems seem to be trapping us in unhealthy levels of perfectionism. It seems like we are slowly headed in the right direction societally, and until then, we can try our best not to perpetuate unhealthy perfectionism in ourselves or our loved ones.

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Fascinating

Really helped my understanding of perfectionism and how not my fault!
Interesting & challenging theories on how to reduce the problem.
Well read
Fascinating book that held my attention through to the end & o think has given me permission for self compassion.

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Incredible Book

This is an incredible book. It begins in a scientific self-help style, with stories interspersed with data. But then it moves to a much broader explanation of perfectionism as a cultural phenomenon, and, unlike most books in this genre, follows this logic through to societal implications and solutions. While one might criticise the practicality of these solutions, the author needs to be congratulated for having the guts to at least "go there" and, in doing so, open up a conversation about issues surrounding defectiveness and unrelenting expectations being driven largely by macro factors. Definitely worth a read if you're looking for help understanding where perfectionism comes from.

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Rambling and repetitive

A very disappointing book on an interesting subject. A rambling text that skirts what the author could have tackled, namely how to identify and deal with perfectionism in oneself and others. For me, a frustrating listen in anticipation of practical guidance.

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