#16: Perfectionism

In this episode, we unpack Perfectionism!  The good, the bad and the ugly!!  We use real life examples to explain how maladaptive perfectionistic tendencies can be and the directions we can take towards a more healthy, high achieving model for our behavior.  Enjoy this candid but real look into why physicians develop the former and have to LEARN the latter!!

Perfectionism:

• rejects failure
• rejects negative emotion
• expects endless positive emotions
• sets unrealistic goals and then brushes them off when achieved
• expects reality to be perfect, when reality is actually messy

High Achiever:

• accepts failure as unavoidable and an opportunity for growth
• accepts, feels, allows negative emotions
• sets challenging goals based on reality and celebrates achievements
• accepts reality as it is and optimizes every opportunity to improve

Publications discussed:

Tal Ben-Shahar (2009). “The Pursuit of Perfect: How to Stop Chasing Perfection and Start Living a Richer, Happier Life”, McGraw Hill Professional.

Also check out our article on perfectionism in Emergency Medicine News:

 https://journals.lww.com/em-news/fulltext/2022/05000/wellness_911_the_price_of_perfection.22.aspx

 

If you want to work with us, visit our website: www.thewholephysician.com. We have private coaching and CME courses available. Additionally, we're happy to lecture for your institution. Sign up for our Weekly Well Check by clicking the link. The Weekly Well Check is your weekly dose of encouragement and your only access to secret insider sales on our products.

If you'd like something you can use today, download our free Top 10 Mindset Hacks for Doctors here.

 

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