In this episode, we dive into perfectionism—how it impacts job seekers, employees, and leaders—and explore strategies to overcome its pitfalls without losing its advantages. Our guest is Dr. Gregory Chasson, a board-certified cognitive behavioral therapist, researcher, educator, and author of the new book, Flawed. Dr. Chasson breaks down why perfectionism can be both an asset and a hindrance, explaining how rigid thinking and excessive expectations can lead to anxiety, procrastination, and workplace friction.

He introduces the “Emphasis Framework” (A, B, and C), a practical tool for deciding how much energy to give each task, guided by your core values—rather than an all-or-nothing approach that can derail productivity. You’ll also learn how to be genuine about imperfections in a job interview, how to avoid paralysis by analysis, and why resilience and cognitive flexibility matter more than flawless performance.

Whether you’re searching for a job, leading a team, or simply aiming to strike a healthier balance between ambition and well-being, this conversation offers real-world insights you can apply today.

Key Takeaways

The difference between aiming high and getting stuck in rigid perfectionism
Why perfectionism often creates anxiety and stalls progress—especially in job hunting
How to harness the strengths of perfectionistic traits (e. g., conscientiousness) while reducing the downsides
Practical steps from Flawed to cultivate cognitive flexibility, better decision-making, and more balanced expectations

Resources & Links

Get the book: Flawed by Dr. Gregory Chasson
More about Dr. Chasson: gregchasson.com
International OCD Foundation: IOCDF.org
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies: ABCT.org

Sterile Processing Jobs and Free Career Resources:
https://www.sterilejobs.com/

Dr. Greg Chasson: Overcoming Perfectionism in Your Job Search and Career