Thomas Curran

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The Perfection Trap

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

Almost every page spoke to me directly . . . I loved it

A manifesto damning our economic system for creating and maintaining a warped set of values that drive perfectionism . . . I’ve always had a vague sense of these forces, but I’ve 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

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

Essential reading for anyone who's feeling the pressure of a perfectionistic, high-expectation, burnout-inducing society and who's looking for a healthier path towards success and flourishing

Laurie Santos, creator of THE HAPPINESS LAB

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

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. 
 
©2023 Thomas Curran (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Thomas Curran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics. He is a world leading expert on perfectionism. He has written for the Harvard Business Review, was featured in the New Scientist, and his work has been covered by publications including the Guardian, Telegraph, Wall Street Journal, and Ariana Huffington's 'Thrive Global' campaign. In 2018, he gave a TEDMED talk entitled 'Our Dangerous Obsession with Perfectionism is Getting Worse'.

In our hypercompetitive, winner-takes-all economy, average is a decidedly dirty word. Society rewards the extraordinary and we live in a hall of mirrors reflecting impossible ideals everywhere we look. 
 
No wonder that perfectionism is on the rise. But it's high time we talked seriously about our favourite flaw because the impossible quest for perfection is slowly killing us. 
 
In The Perfection Trap, Thomas Curran illustrates how perfectionism goes beyond having high standards and creates problematic relationships both with ourselves and others. From education and work to parenting and social media, Curran illustrates the ways in which our society and economy breed perfectionism and presents a compelling argument for why being less perfect will lead to a more fulfilling life. 
 
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 to break free of the perfection trap.

The Perfection Trap

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