In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we delve into the exhausting pursuit of perfection and its impact on mental health. Perfectionism is a word that gets thrown around a lot; many people proudly claim the label, seeing it as a positive trait. And, at times, it can be—perfectionism can drive ambition, discipline, and high achievement. However, research has consistently linked perfectionism to various mental health challenges, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.

Joining host Gabby Sanderson is Vassia Sarantopoulou, a highly respected psychologist and founder of AntiLoneliness, who is also a recovering perfectionist. Vassia works with ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs who feel stuck in cycles of overthinking and perfectionism, overwhelmed by stress and burnout, and unable to stay focused or find joy in a demanding world. Her mission is to help impact-makers transform perfectionism into progress, increase productivity without sacrificing well-being, and achieve sustainable success.

In this conversation, Vassia unpacks the complexities of perfectionism and its toll on mental health. She discusses the fine line between healthy striving and the debilitating need to be flawless, offering insights into how perfectionism can trap us in cycles of self-doubt, fear, and burnout. Gabby and Vassia also explore how societal pressures and personal fears fuel the need to be impeccable, and how today’s “hustle culture” has exacerbated perfectionism in the workplace.

Vassia shares practical strategies to break free from the relentless pressure to be perfect—especially for those who may struggle during the holidays with the pressure to create the "perfect Christmas." This candid conversation provides tools to quiet the inner critic, set healthier expectations, and embrace self-compassion as a powerful tool for growth.

Whether you grapple with perfectionism yourself, know someone who does, or are simply curious about its psychological effects, this episode offers valuable guidance and encouragement to overcome the paralyzing fear of imperfection and live a happier, healthier, and more authentic life.

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