The Light On Demand

The Best of You - Episode 152: The Anxiety Beneath Perfectionism—Why Trying Harder Won't Set You Free

Listen Later

Do you feel constantly driven to get everything right—to be the perfect partner, parent, worker, or friend? On this week's solo episode, Dr. Alison explores the hidden relationship between perfectionism and anxiety, revealing how trying to be perfect is often a disguised way of managing deeper fears.

You'll discover:

* Why perfectionism is rarely about actually being perfect.

* The main ways anxiety cleverly disguises itself.

* The surprising question you need to ask yourself when you can’t stop perfecting.

* Practical steps to break free from perfectionistic behaviors.

Today's episode will give you proven strategies to finally break free from perfectionism.


Have a question for Dr. Alison? Leave it here.

Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.

If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:

  • Episode 29: Perfectionism and Proving Your Worth: How to Stop Chasing Approval and Start Living the Life You Actually Want
  • Episode 112: Navigating Anxiety—Practical, Compassionate Insights to Recognize and Manage Anxiety

    Thanks to our sponsors:

    • Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
    • Visit GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today and use code BESTOFYOU.
    • Contact Restoring the Soul today and learn how their Intensive Counseling Process can jump start your journey to the place you want to be. As a special gift for The Best of You podcast listeners, download their pdf called "5 Ways Unresolved Trauma May Be Derailing Your Relationship."
    • I want all my listeners to enjoy a deep, restful night’s sleep with a new mattress from Birch. Go to birchliving.com/bestofyou for 20% off sitewide!


      • Editing by Giulia Hjort

      Sound design by Kelly Kramarik

      Music by Andy Luiten

      While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.

      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store
      The Light On DemandBy