Episode Overview

In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner welcome back Dr. Emily Bailey for an engaging discussion on the pervasive issue of perfectionism. They explore how perfectionism impacts mental health, fuels anxiety, and creates unrealistic expectations. The conversation delves into personal experiences, misconceptions, and practical strategies for overcoming perfectionistic tendencies, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfections and focusing on meaningful values.

Main Topics Discussed

• Defining perfectionism and exploring its dual nature: healthy versus maladaptive forms.
• The role of perfectionism in anxiety, OCD, depression, and eating disorders.
• The link between perfectionism and procrastination as well as imposter syndrome.
• The impact of social media on perfectionistic tendencies, especially among younger generations.
• Practical strategies for managing perfectionism, including identifying personal values and cultivating a growth mindset.

Key Insights

• Perfectionism can drive achievement but often leads to anxiety, procrastination, and feelings of inadequacy.
• Social media amplifies perfectionistic expectations by encouraging constant comparisons.
• It’s important to distinguish between healthy perfectionism that motivates growth and maladaptive perfectionism that hinders well-being.
• Embracing imperfections and learning from mistakes is crucial in reducing perfectionistic pressures.
• Recognizing personal values and focusing on meaningful actions can help counteract the negative effects of perfectionism.

Notable Quotes

• "Perfectionism can be maladaptive. It can lead to procrastination and a fear of failure." – Dr. Emily Bailey
• "Sometimes we make something all of who we are, and I think the pressure's too much." – Cali Werner
• "Think about what’s important to you, because that’s not always going to be what anxiety and perfectionism says is important." – Dr. Emily Bailey

Timestamps

• 00:08 – Introduction to the podcast hosts and purpose of the episode.
• 01:10 – Welcoming Dr. Emily Bailey; discussion of the topic of perfectionism.
• 02:57 – Personal anxious moments shared by the hosts.
• 05:01 – Defining perfectionism and its impact on personal experiences.
• 12:02 – The clinical perspective on perfectionism and mental health issues.
• 17:10 – Discussion on procrastination and imposter syndrome related to perfectionism.
• 27:00 – The role of social media in exacerbating perfectionistic tendencies.
• 39:11 – Strategies for overcoming perfectionism and embracing growth.

Relevant Resources

• Anxiety Society Podcast Website
• Follow us on Instagram @theanxietysocietypod

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