Thomas Curran on Breaking Free from the Perfection Trap
Episode 364
Perfectionism can feel like a badge of honor—until it starts to feel like a weight you can’t put down.
In this thought-provoking episode, John R. Miles welcomes Thomas Curran, professor at the London School of Economics and author of The Perfection Trap, to unpack why so many of us are caught in a relentless cycle of proving, achieving, and performing.
Together, they explore how perfectionism is not just a personal issue—but a cultural one. Fueled by comparison, social media, and the myth that success requires flawlessness, our modern world has made “never enough” feel like a normal baseline.
But here’s the truth Thomas brings to the surface: Perfectionism isn’t making us better. It’s making us feel worse.
Worse about ourselves, our accomplishments, and even our potential.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why perfectionism is on the rise—and what it’s doing to our mental health
How we confuse striving for excellence with a fear of failure
The psychological toll of constantly trying to “measure up”
How to unhook from performance-based self-worth
Practical strategies for embracing imperfection and reclaiming joy
This conversation is both a wake-up call and a gentle permission slip. To do well without doing it all. To care deeply without carrying the weight of constant self-criticism. To let go of the myth that you’ll finally be worthy…once you’re perfect.
✨ Maybe the most radical thing you can do in a perfectionist world… is be real.
Listen to the full episode then ask yourself: Where has perfectionism stolen peace from your life? And what might shift if you let it go?