Perfectionism – Part 1: What It Is and How It Shapes Our Lives

Have you ever felt the need to get everything right before taking the next step?What if letting go of perfect could open the door to more joy, connection, and growth?

In this episode of Mind Sattva: Practical Wisdom for Modern Life, Dr. Mitika Kanabar explores how perfectionism shapes our choices, relationships, and sense of self-worth, and how we can shift toward a mindset of “good enough” that allows for a more balanced way of living.

She reflects on personal stories, cultural influences, and wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita to offer a more compassionate lens on why perfectionism shows up and how to respond to it with awareness.

In this episode:

• Three forms of perfectionism and how they show up in daily life
• How cultural expectations can fuel the need to appear “perfect”
• A real-life example of how a sari taught the value of showing up imperfectly
• Why fear, obligation, guilt, and shame keep perfectionism in place
• How the Bhagavad Gita reframes perfection and self-responsibility
• The value of focusing on your own path rather than perfecting someone else’s
• How “good enough” can strengthen relationships and community