Ep 7. Dr. Thomas Curran on the Perfection Trap : Paradox of Perfectionism, Cost of Overachievement and Solutions - Unmasking Perfectionism Series

Does perfectionism truly drive success—or is it quietly working against you?

In this compelling episode, Dr. Thomas Curran, world-renowned perfectionism researcher and author of The Perfection Trap, joins Amna Shabbir, MD to expose the hidden costs of perfectionism and why it’s time to rethink our relentless pursuit of flawlessness.

Together, they break down:

✅ What perfectionism really is (hint: it’s not just “high standards”)

✅ The connection between perfectionism, burnout, and mental health struggles

✅ The Perfectionism Paradox—why it doesn’t improve performance and may actually harm it

✅ How high-achieving cultures, especially in medicine and other demanding careers, create failure-averse environments

✅ The path to freeing yourself from perfectionism and embracing the power of "good enough".

If you’ve ever felt trapped by unrealistic expectations—whether from society, your workplace, or yourself—this episode is a must-listen.

About the Guest –

Dr. Thomas Curran is a globally recognized expert on perfectionism and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His pioneering research has shaped the conversation on how perfectionism is rising—and why it’s a growing problem. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and more. His widely cited 2017 meta-analysis, conducted with Andrew Hill, examined data from over 40,000 college students, revealing the sharp rise in socially prescribed perfectionism—where individuals feel immense pressure to meet external expectations.

Dr. Curran dives deeper into this in his acclaimed book, The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, and his TEDMED Talk, Our Dangerous Obsession with Perfectionism Is Getting Worse, which has captivated audiences worldwide. Through his research, writing, and advocacy, he challenges the cultural myths around perfectionism, showing how it fuels anxiety, burnout, and underperformance—and why there’s a better way forward.

📍 Read Dr. Curran’s book Now: The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough: https://a.co/d/713zM0B

🔗 Follow Dr. Curran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thom-curran/

🎥 Watch Dr. Curran’s TED Talk: Our Dangerous Obsession with Perfectionism Is Getting Worse

About the Host –

Dr. Amna Shabbir is a physician, mental health advocate, and speaker dedicated to helping high achievers create sustainable well-being. This episode is part of Dr. Shabbir’s special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism and redefining success.

🔹 Connect with Dr. Shabbir:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 

📘 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AmnaShabbir

 ❌ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide. If you need help, please contact 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer, institution, or organization.

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