• The Perfection Trap

  • The Power of Good Enough in a World That Always Wants More
  • By: Thomas Curran
  • Narrated by: Sid Sagar
  • Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
  • 3.7 out of 5 stars (3 ratings)

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The Perfection Trap  By  cover art

The Perfection Trap

By: Thomas Curran
Narrated by: Sid Sagar
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Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

When did 'good enough' become the same as 'perfect'? Why does society increasingly promote ideals that are completely unrealistic? And what does it mean for all of us that perfectionism is on the rise?

In The Perfection Trap, you'll discover what's really driving the rise in perfectionism, its impact on how we learn, work, parent and relate to ourselves and each other. From the personal to the impact on the economy, grounded in over a decade of research and filled with real stories, this timely book reveals how our quest for perfection impacts our health and mental well-being and promises practical techniques and policy proposals to help us break free of the perfection trap.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Thomas Curran (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

A powerful, poignant book on the impossibly high expectations that stand in the way of happiness, health, and success. Thomas Curran is the world's leading expert on perfectionism, and he's written the definitive book on why it's rising, how it wreaks havoc on our lives, and what we can do to stop it. If you've ever found yourself fearing failure, ruminating about mistakes, or just feeling that you aren't good enough, this is a must read. (Adam Grant, bestselling author of THINK AGAIN)
Even if you don't think of yourself as a perfectionist, this remarkable book will illuminate some insidious effects of perfectionism in your life, as well as in society writ large. Fortunately, Thomas Curran offers a way out, a way to increase our fulfillment and joy by learning how to embrace the power of "good enough". Research-based, wise, and practical,?The Perfection Trap is a must-read (Amy C. Edmondson, Professor, Harvard Business School and author of RIGHT KIND OF WRONG)
Packed with vivid and thought-provoking case studies, this book will transform how you think about success. It reveals how perfectionism has come to plague all our lives - and what we should do in response. It is a must-read for anyone interested in living meaningfully and achieving lasting happiness (Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, creators of HIGH PERFORMANCE)

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Humaine and intelligent

This is really a gem. The author combines his insights and experiences and combines it to a very interesting critique about our Western material culture. I don't share all his opinions ( especially about young people.) but at least you have the feeling he would listen to your arguments. God, how nice it is to read/listen a book from one who isn't sitting in an ivory tower.

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Waste of money and time

The first part of the book started well, setting the scene about performance management and expectation management. Sadly, the book became a rant about the education system and capitalism.

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