Perfectionism Isn’t a Strength – It’s a Trap (Ep 5)

Welcome to Episode 5 of the WWWY Podcast: The Hidden Cost of Perfectionism and Finding Balance

In this episode, we delve into the insidious nature of perfectionism and its impact on both mental and physical well-being. Our guest, Carmin, opens up about her journey from high achiever to burnout, and the difficult but empowering path to rediscovering balance and self-care.

Show Notes: Carmin’s story begins as the classic high achiever. From a young age, she excelled in school, and this success followed her into adulthood. But what seemed like a strength slowly turned into a relentless need to say “yes” to everything, to take on more than she could handle, and to chase approval through endless tasks. Beneath her bubbly exterior, the weight of perfectionism grew heavier by the day.

Her breaking point came when burnout hit like a tidal wave, leaving her unable to get out of bed, let alone tackle the endless to-do lists she had relied on for control. The burnout was so severe that it led to a depressive episode, leaving Carmin feeling lost and disconnected from the life she had worked so hard to build.

Carmin realized she had to make a radical change. She made the bold decision to quit her job—the one thing she had never allowed herself to consider. It was a turning point that marked the start of a new journey toward balance, self-care, and finding what truly matters in life, without sacrificing her well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trap of Perfectionism: Carmin’s story reveals how perfectionism, which initially drives success, can become a suffocating burden that drains joy and energy. When we tie our worth to our achievements, the pressure becomes unsustainable.

• Burnout as the Wake-Up Call: Carmin’s collapse into burnout highlights the toll that perfectionism can take, both mentally and physically. It serves as a reminder that there’s a breaking point if we constantly push ourselves without setting boundaries.

• To-Do Lists and the Illusion of Control: In her struggle to stay on top of everything, Carmin clung to endless to-do lists as a way to feel in control. However, the lists became a source of stress rather than productivity, reminding her of what she couldn’t accomplish.

• The Power of Saying ‘No’: Carmin’s turning point came when she did something she never thought possible—she quit. Learning to say “no” and walk away from overwhelming expectations was the first step in reclaiming her life.

• Finding Balance and Embracing Imperfection: Now on a journey of self-discovery, Carmin is learning that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be fulfilling. She’s exploring what truly makes her happy without the constant need to prove herself.

• Mental Health and Self-Worth: This episode also sheds light on the link between perfectionism and mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety. Carmin’s story is a reminder that self-worth isn’t defined by achievements.

Discussion Highlights:

• Carmin’s Turning Point: “I couldn’t move, I couldn’t get out of bed—I just hit a wall. That was when I realized something had to change. For the first time, I quit.”

• Reflections on Perfectionism: Carmin reflects on how perfectionism can be mistaken for strength but, in reality, becomes a trap that takes more than it gives.

• The Journey to Balance: Carmin’s newfound focus on balance and self-care offers hope to anyone who has ever felt the pressure to do it all.

Key Themes: Perfectionism, burnout, balance, mental health, self-worth, Carmin’s story, Episode 5.