Cultural Traditions that can Contribute to Perfectionism (and other bad stuff)

Destructive traditions like impression management, scarcity thinking, and oversimplification, that create an environment in which perfectionism can thrive—along with healthier alternatives. Compare harmful (familiar) patterns with their healthier alternatives. Impression Management Pressure to look good; people pleasing; shape-shifting to get others’ approval; cover up mistakes (shame). Healthy Alternative: Authenticity Safety to be self; tolerance for…

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Friendships

Do you have friends who leave you feeling happy and uplifted? Or do you feel drained, agitated, angry, or resentful when you’ve spent time with certain people? Use the following list to compare and evaluates the friendships you have in your life: Healthy friendships are not one-sided. Both people benefit from knowing each other. In…

Continuum of Effort and Commitment

Look at the range—from indifference to mastery—and see where you or your children (or students) fall along the continuum. Also consider where you fall for certain tasks. Mastery Competent. Likely to be striving for continual growth in that area or related areas, OR ready to move on to the next challenge Sticking with it Efforts to complete…

Interview Questions: The Perfection Deception

The following questions about The Perfection Deception have been provided to help guide your interview. Please feel free to ask any questions the book or topic inspires. In a live interview, Dr. Bluestein’s responses may not match the answers provided below. 1. At the beginning of the book you mention that you had several people asking you,…