The Perfection Trap

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

A beautiful, reflective and rigorous exploration of the causes and consequences of perfectionism. Curran doesn't shy away from analyzing either the psycho-spiritual, or the political, cultural and economic, sources of this malaise, yielding a fascinating and panoramic analysis of perfectionism in modern capitalist societies

Grace Blakeley, author of STOLEN

The Perfection Trap makes a stirring and delightful case for getting over our culture's 'favorite flaw.' Paradoxically, perfectionism is keeping us from being so much better. Thomas Curran is an accomplished scientist whose knack for empathetic storytelling is on display as he reveals the human beings - including himself - behind the statistics on perfectionism, anxiety, and the insecurity built into our economic and social systems. This book gives me hope that you, I, all of us can let go of the impossible ideals that frustrate so many lives

Jonathan Malesic, author of THE END OF BURNOUT

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 . . . 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

This book will transform how you think about success. It is a must-read for anyone interested in living meaningfully and achieving lasting happiness

Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, creators of HIGH PERFORMANCE

A hopeful beacon and a steady path for anyone struggling to find their footing in a world of impossible standards

Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DRIVE and THE POWER OF REGRET

Almost every page spoke to me directly . . . I loved it

Joe Wilkinson

A manifesto damning our economic system for creating and maintaining a warped set of values that drive perfectionism . . . I’ve always had a vague sense of these forces, but I’ve never seen this theory laid out so succinctly . . . As an explanation of how the destructive illusion of perfectionism arises and as a critique of the economy that creates it, this is an important book

Wall Street Journal

An amazing piece of work

Gwyneth Paltrow

An enjoyable read

Steve Levitt, author of FREAKONOMICS

Essential reading for anyone who's feeling the pressure of a perfectionistic, high-expectation, burnout-inducing society and who's looking for a healthier path towards success and flourishing

Laurie Santos, creator of THE HAPPINESS LAB