Does perfectionism feel like the reason you're successful and the thing that's exhausting you at the same time? In this episode, I sit down with author and workplace expert Susan Schmitt Winchester to talk about the roots of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the constant need for external validation. Susan shares how childhood experiences follow you into the workplace, why everyday triggers send you into old patterns of fear and self-doubt, and ways to regulate your response. Tune in to learn how to loosen perfectionism's grip without giving up your ability to do great work.

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In this Episode, You Will Learn

00:00 When perfectionism makes you feel like nothing is ever good enough.

03:15 When the need to prove yourself becomes a pattern.

07:45 How fear of failure keeps perfectionists chasing external validation.

11:45 Can your purpose become bigger than your fear of judgment?

16:15 Turning the workplace into a laboratory for emotional healing.

18:15 What “bumper car moments” can teach you about your emotional triggers.

21:15 How to regulate your response before anxiety takes over.

26:15 Are you reacting to reality or a story you've created?

27:15 The 3 steps for changing your automatic reactions at work.

33:45 Perfectionism can move mountains, but it comes at a cost.

36:00 What makes perfectionism so brittle?

38:15 Separating your adult self from the patterns that once kept you safe.

42:15 Tools for managing perfectionism at work.

45:00 Giving yourself permission not to react immediately.

Resources + Links

Learn more about Susan Schmitt Winchester HERE! 

Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever

Watch the podcast on YouTube 

Find more resources on our website morraam.com

Follow

Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

Follow Susan: on LinkedIn @susanschmittwinchester + Instagram @susanjschmittwinchester