How Perfectionism Can Be Positive and Powerful with Katherine Morgan Schafler

“Can you assume that nothing is wrong with you?” Self-defined perfectionist, psychotherapist, writer, and former on-site therapist at Google, Katherine Morgan Schafler wants you to know that it’s ok to be a perfectionist. In her book "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control, A Path to Peace and Power,” Katherine challenges the stigma surrounding perfectionism in our culture by defining both its healthy and unhealthy manifestations, exposes its harmful gender biases towards women, and advocates for redefining the call for “balance.”

In conversation with host (and fellow perfectionist!) Erin, Katherine offers insights into perfectionism’s impact on relationships, work, and personal growth. Unveiling insights into navigating ambition, embracing fluidity, and prioritizing values aligned with current life seasons, they explore:

1. Defining perfectionism and why it's not a flaw, but a facet of your unique brilliance
2. The dynamic relationship between perfectionism and mental health
3. How perfectionism became a gendered term for women and a hindrance to embracing ambition and power
4. Redefining ‘balance’ —it's about internal well-being, not checking off tasks
5. How to prioritize values that align most with the current season of your life
6. Managing your energy vs. managing your time (read the Harvard Business Review article Katherine mentions HERE)
7. Distinguishing between meaningful pursuits and the allure of immediate gratification

OUR GUEST: Katherine Morgan Schafler, LMHC, is a psychotherapist, writer and speaker based in New York City. Formerly an on-site therapist at Google, she earned her degrees and training at UC Berkeley and Columbia University, with post-graduate certification from the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy.

Want more Katherine? Find her online at https://www.katherinemorganschafler.com/ and follow her on Instagram @katherinemorganschafler

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