In today's high-pressure society, we are constantly fed a fable of individualism, exceptionalism, determination, and ingenuity and taught a mythology of grin and bear it; no pain, no gain; and hard work pays off, despite the fact that the conditions for success are unpredictable and ever changing.
Psychologist Tara Cousineau claims that perfectionism is a paradox: it is the tension created by the need for belonging, a desire for excellence, and a quest for a meaningful and productive life. But perfectionism can be transformed by learning to connect both head and heart, replacing inner algorithms of comparison and criticism with self-acceptance and self-compassion.
In The Perfectionist's Dilemma, Cousineau introduces an innovative six-step solution based on the acronym EVOLVE: Embody the present moment; Validate your experience; Open your heart; Love your inner critic; make a Vow; and spark the Energy of excellence. EVOLVE helps listeners overcome perfectionism and cultivate three essential resources-inner worth, inner humanity, and inner leadership. Through storytelling and anecdotes from recovering perfectionists who have participated in Cousineau's workshops, listeners can learn to align mind, body, heart, and spirit-to become happy achievers.
