Perfectionism to Progress

What to Expect

• • 60-minute live, interactive session (virtual or in-person in Toronto)
• • Real-time Q&A with a Registered Psychotherapist
• • A practical takeaway resource sheet for attendees
• • Content can be tailored to your team and workplace

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Distinguish perfectionism from healthy striving, and identify which of the three types (self-oriented, other-oriented, socially prescribed) shows up most in their own life and work
• Trace perfectionism to a protector part formed to guard against shame, blame, and judgment — and understand it as a strategy rather than a flaw
• Recognize the biological, psychological, social, and organizational costs of perfectionism, including its disproportionate impact on women in leadership
• Apply self-compassion and values-led practices (including the Choice Point and Values Bullseye) to interrupt the perfectionism cycle in the moment
• Identify one concrete, values-aligned action to move from perfectionism toward progress this week — individually and, for leaders, organizationally

Session Structure

1. 1

   What Is Perfectionism & What It Isn't

   7 min

   Perfectionism vs. healthy striving

2. 2

   How Perfectionism Starts

   8 min

   Where it comes from, how it shows up, and why

3. 3

   Impacts of Perfectionism

   8 min

   Social, emotional, physical, and organizational costs

4. 4

   The Cycle of Perfectionism

   7 min

   How it reinforces itself

5. 5

   Overcoming Perfectionism, Moving Toward Progress

   15 min

   Self-compassion, values, and thought strategies

6. 6

   What Leaders & Organizations Can Do

   10 min

   Fostering a culture of progress

7. 7

   Wrap-Up & Q&A

   5 min