Are your high standards helping you excel or secretly sabotaging your success? In this eye-opening episode of Deep Thinking, Dr. Steven Stolz explores the critical distinction between healthy striving and self-destructive perfectionism. Through compelling case studies featuring The Beatles' legendary creative tensions, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor's artistic struggles, and relatable stories like "Andy the Academic" and "Mick the Magician," you'll discover the surprising psychology behind perfectionist tendencies. Drawing on groundbreaking research from leading experts including Dr. Brené Brown, Drs. Gordon Flett & Paul Hewitt, and Professor Tracey Wade, this episode unpacks perfectionism as a multidimensional concept that impacts creativity, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Whether perfectionism manifests as external validation-seeking or internalized self-criticism, you'll learn evidence-based strategies to break free from these patterns while maintaining excellence without the psychological costs. Perfect for anyone struggling with impossibly high standards, creative blocks, or helping others with perfectionist tendencies, this episode provides actionable insights to transform your relationship with achievement and self-worth.