Pocket worthyStories to fuel your mind

The Pitfalls of Perfectionism

The best stories about the sneaky ways perfectionism influences our lives—and how to break free.

Mary O'Regan

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

You’ve heard that perfect is the enemy of done. But perfection’s list of enemies extends well beyond that. Vulnerability, freedom, progress…oh, and reality. Whether you’re staring down back-to-school season or just your weekend to-do list, take a breather with this collection. We’ve rounded up the best stories about the sneaky ways perfectionism influences our lives—and how to break free.

Image by Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

The Age of Envy: How to be Happy When Everyone Else’s Life Looks Perfect

Social media has created a world in which everyone seems ecstatic – apart from us. Is there any way for people to curb their resentment?

In Defense of Being Average

Despite society’s obsession with perfection, many of us fall somewhere in the middle of the curve.

My Perfect Pictures and the Pain Behind Them

As an actress and model, I presented whatever the world wanted me to be. But there was so much more to my story.

The Japanese Art Principle That Teaches How to Work With Failure

Kintsugi, or gold splicing, emphasizes the beauty and utility of breaks and imperfections. It turns a problem into a plus.

What Kind of Self-Destructive Perfectionist Are You?

Spurred perhaps by social media, more people are classified as perfectionists. What are the costs and how can you break the paralysis that’s killing your productivity?

Get Closer to the People in Your Life—by Being the Best Mess Possible

It’s time to give up on chasing perfection and embrace our uniquely individual quirks and imperfections, says author Chidera Eggerue.

This Is What It’s Like to Be Obsessed With Perfection

From the outside, my life looked perfect. But in reality I was locked in a fierce battle with OCD, constantly struggling with intrusive thoughts.

It’s Okay to Be Good and Not Great

What if striving to be great is what’s holding you back?

Perfectionism and All Its Poisons — an Open Letter to My Five-Year-Old Son

The world isn’t changed by people doing perfect work. It’s shaped by people doing their best to improve or create things against incredible odds and failing in uncountable ways along the journey.

Perfection Anxiety

What’s it like to have too much money? Very stressful.