Perfectionism Has a Solution. It’s Not What You Think.

These days, success never feels like enough.

No matter how much we achieve, there’s always another bar to reach, another comparison to
make.

That constant striving isn’t ambition. It’s perfectionism.

And it’s not just a personal quirk. It’s a hidden epidemic affecting professionals across every
field, quietly eroding confidence, joy, and well-being.

In my recent TEDx talk, Perfectionism Has a Solution. It’s Not What You Think, I share a
deeply personal and professional perspective on the rise of all three types of perfectionism,
particularly socially prescribed perfectionism. This is the belief that society and culture at large
expect us to be flawless. It’s one of the most dangerous and fastest-growing psychological
trends of our time.

Perfectionism is a transdiagnostic risk factor for mental health issues and yet we continue to
glorify it. In my TEDx talk, I break down the psychological and biological impact of perfectionism.

Perfectionism almost brought my life to a crashing halt. I know, I am not the only one suffering.
My journey to finding answers led me to the TEDx stage and sharing this critical message.

Here’s the hopeful part:
We can change.
Not by lowering our standards, but by tapping into Courage.

It’s time we move from constant proving to courageous living.

As part of my TEDx talk I share three simple steps that you can take to create your Courage
Bridge ™. By creating your Courage Bridge ™, not only will you loosen the grip of
perfectionism for yourself but also for those around you.
 

I invite you to watch the complete TEDx talk and share your reflections in the
comments section. Bonus dare, I end the talk with a small but brave call to action. If you and I
follow that more often, we would all feel SO much better. So listen till the end, and drop your
thoughts in the comments!

Perfectionism Has a Solution: It’s Not What You Think

TEDx Talk by Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC

About Dr. Shabbir 

Dr. Amna Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and Dual Board-Certified Physician
with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership development.

She speaks and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high
achievers.