Unlocking your potential: Conquering perfectionism and imposter phenomenon!

Criticizing, judging, & attacking yourself, Doing things right, perfect & precisely: perfectionism

In part 1 of my conversation with Monica Basco, Exploring the intersection of perfectionism, procrastination, and performance, we discussed the following topics:

  • Perfectionism and high-achieving behaviors
  • Understanding the impact of high goals
  • The role of confidence in goal setting
  • The intersection of perfectionism and procrastination

In this second part of our conversation, Monica kindly shared her transition from academia to the White House as an introduction to the focus of this episode: the intersection of perfectionism and imposter phenomenon.

Perfectionists set exceptionally high standards for themselves, displaying a relentless drive to achieve what they perceive as flawless outcomes. However, when these standards are not met, it can lead to feelings of failure and inadequacy. Even when they succeed, perfectionists may fear that others will see through their façade, further perpetuating the imposter phenomenon.

A highlight of our conversation is the importance of discerning when perfectionistic actions are an asset and when they become a liability.

Key Takeaways

  • Perfectionism and imposter phenomenon
  • Exploring imposter phenomenon
  • Perfectionism and self-expectations
  • Overcoming imposter syndrome
  • The transition from academia to government
  • Perfectionism in different contexts
  • Balancing perfectionism and fear of failure
  • Distinguishing when to turn on and off perfectionistic actions

About Monica Basco, Ph.D.

Monica Basco, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and former Associate Director for Science Policy, Planning, and Analysis at the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health. She served as Assistant Director for Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Broadening Participation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy from 2014 to 2015.

Dr. Basco is an internationally recognized expert in cognitive-behavioral therapy and a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. She was formerly on the faculty of the University of Texas at Arlington, where she was awarded the University of Texas Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award.

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Show notes with time-stamps

00:00 The Intersection of Perfectionism and Imposter Phenomenon
05:03 Personal Story: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
10:10 Transition from Academia to the White House
16:12 The Role of Perfectionism in Government and Science
18:23 Fear of Failure and Perfectionism
22:52 How Different Fears Influence Behavior
 

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About Dr. Z.

I’m originally from Bolivia, South America, and am a psychologist by training. I’m formally trained in empirically supported treatments, and when I say “formally,” I mean that since 2004 I have received intensive training in them, particularly in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). 

Over the past 18 years, I have created resources for and worked with overthinkers and overachievers dealing with all types of anxiety-related struggles: perfectionism, procrastination, productivity anxiety, uncertainty intolerance, indecision, impostor phenomenon, overthinking, phobias, rumination, panic, worry and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I absolutely love my job!

In 2019, I was nominated as a fellow by the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science because of my contributions related to the applications of ACT for anxiety-based struggles. I’m the author of seven books and the co-author of three (see the section on previously written books).

I’m the founder and director of the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center, a boutique private center in the San Francisco Bay Area that offers therapy and coaching for anyone experiencing anxiety-based struggles.

In 2023, I gave a TEDx talk, “Stop playing-it-safe and start living” that has more than 264K downloads.

While I’m a psychologist by training and science-based by passion, my style is jargon-free, accessible, caring, and lighthearted; teaching ACT skills doesn’t have to be boring or inaccessible, so I do my best to make every skill I teach—in any format—as engaging as possible. 

I believe that learning to navigate anxiety-based reactions is one of the key skills of the 21st century, and I’m passionate about it.

I'm passionate about disseminating ACT skills for anxiety-based struggles.

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