Your perfectionism isn't a problem — if you know how to use it

Your perfectionism isn't a problem — if you know how to use it

August 18, 2026 · 21 min

About this episode

This episode explores different types of perfectionists and how to leverage perfectionism positively.

Are you a 'Parisian perfectionist'? How about a 'messy perfectionist'? Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler believes there are 5 kinds of perfectionists in the world. Find out which one you are with our quiz . This episode originally published January 30, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening and convenient playlists of popular help topics like personal finance, getting healthy, and more. Learn more at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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Host: NPR Life Kit

Guest: Katherine Morgan Schafler

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