About this episode

In this episode, Morra Aarons-Mele discusses perfectionism with Dr. Thomas Greenspon and its impact on high-performing individuals.

Why do so many capable, high-performing people end up exhausted, and emotionally drained even when they’re doing everything “right”? In this episode, I sit with psychologist Dr. Thomas Greenspon to talk about perfectionism, shame, and self-worth. Thomas breaks down why perfectionism isn’t actually about excellence, then entrepreneur Eleanor Beaton shares how perfectionism shaped her leadership, ambition, and identity and what changed when she stopped chasing perfection and started embracing wholeness instead. Get ready to rethink the way you work, care for others, and define success. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What is perfectionism? 08:30 What’s the difference between perfectionism and the pursuit of excellence? 10:00 How perfectionism becomes a coping mechanism…

People in this episode

Host: Morra Aarons-Mele

Guest: Dr. Thomas Greenspon

Topics covered

• perfectionism
• mental health
• self-worth
• leadership
• anxiety
• success

Keywords

• perfectionism
• excellence
• anxiety
• mental health
• leadership
• self-worth
• success

Sponsors

Shopify, Chime, Quince, Monarch, Physician’s Choice

More episodes of The Anxious Achiever

• The Freedom Of Not Knowing with HBS's Martin Sinozich · June 4, 2026 · 36 min
• Is Therapy The Best We've Got? Megan Cornish Wants More · June 2, 2026 · 59 min
• How To Take Psychedelics for Your Mental Health with Dr. Will Van Derveer · June 1, 2026 · 43 min
• The Power of Divergent Thinking With David Flink · May 26, 2026 · 1h 6m
• "We Have Emotional Relationships With Our Technology," Nilay Patel On AI · May 21, 2026 · 52 min
• Time, Agency, Attention, Motivation: The Neurodivergent Leader's Power Recipe with Amy Wilson · May 19, 2026 · 1h 2m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Anxious Achiever podcast page.