Perfectionism feels productive—but underneath it drives anxiety, burnout, and all-or-nothing thinking. In this episode, Jonathan and Dr. Mark Mayfield unpack their own stories, share practical therapy tools, and show you how to trade perfection for consistency.

You’ll learn:

• Why perfectionism often masks control and fear

• The hidden cost: anxiety spikes, depressive spirals, and burnout

• How CBT tools like thought records and cognitive restructuring work

• The “90% Rule” and other simple shifts that create freedom

• • How to ask brave questions that build healthy feedback loops

  
  

  Chapters

00:00 – Why perfectionism feels safe but keeps us stuck04:00 – Control, anxiety, and when perfection backfires10:00 – Perfection, depression, and the all-or-nothing trap15:00 – CBT in plain English: thoughts, feelings, behaviors22:00 – Tools: thought records, restructuring, behavioral activation30:00 – Healthy feedback: “When I do __, how do you experience me?”38:00 – Consistency vs. perfection: what really sustains growth44:00 – Final reflections + one next step you can take today

“You don’t have to be perfect. Be what most aren’t—consistent, determined, and willing to do the work.” - Tom Brady

Resources

• mentalhealthmadesimple.life

• • Related episode: Burnout
  • Read the article here: https://www.mentalhealthmadesimple.life/blog/perfection-vs-consistency

  
  

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