"Writer Oliver Burkeman, psychologist Laurie Santos, and organizational psychologist Melanie Katzman discuss the illusion of perfectionism, the signs of burnout, and the limits of productivity. According to their research, the constant drive to improve often leaves people more exhausted and less productive - even if their intentions were to grow, improve, or achieve bigger goals. Together, they explain how accepting "good enough" and finding value beyond work can lead to greater balance and lasting happiness."
"We created this video for Brain Briefs, a Big Think interview series created in partnership with Unlikely Collaborators. As a creative non-profit organization, they're on a mission to help people challenge their perceptions and expand their thinking. Often, that growth can start with just a single unlikely question that makes you rethink your convictions and adjust your vantage point. Visit Perception Box to see more in this series."
"LAURIE SANTOS: We are a species that constantly wants to improve ourselves, so there can be this constant push to do more, more, more. And I think a lot of us assume that that's the path to flourishing. That's the path to feeling better. But the research shows that sometimes we can feel happier by doing less."
Perfectionism commonly drives people to exert extra effort, self-discipline, and continual improvement, leaving them exhausted and less productive. The constant push to do more often assumes that growth equals flourishing, but research indicates that reducing effort and embracing limits can increase well-being. Satisficers who accept "good enough" tend to be happier and just as effective as those who chase perfection. Chronic overwork depletes resources and time, contributing to burnout. Finding value beyond work and accepting adequate standards supports greater balance and lasting happiness. Brain Briefs and Unlikely Collaborators use concise videos to prompt perspective shifts.
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