#142 – The pursuit of excellence in the perils of perfectionism
With Dr Richard Winter
There is obviously nothing wrong with striving for excellence but sometimes that pursuit seduces us into the unhealthy realms of perfectionism. Our culture surrounds us with images of perfect bodies, perfect houses, perfect cars...
We will explore the assets and liabilities of perfectionism, delve into what produces the perfectionist drive, and finally look at ways to work against extreme thoughts and find a healthy balance.
Ultimately it is the understanding and experience of grace that begins to free us from the chains of unhealthy perfectionism.
Dr Richard Winter
Dr Winter grew up in England and trained in medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, and then in psychiatry in Bristol. (He is a past member of The Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK.)
He was also a counsellor, teacher and leader at the English L’Abri and associate pastor of a church in Hampshire for some years before moving to the US in 1992 to head the counselling program at Covenant Seminary where he is now Professor Emeritus.
Dr. Winter’s research interests have been at the interface of psychology, medicine, and theology. He is the author of The Roots of Sorrow: Reflections on Depression and Hope (2001); Still Bored in a Culture of Entertainment: Rediscovering Passion and Wonder (2002); Perfecting Ourselves to Death: The Pursuit of Excellence and the Perils of Perfectionism (2005); and When Life Goes Dark: Finding Hope in the Midst of Depression (2012). He continues practicing therapy privately and with the Global Counseling Network.
