The Oprah Winfrey Show Season 13 Episode 72 Take the perfectionist test

This episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show delves deep into the psyche of perfectionism. Oprah sits down with author and psychologist Dr. Jeff Szymanski to discuss the traits of perfectionism and how it can affect our personal and professional lives.

The episode begins with Oprah talking about her own struggles with perfectionism and how it has caused her to feel unfulfilled despite her success. Dr. Szymanski explains that perfectionism is not just about wanting to do things perfectly but also about the fear of making mistakes and feeling like a failure. He goes on to say that this kind of thinking can lead to an unrelenting drive for perfection and often results in burnout and anxiety.

To help viewers understand whether they are a perfectionist or not, Oprah reveals a quiz that Dr. Szymanski has created specifically for the show. The quiz asks a series of questions that are meant to determine whether someone exhibits traits of perfectionism. Oprah and Dr. Szymanski go through each question and discuss the possible answers and what they reveal about one's personality.

After taking the quiz, viewers are encouraged to reflect on their answers and whether they need to make changes in their lives to reduce their perfectionist tendencies. Oprah and Dr. Szymanski offer advice on how to do this, including setting realistic goals, focusing on progress rather than perfection, and giving oneself permission to make mistakes.

Later in the episode, Oprah welcomes a group of guests who have struggled with perfectionism in their own lives. They share their stories of how their perfectionism has affected their relationships, careers, and mental health. Oprah and Dr. Szymanski offer support and guidance on how to move forward and overcome their perfectionist tendencies.

The episode ends with Oprah reflecting on the importance of self-acceptance and how it can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life. She encourages viewers to be kind and forgiving to themselves and to embrace their imperfections.

Overall, this episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of perfectionism and offers practical advice on how to overcome it. Through personal stories, expert analysis, and reflection, viewers are encouraged to take a step back and re-evaluate their priorities and beliefs about what it means to be perfect.