Katherine Morgan Schafler on Control, Perfectionism, and Letting Go | EP 572

Katherine Morgan Schafler on Control, Perfectionism, and Letting Go | EP 572

Passion Struck with John R. Miles · 2025-02-13
01:02:13

Have you ever felt that your pursuit of excellence leaves you more stressed than satisfied? What if perfectionism isn’t a flaw to be fixed but a strength to be harnessed?

In episode 572, John sits down with Katherine Morgan Schafler, psychotherapist, speaker, and author of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power. Katherine’s groundbreaking approach challenges everything we think we know about perfectionism, showing us that it isn’t something we need to eliminate—but rather, something we can transform into a tool for personal and professional growth.

They explore the five types of perfectionists—Classic, Intense, Parisian, Messy, and Procrastinator—and how understanding your type can unlock self-awareness, resilience, and healthier relationships. Katherine reveals how perfectionism intersects with belonging, self-worth, and the universal need to matter, as well as why it can be both a motivator and a barrier in our pursuit of fulfillment.

Full shownotes can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/katherine-morgan-schafler-on-perfectionism/

Key takeaways:

1. The Three Dimensions of a Good Life2. How Novelty and Exploration Lead to Fulfillment3. The Global Village Paradox and Social Media's Impact4. Happiness vs. Meaning vs. Psychological Richness5. Why Regret Comes from Inaction6. The Role of Negative Emotions in a Rich Life7. How to Cultivate Psychological Richness

Connect with Katherine Morgan Schafler: https://www.katherinemorganschafler.com/

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Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Katherine Morgan Schaffler, a renowned psychotherapist and author of The Perfectionist Guide to Losing Control, a Path to Peace and Power. Katherine challenges the conventional view of perfectionism, suggesting that it can be harnessed as a personal superpower rather than a flaw. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could transform your relationship with perfectionism.

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Catch More of Passion Struck:

My solo episode on Why You Need to Stop Chasing Perfection in Your LifeMy episode with Homaira Kabir on How You Overcome the Tyranny of PerfectionCan't miss my episode with Thomas Curran on Breaking Free From the Perfection TrapCatch my interview with Eduardo Briceño on Break Free from the Performance ParadoxListen to my solo episode on Why Hustle Culture Is Toxic (And How to Break Free From It)

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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Alternative Health. Intentional Living. Radical Self-Transformation.

Winner of the 2025 Stevie Gold for Best Independent Podcast

Winner of the 2024 Gold Davey Award for Social Impact

Most personal growth podcasts push productivity. Passion Struck goes deeper—into the mental, emotional, and energetic foundations of a meaningful life.

Why do so many people do everything “right” and still feel unfulfilled?

That’s where Passion Struck is different.

Hosted by John R. Miles—award-winning author, Navy veteran, former Fortune 50 executive, and global expert on intentional living—this podcast isn’t about external success. It’s about internal transformation.

Because mattering isn’t something you earn.

It’s something you choose.

In each episode, John brings together the world’s leading neuroscientists, psychologists, alternative health experts, and thought leaders to explore:

The science of purpose—how your brain is wired for meaningThe psychology of transformation—why change is hard and how to make it lastThe mind-body connection—how holistic health fuels passion and performanceThe new rules of leadership, fulfillment, and human potential

If you're tired of drifting through life, checking boxes, and still feeling unfulfilled—this podcast is your wake-up call.

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