Learn How to Let Go of Perfectionism with Dr. Cindy Tsai

Dr. Cindy Tsai considers herself a recovering perfectionist. Having been motivated by extremely high standards for much of her life, Dr. Tsai found that her perfectionist tendencies were actually holding her back, impacting her relationships, and causing her to overwork herself.

In this episode of the Prosperous Doc®, our host Shane Tenny, CFP® talks to Dr. Cindy Tsai about the root of perfectionism, the connection between perfectionist-induced stress and physical symptoms, and how to overcome this chronic belief system.

Dr. Tsai discusses her own experiences with illness as a result of perfectionism’s toll on her body, as well as the work she has done to overcome it. In her self-help book “So Much Better,” Dr. Tsai outlines the key three pillars to overcome perfectionism: calm, confidence and curiosity. 

“It’s a resource and guide that I wish I had years ago, because in my own journey, I realized that there were so many other modalities and techniques and practices that can be very helpful and transformative,” says Dr. Tsai of her book. “These are skills that anyone can learn and master. And so that's really the intention behind it.”

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Dr. Cindy Tsai 

What she does: Dr. Cindy Tsai is a board-certified internal medicine physician in San Diego, CA. She is also a life coach, a TEDx and keynote speaker, and the author of the self-help book “So Much Better.” 

Words of wisdom: “It is so important and helpful to reframe that perspective, so that you're not thinking that if you don't get it right or perfect, you're not good enough.”

Connect: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram   

⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡

[03:08] Defining the enemy: According to Dr. Tsai, perfectionism can be defined as the unwillingness to accept anything less than extremely high levels of standards and performance. It’s the need to be the best in all areas of life. 

[04:42] Practice makes perfect(tionism): This unhealthy ideal is lauded in society as a way of life. Perfectionism is bred from the fear of failure, inadequacy, and disappointing others.

[08:17] Physical symptoms of stress: Dr. Tsai came to develop physical symptoms, such as blurred vision, from the stress of her perfectionist tendencies while in her medical training. It made her pause and consider the deeper cause for her symptoms.

[17:25] Redefining self care: Dr. Tsai’s book “So Much Better,” which is based in mindfulness, provides different tools and techniques for readers to master calm, confidence, and curiosity to overcome debilitating perfectionism. 

[24:24] Looking within: In order to successfully become a “recovering perfectionist,” Dr. Tsai urges listeners and readers to really do the work within.

[26:41] Other self-help leaders: Thought leader Brené Brown’s “Gifts of Imperfection” and Kristin Neff’s books on self-compassion influenced Dr. Tsai and showed her the value of vulnerability and...

Dr. Cindy Tsai considers herself a recovering perfectionist. Having been motivated by extremely high standards for much of her life, Dr. Tsai found that her perfectionist tendencies were actually holding her back, impacting her relationships, and causing her to overwork herself.

In this episode of the Prosperous Doc®, our host Shane Tenny, CFP® talks to Dr. Cindy Tsai about the root of perfectionism, the connection between perfectionist-induced stress and physical symptoms, and how to overcome this chronic belief system.

Dr. Tsai discusses her own experiences with illness as a result of perfectionism’s toll on her body, as well as the work she has done to overcome it. In her self-help book “So Much Better,” Dr. Tsai outlines the key three pillars to overcome perfectionism: calm, confidence and curiosity. 

“It’s a resource and guide that I wish I had years ago, because in my own journey, I realized that there were so many other modalities and techniques and practices that can be very helpful and transformative,” says Dr. Tsai of her book. “These are skills that anyone can learn and master. And so that's really the intention behind it.”

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Dr. Cindy Tsai 

What she does: Dr. Cindy Tsai is a board-certified internal medicine physician in San Diego, CA. She is also a life coach, a TEDx and keynote speaker, and the author of the self-help book “So Much Better.” 

Words of wisdom: “It is so important and helpful to reframe that perspective, so that you're not thinking that if you don't get it right or perfect, you're not good enough.”

Connect: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram   

⚡ Prosperous Insights ⚡

[03:08] Defining the enemy: According to Dr. Tsai, perfectionism can be defined as the unwillingness to accept anything less than extremely high levels of standards and performance. It’s the need to be the best in all areas of life. 

[04:42] Practice makes perfect(tionism): This unhealthy ideal is lauded in society as a way of life. Perfectionism is bred from the fear of failure, inadequacy, and disappointing others.

[08:17] Physical symptoms of stress: Dr. Tsai came to develop physical symptoms, such as blurred vision, from the stress of her perfectionist tendencies while in her medical training. It made her pause and consider the deeper cause for her symptoms.

[17:25] Redefining self care: Dr. Tsai’s book “So Much Better,” which is based in mindfulness, provides different tools and techniques for readers to master calm, confidence, and curiosity to overcome debilitating perfectionism. 

[24:24] Looking within: In order to successfully become a “recovering perfectionist,” Dr. Tsai urges listeners and readers to really do the work within.

[26:41] Other self-help leaders: Thought leader Brené Brown’s “Gifts of Imperfection” and Kristin Neff’s books on self-compassion influenced Dr. Tsai and showed her the value of vulnerability and being forgiving with oneself.  

Disclaimer: Prosperous Doc podcast by Spaugh Dameron Tenny highlights real-life stories from doctors and dentists to encourage and inspire listeners through discussions of professional successes and failures in addition to personal stories and financial wellness advice. Spaugh Dameron Tenny is a comprehensive financial planning firm serving doctors and dentists in Charlotte, NC. To find out more about Spaugh Dameron Tenny, visit our website at www.sdtplanning.com. You can also connect with our host, Shane Tenny, CFP at [email protected] or on Twitter.

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