#181 | Navigating Perfectionism With Morra Aarons-Mele

A brand-new year is here, and we kicked things off with a great conversation with Morra Aarons-Mele! We dove into everything from setting meaningful January goals to tackling perfectionism head-on. Here’s some of the highlights.

1. Set Goals That Work for You. New year, new goals—right? But here’s the key takeaway: every industry has its own rhythm. Accountants might be gearing up for a whirlwind tax season, while retail professionals are finally catching their breath. Morra’s advice? Align your goals with your industry’s natural flow. Setting realistic, achievable targets based on your unique professional cycle makes all the difference.
2. Manage Anxiety by “Noticing and Naming” On those tough days when anxiety creeps in, Morra suggests a simple but effective technique: notice and name your feelings. Acknowledging what you’re experiencing helps you take control and manage it better. Sometimes, just identifying the emotion can ease the intensity.
3. Overcome Envy and Self-Criticism Feeling envious or jealous? Morra is big on looking for WHY we feel the way we do. If you see a friend with something you want is that a sign you should work towards that? Lean in with curiosity vs pushing those feelings away. Another strategy she shared is to shift focus from scarcity to gratitude. To take it further, try starting a daily gratitude list—it’s an easy habit that keeps you grounded and lifts your mood.
4. Be Specific with Your Goals. This tip is a game-changer: instead of vague goals like “I want a better relationship,” make them specific and actionable, like “We’ll have weekly dinner dates.”

Whether it’s crushing goals, practicing self-compassion, or simply savoring the little wins, let’s make 2025 a year to celebrate. Remember: progress over perfection, always. Here’s to embracing this year with purpose, gratitude, and a touch of boldness!

Want To Skip Around? Timestamps:

08:11 What is anxiety’s role in goals

11:38 How to manage people pleasing behavior

13:20 Morra’s new year practice and daily habit

18:15 Envy and jealousy’s role in perfectionism

25:16 Notice, Name, Understand framework to help identify emotions

32:02 How to break down big plans bit by bit

36:36 Ways to make sure you’re clear on your goals

39:06 How to audit your expectations

47:14 Homework: practice rehearsing your week

Links Mentioned:

Morra’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morraaaronsmele/

Morra’s LinkedIn Learning Course’s: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/morra-aarons-mele

The Happier App: https://thehappierapp.com/

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