How To Embrace Imperfection

Hello all,

This is Dr. Laurie Santos, your professor for The Science of Well-Being.

I hope your 2025 is off to a great start. Remember, research shows that the start of the new year is a great time to make a fresh start. And in the spirit of a happier 2025, I’m excited to share that a new season of my podcast, The Happiness Lab, is launching today. We’re kicking off this How-To season with a topic that I struggle with a lot…. How to Embrace Imperfection. This week, author Oliver Burkeman shares his top 7 lessons for how to embrace imperfectionism. You can listen here.

So many of you have gotten in touch to say that what you love most about my podcast is the practical advice that you get from the show. That’s why, over the next few months, we’re going to make getting that practical advice even easier. For the entire new season, we’ll be bringing you an essential series of “How To” companion guides— ones that we think will make your life much happier in 2025.  And I’m excited to share the first one with you right now: “How to Be Imperfect: 7 Lessons for Embracing Imperfectionism.” To receive more “How To” guides in the future, you can sign up here:

How to be Imperfect: 7 Lessons for Embracing Imperfectionism

Tip #1: You just gotta do things. Don’t get stuck in that perfectionist fantasy planning phase. Just dive in and get going.

Tip #2: Fight back against productivity debt. You don’t need to justify your existence by getting through some huge to-do list.

Tip #3: Remember that there’s a cost to information overload. Resist the urge to stockpile all the knowledge possible.

Tip #4: Reject the urge to “whole-ass” stuff. Shoot for 80% and remember the benefits of what Oliver calls scruffy hospitality.

Tip #5: Let the future be the future. There are lots of bridges we’ll cross when we get there.

Tip #6: Follow the reverse golden rule. A little self-compassion goes a long way.

Tip #7: Don’t bring a perfectionist attitude towards imperfectionism. Remember that baby steps are often the way to go.

If you want to learn more, you can check out the full episode here.

Here’s to a happier 2025!

Dr. Laurie Santos