446: Is Perfectionism Good or Bad? // Katherine Morgan Schafler

446: Is Perfectionism Good or Bad? // Katherine Morgan Schafler

Author: Cloud10 September 8, 2025 Duration: 37:19
Have you ever been told that your perfectionism is a problem? Maybe you’ve felt like it’s the reason you’re stressed, restless, or never satisfied with yourself. But what if perfectionism isn’t actually the enemy? What if it’s a form of power that, when channeled with compassion, can actually bring you more joy and meaning? In this episode, I’m joined by Katherine Morgan Schafler, a psychotherapist and the author of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control. Katherine offers a refreshing perspective: perfectionism doesn’t need to be “fixed” or hidden—it can be embraced and redirected in healthier, more adaptive ways. In this conversation, you’ll learn: 💜 The hidden difference between an idealist and a perfectionist—and why the distinction matters for how you show up in your daily life. 💜 A simple, practical exercise to clarify your values in this season of life, and why naming the values you won’t focus on is just as important 💜 Why so many “helpful” mantras for moms miss the mark—and how to reframe them in a way that feels empowering instead of dismissive. Whether you’ve always identified as a perfectionist or you’re simply curious about new ways to frame personal growth, Katherine’s insights will encourage you to rethink your tendencies with kindness and clarity. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: You're invited to my FREE Masterclass How to Lighten the Mental Load of Motherhood on September 10, 12, or 16. Using the Self-Assured Motherhood framework (the SAM6) I'll give you tools and perspective shifts to help you carry the load with more steadiness, clarity, and peace.   🎁 Plus, we’ll be giving away one free Skylight Calendar at each class to someone in attendance! You can sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠! Related Episodes: 267: How to Stop Procrastinating in the New Year // Monica Packer 413: What to Do When You’re Juggling Too Much // Amy Wilson 421: Overwhelmed with Housework? You’re not alone. // KC Davis Episode Sponsors: Skylight: Go to skylightcal.com/TAKEAWAYS for $30 off your 15 inch Calendar. Skylight also offers a guarantee—if in 120 days you are not 100% thrilled with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund. No questions asked. Factor: Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. (Offer only valid for new Factor customers with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase.) Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Motherhood often feels like a constant juggling act, leaving little time for lengthy advice or complicated strategies. That’s the exact gap that 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms fills. Each episode is built on a simple, powerful premise: delivering three practical, doable takeaways within a half-hour. Host Rachel Nielson, who brings her perspective as a mother, teacher, and writer, understands that a busy parent’s brain is already full. She curates conversations and shares insights that cut straight to what’s useful, focusing on real-world application over theory. You’ll hear discussions rooted in the daily realities of family life, covering everything from educational activities for kids and navigating family dynamics to personal well-being amidst the beautiful chaos. This isn’t about adding more to your to-do list, but about finding smarter, more peaceful ways to manage what’s already there. The tone is consistently encouraging, aiming to replace overwhelm with a sense of capability and even magic. Tuning into this podcast feels like a coffee chat with a knowledgeable friend who leaves you with clear, actionable steps-not just more noise. It’s a resource for any mom looking to gather concrete ideas for parenting, personal growth, and creating a more harmonious home, all within the span of a daily commute or a folded laundry pile.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms
Podcast Episodes
457: Three Ways to Recover from Mom Burnout [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
You know that feeling when you're completely tapped out—when you can't give one more ounce of yourself to anyone, including you? That's not just exhaustion. That's burnout. And it doesn't mean you're failing at motherhoo…
454: A Calm-ish Approach to the Holidays // Niro Feliciano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:29
The holidays often bring equal parts joy and exhaustion. Between school programs, family gatherings, and the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like you’re giving everything you have...but still falling short of the…
453: How to Travel for FREE with Your Family (Really!) // Amber Paul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:42
With the holidays coming up, many moms wish they could visit family or plan a getaway—but the price of flights makes it feel impossible. That’s why I’m re-airing this popular episode with Amber Paul from Amber on Points,…
450: How to Be a Bold Decision Maker // Jessica Frew [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:33
Have you ever caught yourself second-guessing something as small as what to make for dinner or as big as how to respond to a struggling child and felt completely paralyzed? As moms, we make thousands of decisions every d…
448: Join our Team! A Word from the SAM Sisters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:48
Do the ups and downs of parenting ever feel like a solo sport? You may have friends who love you, but when it comes to really opening up about your struggles and growth as a mother, do you feel like you have teammates—wo…