Sep 8
Perfectionism causes so many of us ADHD women to get in our own way and stops us from reaching our full creative potential for fear of criticism. My guest this episode, Dr. Fiona Peters knows firsthand just how disabling the anxiety-perfectionism spiral can be, which is why she’s so passionate about helping others escape it.
Dr. Peters is a speaker and trainer for schools and is currently touring with her talk entitled "Perfectionism and Anxiety,” with which she helps parents, educators, and ADHDers recognize the true cost of this obsession with perfection. “We really rob the world of the genius that we are because we are so worried about external validation and the fear of criticism that actually we don't start things.”
Join our conversation to hear the brilliant Dr. Fiona Peters share her incredible ADHD journey from struggling student to PhD program, why it’s so important to be a last 5% finisher, her tips for navigating the workplace when you have ADHD, and ways to start moving away from the need for external validation and toward a more balanced life that allows you to experiment, to make mistakes, and to find validation from within.
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"Finished is better than perfect and never done. There is no perfect. Even some of the most accomplished philosophers were dissatisfied with their work."
- Dr. Fiona Peters
"I think having a diagnosis, it gives you an opportunity to look at yourself, to see what it is that's there and to look at your regrets. I spent a lot of time looking at my regrets and my failures and then actually saying, ‘it's alright. It took you to the point you're at now.’"
- Dr. Fiona Peters
"Parents are the biggest, biggest peddlers of perfectionism. We absolutely peddle this stuff to our kids as though it was some worthy brag. ‘If you're not gonna do it perfectly, don't do it at all.’ No. Do it and make it shit. It's fine."
- Dr. Fiona Peters
- Dr. Fiona suspected a neurodivergent condition, such as ADHD, and sought further evaluation and diagnosis.
- Dr. Fiona was relieved to be diagnosed with ADHD after years of struggling with mental health issues.
- Dr. Fiona struggled in school but believed she was smart due to her mother's constant affirmations, until she was accepted into a prestigious university despite having limited formal education.
[22:01 - 44:44] ADHD diagnosis and self-acceptance
- Dr. Fiona discovers the importance of self-reflection and self-care, leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
- Dr. Fiona highlights her struggle with finishing projects and letting go, prioritizing perfectionism over completion.
- Dr. Fiona suggests creating a "little manual" of oneself to share with colleagues for better collaboration and understanding.
- Dr. Fiona shares her personal experience with workplace bullying and notes that neurodiverse individuals like ADHD brains are often overlooked in the workplace despite their unique strengths.
- Dr. Fiona discusses the challenges of being an entrepreneur with ADHD, including the need to delegate tasks and maintain creativity and energy levels.
- Dr. Fiona encourages entrepreneurs with ADHD to prioritize personal and professional growth through her online community and training programs.
Instagram: @adhd_life
LinkedIn: Dr. Fiona Peters FRSA
Website: drfionapeters.co
Facebook: ADHD Entrepreneurs Life
