Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to girls’ confidence, well-being, and leadership potential. These Headways conversations will explore how we can help girls break free from unrealistic expectations and self-doubt, fostering resilience, self-compassion, and growth.

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Meeting Dates & Times

Via Zoom on February 27, 9:00-10:00 a.m. AEDT / February 26, 5:00-6:00 p.m. EST / February 26, 10:00-11:00 p.m. GMT

Understanding Perfectionism

An introduction to the concept of perfectionism, definitions and different types (self-oriented, socially prescribed, other-oriented).

• Discuss the traits that characterise perfectionistic behaviours, such as excessively high personal standards, overly critical self-evaluations, and concern over mistakes.
• Where does perfectionism show up for you personally? What does it look like in your colleagues? In your students? The parents/community?
• The ‘Tyranny of Shoulds’ (an interactive activity).

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Via Zoom on May 8, 9:30-10:30 a.m. AEST / May 7, 7:30-8:30 p.m. EDT / May 8, 12:30-1:30 a.m. GMT

The Rising Tide – Modern Drivers of Perfectionism

Explore why perfectionism is increasing. What are the psychological, familial, and societal factors that contribute to the development of perfectionism?

• Discussions on parental expectations, academic pressures, achievement culture, and the influence of social media on self-image.
• Note the research on perfectionism’s impact on academic performance – do we need to bust some myths about perfectionism?
• Discuss (in small groups/breakout rooms) school practices that might inadvertently promote perfectionism.

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Via Zoom on June 19, 9:00-10:00 a.m. AEST / June 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT / June 19, 12:00-1:00 a.m. GMT

Impact on Mental Health

Cover how perfectionism can affect mental health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.

• Discuss – what you have noticed in your school?
• Discuss the self-defeat cycle

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Via Zoom on August 28, 9:00-10:00 a.m. AEST / August 27, 7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT / August 28, 12:00-1:00 a.m. GMT

Strategies to Manage Perfectionism

Suggest tools and techniques for managing perfectionistic tendencies.

• Emphasise the importance of self-compassion and flexible thinking.
• Discuss and share strategies.
• What can we do for our students? If we are teaching Growth Mindset, how can we apply this to combat perfectionism?
• Interactive options:
  • What do you say to a friend/colleague/student when they make a mistake? What do you say to yourself?
  • In breakout rooms – share failures and what you learnt

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Via Zoom on November 6, 9:00-10:00 a.m. AEDT / November 5, 5:00-6:00 p.m. EST / November 5, 10:00-11:00 p.m. GMT

Creating cultural change

Discuss how to foster a growth mindset, encourage risk-taking and learning from failure, foster psychological safety in classrooms and staff rooms, and distinguish between excellence and perfection.

• Do we need to develop strategies for communicating with parents about perfectionism?
• How can we implement school-wide approaches?
• What are quick and easy steps we can each take (commit to one thing)? E.g. awards in prizegiving for ‘most improved’ not just highest achievement
• How can we measure progress?