Trash Talk: Where Self-Help Cliches Go to Die
What if the so-called “truths” about growth and success are actually keeping playing small?
On Trash Talk, hosts Erica Breuer and Erin Thomas unpack empty platitudes and tired cliches that dominate the business and personal development world. These ideas might be popular, but that doesn’t mean they’re useful.
Who listens to Trash Talk?
- Skeptics and Questioners of hollow advice
- Those asking why self-help advice fails
- People done with toxic self-help culture
- Anyone who wants a place to finally talk openly about all the advice that makes you roll your eyes
Trash Talk: Where Self-Help Cliches Go to Die
"There is No Such Thing as Perfect"
Perfection. It’s the thing we’re supposed to chase—or avoid completely, depending on who you ask. “Done is better than perfect.” “Progress, not perfection.” “Perfection is the enemy of progress.” But is it really? Or is that just another well-worn cliché that’s been warped into something unhelpful?
In this episode of Trash Talk, Erin and Erica take on the cultural tug-of-war with perfection. From childhood conditioning to business advice that contradicts itself, we unravel the mixed messages surrounding perfectionism. Is perfection always the problem? Or does it sometimes deserve a place at the table?
Let’s trash some bad advice. Listen now!
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There’s No Such Thing as Perfect
Trash Talk Podcast — Episode 1 | Mar. 11, 2025
Episode Summary
In this episode, Erica Breuer and Erin Thomas dive into the complex and contradictory ideas around perfection. They unpack cultural messages, personal experiences, and industry clichés to explore when perfection helps, when it hinders, and how to embrace imperfection without shame.
Table of Contents
- Intro
- Cultural Messages About Perfection
- Personal Stories & Perspectives on Perfection
- The Four Types of Perfection
- Perfection as a Tool, Not a Weapon
- Key Takeaways
- Call to Action
Intro
Welcome to Trash Talk, the podcast where hosts Erica Breuer and Erin Thomas tackle worn-out clichés and advice in the leadership, business, and personal development spaces. Today’s episode focuses on the topic of perfection—exploring the mixed messages we get, how perfection shows up in our lives and work, and what really matters.
Cultural Messages About Perfection
Erica and Erin begin by discussing popular sayings like “There’s no such thing as perfect,” “Done is better than perfect,” and “Perfection is the enemy of progress.” Erica recalls hearing these ideas as early as grade school, while Erin shares her experience working in advertising where the expectation was to achieve perfection for clients.
They note how the coaching and self-help industry often swings between extremes: insisting perfection doesn’t exist, or alternatively demanding flawless results. This back-and-forth creates confusion and pressure, leading many people to feel shame or embarrassment when they can’t “measure up.”
Personal Stories & Perspectives on Perfection
Both hosts share candid stories about how perfection shows up in their lives. Erica talks about her evolution in accepting imperfection in everyday tasks, like loading the dishwasher or folding laundry, and learning to listen to her body rather than striving for an impossible standard of fitness.
Erin reflects on how she’s witnessed the pendulum swing too far toward “imperfection is good enough,” creating a culture where the desire for excellence is shamed. Together, they highlight the tension between valuing perfect practice and allowing room for imperfection.
The Four Types of Perfection
Erica breaks down perfection into four categories:
- Ideal Perfection: Flawless and picture-perfect standards.
- Functional Perfection: Practical, “right tool for the job” quality.
- Relative or Subjective Perfection: Personal experiences like a perfect piece of pie or a perfect afternoon, which vary by individual.
- Divine or Religious Perfection: Linked to virtue or purity, often acknowledged as unattainable.
They discuss how understanding these types helps explain why perfection feels so contradictory and why the advice “there’s no such thing as perfect” sometimes rings true and sometimes feels like nonsense.
Perfection as a Tool, Not a Weapon
The hosts agree that perfection should be seen as a tool to serve your goals, not a weapon to beat yourself up with. They emphasize the importance of “perfect practice” — deliberate, focused effort that leads to mastery. They challenge the notion that perfectionism is always bad, suggesting instead that striving for high standards can be a source of pride and success when balanced with self-compassion.
Erica highlights how striving for perfection in her professional work has helped her establish her reputation for top-level quality, while Erin reminds listeners that moving fast and breaking things has its place too. Together, they encourage listeners to define what perfect means for them and use it creatively.
Key Takeaways
- Perfection is a complex, multifaceted concept that can motivate or hinder us depending on context.
- Cultural messages around perfection are often contradictory and confusing.
- Recognizing different types of perfection (ideal, functional, relative, divine) can help make sense of mixed feelings.
- Perfection can be a valuable tool when used intentionally, not a weapon for self-criticism.
- Embracing imperfection in daily life creates space for growth without shame.
- Striving for “perfect practice” supports mastery and professional excellence.
Call to Action
If you’re tired of one-size-fits-all advice on perfection and want to explore what truly works for you, subscribe to Trash Talk. Please leave a review and share the show with others who want to cut through clichés and rethink growth. Follow Erica and Erin on social media for more insights and episode updates. Visit our website for show notes and resources.
Show Notes & Links
- Follow Erica Breuer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabreuer/
- Follow Erin Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerinthomas/
- Visit Trash Talk Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2451264
