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078 | What’s Fueling Our Perfectionism and Fear of Failure?

  • Emily Reuschel
  • Jan 11, 2024
  • 4 min read

Gather in Growth Podcast episode #001

LISTEN TO WHAT’S FUELING OUR PERFECTIONISM AND FEAR OF FAILURE ON: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your player of choicePodcast


Something I am seeing EVERYWHERE these days is this underlying perfectionism, and, not only perfectionism, but fear of failure too.


I know this isn’t a new thing, and I know it’s not exclusive to millennials, but I believe these kinds of topics are something that millennial women (my generation) especially struggle with. There’s this whole “if I can’t do it perfectly, I can’t do it at all” mentality that has consumed us for waaay too long. I’m ready to dig in, and at least start this conversation.


In today’s episode, I want to talk about what’s fueling our perfectionism, and fear of failure. I wholeheartedly believe that our fear of failure and need for perfectionism did NOT just appear out of thin air. That doesn’t mean we need to blame others for the upbringing and influence we had, but we know so much more than we did 20 or 30 years ago, which is powerful! The whole ‘good versus bad’ mindset can stick around our whole lives if we let it, and it’s something that can be passed down to our children too. Factor in the never-ending need to strive for a certain outcome with allll of your goals, the crazy, intense pressure that’s placed on high school kids, the constant bombardment we see of other people’s lives on social media (really just little snippets here and there)..it is a LOT.


I kind of feel like I’m opening Pandora’s box with this episode, but these topics are ones we NEED to get into. While perfectionism, fear of failure, imposter syndrome, etc. can be really tough on our own, there is magic in being connected with other women who are experiencing very similar challenges. They get it, and they’re in it with you! I love that I have this platform to have these tough (but very necessary) conversations, and I’m grateful you’re here doing the work with me!


In this episode about what’s fueling our perfectionism and fear of failure, we cover:

  • Where the ‘good versus bad’ mindset actually originates, and how it comes into play throughout our lives

  • Putting more focus on the process instead of the outcome we’re striving for in regards to our goals, accomplishments, etc.

  • The constant bombardment we have of other people’s lives due to the internet and social media

  • The increased pressure placed on high school kids to get the best grades, play all the sports, and go to college so they can land their ‘dream job’

  • Pursuing life on purpose so you can get closer to the life you ACTUALLY want

  • Leaning into curiosity when you experience feelings of failure, not being perfect or enough, and more

  • Setting attainable goals and habits to help combat perfectionism and fear of failure


If this episode sparked something in you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your people. Your support helps more people step into curiosity, ask hard questions, and reclaim a faith rooted in love, truth, and authenticity. Let’s shift the conversation—together.


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More about the Gather in Growth podcast: 

Gather in Growth is more than a podcast—it’s a sanctuary for women coming home to themselves and each other. A sacred space to expand horizons, reignite our power, and live unapologetically as our fullest, most authentic selves.


Hosted by Emily Reuschel, this is a gathering place for the doers, dreamers, and seekers who crave connection, purpose, and meaningful impact. Through raw conversations and soul-deep reflections, we’ll embrace curiosity, step to the edges of our comfort zones, and defy expectations.


Picture this: women gathered around a fire, sharing stories with open hearts—connecting, healing, and evolving together. That’s the spirit of Gather in Growth. This is our space to awaken and embody the lives we’ve been yearning for—lives rooted in alignment, guided by intuition, and built with intention.


If you’re ready to move beyond limits and labels, cultivate deep inner trust, and courageously embrace the magic of who you are, then welcome home. Together, let’s Gather in Growth.


Share the Love!

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Your support helps us reach more people who are ready to question, grow, and evolve.


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