The Pressure to be Perfect | Triana Castro | TEDxColegio Maya Youth

Mental Health & Well-being - Perfectionism can lead to anxiety and loss of confidence [1] - A Harvard University study in 2022 indicated that 85.4% of individuals aged 16-25 exhibit perfectionist traits, negatively impacting their mental and physical health [4] - Social media, school pressures (AP classes, SATs, ACTs, college applications, exams), and family expectations are identified as causes of perfectionism [5][6][7][8][9] Societal Impact - Pressure to be perfect affects undergraduates' exam performance [4] - Societal expectations place pressure on parents to be both strict and nurturing, and on fathers to be providers and emotionally stable [8] - Children face pressure to excel in athletics and academics from a young age [9] Counter-Arguments & Solutions - The pursuit of perfection is unrealistic and unattainable [2][11] - Individuals are encouraged to challenge their perfectionist tendencies by engaging in activities that deviate from their "perfect" routines [12] - Authenticity and being "real" are presented as more valuable than striving for perfection [13]