Happy New Year: Stop Building Monuments and Let Go of Perfection

insyed; cozy psychology · Jan 4, 2026 · 2m · transcript

“You don’t have to be worthy to be whole.”

As we step into 2026, the pressure to "reinvent" ourselves is at an all-time high. We are told to set massive goals, build new habits, and essentially construct a "monument" to our own success. But what if that striving is actually keeping us from living?

In this episode, we look at the hidden cost of perfectionism. It’s often viewed as a pursuit of excellence, but research shows it can be a "sad and lonely place"—a futile attempt to gain control that only increases our sense of isolation. We explore the vital difference between doing and being, and…