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Are You Sure That’s the Full Truth? A Script for the Perfectionist Spiral

A gentle interruption that creates space for a second look.


(Parts Project | The Perfectionist 3/3 — Integration)

In the final episode of our Perfectionist series, we move into integration: how to stop letting perfectionism run your nervous system, your creativity, and your capacity. Renae and Laura explore the shift from pressure to practice—why “the process is the product,” how compounding practice builds trust, and how to work with the Perfectionist without letting it hijack your life.

This episode includes a simple, powerful question that helps interrupt the spiral in real time: “Are you sure that’s the full truth?”


In this episode, we explore:

  • Why process matters more than the product when you’re building capacity
  • The difference between trying to “fix” something vs. simply improving it
  • How perfectionism shows up in creative work (and in daily life)
  • Compounding practice: why consistency beats intensity (even when it’s messy)
  • Discernment: what’s important, what isn’t, and whose standards you’re obeying
  • A gentle script to interrupt all-or-nothing thinking and catastrophizing


The Script: A gentle interruption for the spiral

When you feel the Perfectionist ramp up, try this in real time:

  1. Pause + ask: “Are you sure that’s the full truth?”
  2. Name the alternate: “What else might be true?”
  3. Choose the kinder next step: “If I was allowed to practice (not perform), what’s the smallest next step?”


Listener Practice (Week 3: Integration)

Pick ONE place to practice “process over product” this week.

  • My low-stakes practice is: ________________________________
  • My ‘good enough’ definition is: ____________________________
  • If the spiral starts, I’ll use: “Are you sure that’s the full truth?”
  • One way I’ll support my baseline while I practice: ____________


Resources

📘 21-Day Perfectionist Journey Companion Workbook: https://renaemdupuis.com/product/the-21-day-perfectionist-journey-companion-workbook/

🗓 Restoration Sessions (free registration + 48-hour replay window): https://renaemdupuis.com/restoration-sessions/

🌿 The Pause Membership (preferred ongoing support + access to Restoration Sessions editions while you’re a member): https://renaemdupuis.com/the-pause-membership

🧩 Free Micro-Journey (Week 3: Integration) - https://renaemdupuis.com/product/perfectionist-micro-journey-3-integration/