If you watched Sesame Street in the 1970's and 80's, you might recall a wild-haired musical genius muppet named Don Music. Or maybe you don't. Producers stopped airing his segments after learning that little Gen-Xers were emulating the tortured artist's tantrums, which involved wailing, sobbing, and — most alarmingly — throwing his head onto the piano keys.

I agree that Don's head-banging histrionics didn't set the best example for kids, but let's also remember that this was an era when children biked and roller-skated helmetless and no one blinked an eye. And, when viewed as lessons for adults, the Don Music segments are, in my opinion, a brilliantly hilarious depiction of perfectionism at its worst.

For more on why I love Don Music (and, especially, his interactions with Kermit the Frog) and what those segments can teach us about taming toxic perfectionism, I invite you to listen to today's podcast episode. Then, click on the links below to learn more to watch the artiste in action. Finally, ask yourself: How can you summon your inner Kermit the Frog when perfectionism rears its head? In the meantime, I advise wearing a helmet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51LT4kBwAGY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfqc07-C4Vw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrJnzBFzEEY