How to Be an Imperfectionist: The New Way to Self-Acceptance, Fearless Living, and Freedom from Perfectionism

By: Stephen Guise

Narrated by: Daniel Penz

I remember when I aimed for perfect workouts: 30 minutes was the minimum.

I was in lousy shape.

I remember when I aimed for perfect dating: it couldn't be awkward, forced, or uncertain.

I didn't talk to women I was interested in.

I remember when I aimed for perfect writing: I wanted 1,000+ words of quality material per day.

I played video games instead.

I carefully avoided mistakes, endlessly ruminated about what I didn't do, and what I did do wasn't enough.

Then, I became an imperfectionist.

Everything changed. I had fun stories to tell, like the lesbian pizza incident and the most nervous "Hi" ever spoken by a human being. I learned more. I laughed more. I lived more.

I got in great shape, read more books, and improved my social skills. I wrote Mini Habits, which is being translated into a dozen languages.

I found I could mess up and still win.

Perfectionism is a naturally limiting mindset. For example, kids are taught to color inside the lines, and any color outside the lines is considered a mistake that must be corrected. Imperfectionism frees us to live outside the lines, where possibilities are infinite, mistakes are allowed, and self-judgment is minimal.

While the freedom of imperfectionism is impactful, it does not preclude us from having problems. Imperfectionists aren't so ironic as to have perfect lives, they're just happier, healthier, and more productive at doing what matters.

©2015 Stephen Guise (P)2015 Stephen Guise

Just what I needed

This book was just what I needed during a time in my life where I'm feeling stuck and insecure. I never knew how much perfectionist tendencies limited my freedom, success and happiness. The content was laid out in a way that made sense and was useful and practical. I listened twice so that I could just digest the information the first time without feeling pressure to do the action steps all in one. I am now ready to take the necessary steps to make changes in my life. I know there is no one smoking gun but this really made me think of goals, progress, success and failure in a different light. The narration was also very good (one of the things that's hit or miss with audible). I have recommended this book to several people already.

Helpful

As someone who has only recently realized that perfectionism is causing a lot of issues in my life, this book has been very helpful in giving me some insight and understanding as well as concrete solutions to counteract this detrimental way of thinking.

One of the best self-help books I've ever read!

I'm a writer and this book actually gives me the tools to help me with my struggles with perfectionism, procrastination, rumination and fear. Rather than just motivation or positive thinking, this book provides dozens of easy, effective, real-world techniques such as beginning mini habits, setting timers and adjusting your standards. Taking action is actually the solution to rumination. I'll be listening to this one over and over again. I'll definitely get Stephen's other book, Mini-Habits, too. I also recommend Wayne Dyer's book, Excuses Begone! to anyone dealing with perfectionism. I've listened to it several times and while he doesn't offer the techniques that Stephen does, it is helpful in changing your mindset. Thanks so much, Stephen, for writing a life-changing book!

My teenager loved it!

I listened to this book with my teenage son. Not only did l love it and find it useful and entertaining he did too! lt was interesting and gave great ideas and explanations. Things I long for my son to know. I am extremely grateful for the help this book gave to me and him!

Coaching through insecurities

Content was not as concise as I would've liked, but fabulously successful nonetheless on altering my perspective on perfectionism. By listening to this audiobook, I became aware of the insecurities perfectionism can stem from. Thanks, Stephen Guise, for making imperfectionism attractive and achievable with your coaching.

Stephen Guise's stories referring to Mini Habits were one of the things I found most helpful.