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

📚 Why We Recommend It

Perfectionism wears a shiny mask: it calls itself “ambition,” “excellence,” or “carefulness.” But behind that mask? It’s a cage—one that makes you freeze before starting, beat yourself up for small flaws, and abandon dreams because they “aren’t ready yet.” How to Be an Imperfectionist doesn’t just tell you to “let go of perfection”—it hands you the keys to break that cage, with science-backed strategies and relatable wisdom that turns “I’m not good enough” into “I’m good enough, right now.”

Author Stephen Guise (a self-confessed former perfectionist) avoids the usual “just relax” fluff. Instead, he breaks down perfectionism’s sneakiest lies—like “If I make a mistake, everyone will judge me” or “Only perfect work proves my worth”—and replaces them with actionable habits. Want to stop procrastinating on that project? Try his “Minimum Viable Action” trick (do just 5 minutes of it, no pressure to “get it right”). Tired of over-editing every email? Learn to spot your “perfection trigger” (that voice saying “this could be better”) and hit “send” anyway.

What makes this book a game-changer is its empathy: Guise doesn’t shame you for wanting to do well—he celebrates that drive, but shows you how to channel it without burning out. Readers rave about its “no-jargon, no-hype” style; it’s like having a supportive friend who’s been through the same struggle, giving you step-by-step tools to live bolder, more freely. For anyone stuck in the “perfect or nothing” cycle, this book isn’t just a read—it’s a reset button. It teaches you that imperfection isn’t a flaw—it’s the space where courage, growth, and real happiness live.