How’s this for ironic?
I’m trying so hard to write this post for the book, You Don’t Have to Try So Hard.
Have you stopped laughing yet? Me either.
And it’s not for the reason you might think. Actually, writing anything has been a struggle since my surgery. (more on that later, I promise)
I loved this book. I will re-read this book, unfortunately. Because this book is not done with me yet.
‘You Don’t Have to Try So Hard’ is for us women who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and procrastination.
All 3 of these could be my middle names.
So when I was asked to review this book, I jumped at the opportunity because I hoped this book would help me in my struggles with all of those things.
I was so right!
Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory not only share their struggles with issues of perfectionism, procrastination, performancism (a new term for me) and people-pleasing, they offer real hope, real transformation. Each of the 15 chapters include a quiz to help you understand yourself more and include practical ways for you to change your thoughts and behavior. They call these ‘Tiny Acts of Rebellion.’ Who doesn’t want to have a little bit of rebellion in their life? Healthy rebellion, of course.
What I especially love is that Kathi and Cheri lay out a concept of personality types they refer to as your ‘rebel type’.
You can find the Rebel Type quiz here to discover what kind of rebel you are.
I’m a mix of expressive and driver. I’d love to hear what you are!
Using your rebel type, there are suggestions at the end of every chapter of how you can defeat the bully beliefs of perfectionism, performancism, people-pleasing, and procrastination. I found this especially helpful not only for myself, but these ideas help me as I interact with my people. Each time I read about the Driver personality, I envision one of my sons. Kathi and Cheri’s insights have really helped me understand him and why he thinks and acts the way he does.
You Don’t Have to Try So Hard is a book that I will continue to refer to. As I read it the first time, I could sense that God is going to use this book to peel back the layers of my mind to change my thoughts and behaviors. One read, for me, is not enough. It may be a long, slow process, but I know that He who began a good work in me will continue…and it may just take me getting to heaven to meet Jesus before all of my control issues are totally gone. I am encouraged that really, I just don’t have to try so hard. I will continue to seek God’s will in this area of my life, and I know that will involve reading and rereading this book, asking God to pull back yet another layer to transform me to be more like Him. The Scripture shared in You Don’t Have to Try So Hard reminds me of who I am because of Jesus. These truths have illuminated the ways that I have allowed my mind to be twisted and contorted by lies of the enemy. I have been reminded that I allow God to change me more and more each time I let the truth of who He says I am to reign over the lies I’ve believed.
I am thankful for the ministry of You Don’t Have to Try So Hard to my mind, my heart. And as much as I love it, I think you will too! Which is why I am excited to announce that Harvest House Publishers has been kind enough to provide me with a copy for one of my readers!
In order to win, please leave a comment here on the blog telling me what area you most struggle with:
- Perfectionism
- Procrastination
- People pleasing
and how it affects your life or relationships.
I’ll pick a winner at random on October 25, 2018.
The winner will need to supply me with your mailing address, which I will pass on to Harvest House. It may take up to a month to receive your book, so please be patient. Maybe this gift is perfect for a procrastinator! Lol!
Wow, Melissa..
You write beautifully. Thank you for this post. Lol.. I’ve re-written this comment twice now because I struggle SO much with perfectionism (self-sabotage as I see it). If I can’t get it perfect then I may not finish it because of the fear of “failure” ugh. The struggle is real. I feel like all of these issues are related.. and they all suck. I gotta get this book. Thank you for sharing. God bless you, dear!
The struggle is SO real! And yes, it sucks!!! Its great you see how they are all related, understanding how and why we struggle is so important so we can change our thinking. Thank you for reading this, I hope it helped you. You are not alone in your struggle…I’m right there with you girlfriend!