Present Over Perfect (Audio)
By Shauna Niequist
Zondervan on Brilliance Audio, 9781531832056, August 2016
The Short of It:
Are you a perfectionist? Do you try to keep all the balls in the air at the same time? Do you have trouble saying no? This book focuses on being present over perfect. Perfection is highly overrated and if you are like me and fail at it miserably, you will find much to relate to in this audio book.
The Rest of It:
What’s funny is that if you ask the people around me, they will say that I’m not failing at all. Because, on the outside, I look like I have it all together. I know this because I’ve been told this. I’ve even been referred to as a Stepford Mom and if that person happens to be reading, PLEASE do not be upset over it. I secretly enjoyed the comment and it has stayed with me for years. I mean, it was kind of a compliment, at least to my perfection-striving self.
Those who know me will also say that for years I’ve been trying to simplify and that my calendar is always a work-in-progress. Lord, I try. I try to cook real food, learn things, spend time with my family but I spend a lot of time driving back and forth, or holed up in a parking lot waiting for something to end.
A good friend gifted me this book on Audible and it could have been written by me. I could relate to every, single story within it. Present Over Perfect is a book of observations. Each chapter is an observation of what Niequist dealt with as she was trying to focus on being present with those around her, and not so perfect. Listening to this book was like a soothing balm to my soul.
My word for the year is Gather and because I am a perfectionist by nature, the idea of inviting people into my home when things are less than perfect is very uncomfortable for me but Niequist addresses that and of course everything she says makes perfect sense. While waiting for perfection that will never come, my home remains closed off to the people I’ve been trying to invite in. Ironic, no?
If you enjoy self-reflection and struggle with perfection, you will find yourself nodding to much of what Niequist details here. She comes across as gentle, but genuine. I’m so glad my friend gifted it to me!
Source: Gifted to me by a friend!
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
I’m not as bad about this as I used to be but I think I could relate to the book too.
It’s one of those books where something will speak to you. She covers many topics.
Wow, this sounds like a must listen. At least for me! I know perfectionism is unattainable, yet I always hold myself to that standard…except my desk, which I gave up on organizing.
just downloaded it! Going to listen to it next after I finish this ….other book.
Oh good! So much will speak to you.
Guess what? I own this book and it’s on my Kindle. Has been for about a year-and-a-half. Seems like to ought to try it – maybe a chapter at a time. Or maybe I can get it on audio. Yes, I have struggled with perfection thing for my whole life. I do better with it now than I used to, but it’s still a thing. So glad someone gifted you with this book and I’m delighted that it spoke to you, Ti.
This is definitely a book you can read a chapter at a time. You can also just pick a chapter that speaks to you and start there. No need to read them in order. I really enjoyed her honesty.
I think this book would be helpful to me too. Leaving Frantic behind …. and how to lessen stress and perfection …. good lessons to know
Glad this book was so perfect for you! What a good friend to gift it to you!
I think I have many “perfectionism” tendencies but, with age, I’ve learned to work through a lot of what I used to obsess over. Glad you seemed to enjoy this.
This sounds like a good one for those of us who strive to be all for everyone. Another one I liked years ago was Anna Quinlend’s Being Perfect.
Sounds like a case of just the right book at the right time! I think I need to find a copy, too…
I think you would really enjoy it.
I have a copy of this one, but I don’t think I was ready to read it. Glad it resonated with you 🙂 Sounds like its definitely a good book to read.
i did save it for when I thought I’d be in the mood for it but really, you can dip into it anytime.