Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
Written by Shauna Niequist and Brené Brown
Narrated by Shauna Niequist
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
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New York Times bestselling author Shauna Niequist invites you to look at the landscape of your own life, consider how it might feel to leave behind the pressure to be perfect, and begin the practice of simply being present in the middle of the mess.
A few years ago, Shauna found herself exhausted and isolated, her soul and body sick. She was tired of being tired and burned out on busy. It seemed like almost everyone she talked to was in the same boat: longing for connection, meaning, and depth, but settling for busy.
But then something changed. She decided to trade the hustle and bustle for grace, love, stillness, and play, and it changed everything. Shauna offers an honest account of what led her to begin this journey and a compelling vision for an entirely new way to live: soaked in rest, silence, simplicity, prayer, and connection with the people who matter most to us.
As you witness Shauna's journey, you'll be inspired to embark on one of your own. She gives you the encouragement you need to:
- Put an end to people-pleasing tendencies
- Embrace moments of simplicity, quiet, and stillness
- Accept that you are worthy of love, belonging, and joy
Written in Shauna's warm and vulnerable style, this collection of essays focuses on the most important transformation in her life, and maybe yours too: leaving behind busyness and frantic living and rediscovering the person you were made to be. Present Over Perfect is a hand reaching out, pulling you free from the constant pressure to perform faster, push harder, and produce more while maintaining an exhausting image of perfection.
Join the over one million others who have already started walking this new path away from frantic pushing and proving and toward their true selves.
Shauna Niequist
Shauna Niequist is the New York Times best-selling author of seven books, including I Guess I Haven’t Learned that Yet and Present Over Perfect. Shauna and her husband, Aaron, and their sons, Henry and William, live in New York City. Shauna is an avid reader and traveler, and a passionate gatherer of people, especially around the table.
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Reviews for Present Over Perfect
496 ratings46 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Shauna,
Thank you. The raw honesty, the vulnerability, the passion and fear touched me deeply, as only a sip from the chalice of love can do.
As a man, raised tough, hard working with cracked and often bloodied hands your words transported my minds eye into the struggles of a mother, a home maker, a wife, and a business professional. The by product of your words is a greater understanding into what could be in part, the inner dialogue of the most amazing woman I know. It is through trial and failure that one develops the tools to truly be “successful” in our short time here.
Thank you for reiterating the importance of connection. Something we shouldn’t need, yet often do...1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Present Over Perfect was a life-changing book, an absolute mandatory read for all moms, wives, mothers out there. There's so much pressure on us to achieve more, be more, do more, and we compete against each other on being the better and best mom, the best wife, the best employee - We want to prove that we can do what no one else can. We are superwomen, but at what cost? This was an absolute wake-up call for me. I never keep books - I always pass them along, but I need to keep this one for a reminder.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5While it doesn't resonate with my current life situation, I still gained loads of wisdom and insight from this book. A very encouraging read!
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A book filled with feeling, and wise words I really needed to hear.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I never wanted this book to end. One of the most powerful and most meaningful books I have ever read. I would recommend this to especially to any and every woman.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wrap up of sage advice for anyone who sees the world as fulfillment of purpose.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5If you’ve read Rachel Hollis’ girl wash your face book, this had a similar vibe to it. At first I was like “oh another book telling me to get my priorities straight”, but after I gave it more time I realized it was the message I needed to alter my life choices. Definitely a must!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The author gives hope and direction in journeying to freedom
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5If you are looking for a hand to hold during this journey this is your book, if you want practical steps this ain't it.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Shauna is an amazing author, and her book speaks volumes!!!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This has to be one of my best books ever read or listened to. It was all I really wanted at this very moment. Thank you Shauna.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5So relatable, I restarted it as soon as I finished....
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Exactly what I needed in the stage of live I am right now, thank you Shauna
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is the second time I listened to this and got even more out of it! It’s a great book!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Soulful wisdom for recovering perfectionists and overachievers who (like myself) have let it consume their lives and health. I loved it.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Laughed and cried through to the end, as I said Yes, yes, yes!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book was deep, beautiful, honest and exactly what I needed right now in my life. Thank you Shawna for sharing your mistakes and struggles and all that you have learned in creating a new life.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5As an almost 40 yo woman who feels out of control, this book has been amazing. I had it done in 1 day! It was SO relatable and full of experience that is easily transferable to yourself! This is the nest book recommendation that I received and I will recommend it to you as well!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sometimes repetative. Consistently relatable. Highly recommend this book to anyone.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Love it.I laugh, cried, agree with you. i feel like we are sitting together and you are talking to me directly to me..that you see me and where I am at.
Godbless you! - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I quite enjoyed this read ❤️ a journey we can all related to needing
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great listen! And an even better message. Absolutely loved it!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5An honest life assessment that encourages me to take inventory of my own priorities and reassess. Heartwarming, description and encouraging. Really enjoyed it.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Literally changed my life. I have read this book many times, and each time, I have discovered new insights that I hold on to. So visual and practical. Deep and light, with laughs and pensive moments. So so good. Nothing I recommend more.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5So heartfelt and raw and insightful and true. I had to buy the book in print. I’ll be listening again!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Shauna tells the truth with great passion. It's a great read! And hearing her read it was icing on the cake.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is a fantastic book. For anyone who pushes themselves to far for life.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The best thing in the perfect time. God is the best planer :)
So rich with so welcoming and encouraging vulnerability. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I am personally not Christian but I felt almost like Shauna was talking to me! A beautiful, wide open look at what we give to much of our souls to (to our detriment). Highly recommend. Beautiful, faith based book.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Best book i read in years. Real and raw truth intangibled into real life. My soul is blessed and fed