Stop Waiting for Perfect

by L'Oreal Thompson Payton

You have Big Dreams for living a Big Life, but you have one Big Problem—you don’t trust yourself. Learn how to let go of that self-doubt and change your life.

You are smart, brilliant, and beyond talented, but if you’re a woman, particularly a Black woman or woman of color, you’re likely prone to doubting yourself. What’s more, society often reinforces the idea that you—that we—don’t deserve the success we do achieve. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

You just need to believe in yourself and trust your own greatness.

Award-winning journalist, motivational speaker, and blogger L’Oreal Thompson Payton is a self-professed success junkie and poster girl for “overly” ambitious high achievers everywhere. She also knows firsthand how imposter syndrome and self-doubt can derail your dreams. She’s experienced the growing pains that come with big career and life changes. But she’s also come out the other side ready to kick ass, take names, and bring everyone she possibly can along with her.

In Stop Waiting for Perfect, she’s doing just that: using that hard-won insight to be your guide, your big sister, your best friend, and personal cheerleader to help you through your own journey. She’s penned the pocket-sized pep talk to walk with you through any obstacle in your career or personal life.

This book will force you to stop playing small and encourage you to fully step into your power and walk in your purpose. It will awaken the dreams you buried deep within your soul long ago because you thought they were impossible, unattainable—available to other people, but not you. Until now.

Learning to trust your dopeness isn’t a one-time achievement to unlock; it’s a lifelong journey. No matter where you are in your life, it’s time to stop doubting and start living your best life.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Inspirational

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Justin Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! This book has a little bit of everything, from memoir to self-help. The perspective especially resonated with me, a fellow millennial belonging to a marginalized community. Loved the numerous Beyoncé references and tone that's as personable as a blog. Reading it feels like making a friend and getting a pep talk at the same time.

Generally recommended for anyone who feels like they need a friendly push to shake things up and make things happen!

[Ally Brunette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow. This book felt like a warm hug from a millennial girlfriend. I’d describe the voice of the writing as a response in a magazine “dear Abby” section, but complete with Beyoncé and pop culture references abound. I loved every word of this read.

Some elements of the read resounded with me deeply, such as struggling with perfectionism, perpetual anxiety about every move I make, and making the leap into entrepreneurship during the Great Recession. Also, shout out to a fellow Georgetown reject, they missed out big time on us. I could not, as a white woman, understand firsthand the lived experience of a POC, but I greatly appreciated L’Oreal’s perspective.

I’ve told people that the hardest thing about entrepreneurship as a 30-something woman is “rewiring my brain to be more delusional.” What I mean by that (tongue-in-cheek) is that I have to stop overthinking every minute detail and just boulder forward and instead blindly believe that I will succeed where I’m meant to, and because of that failure is impossible. I recognized so many of the things I’ve done to psyche myself out of my perfectionist panic AND much of the advice my therapist and career coach have given me in this book. It’s refreshing to read about other women shedding the identity of who they should be and embracing their authentic self.

Thank you for writing this book and for speaking in a way that is so warm, friendly, and knowledgeable- but in a way unlike so many other self help books, with the voice of your ride or die best girlfriend. I loved every word of it.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a great book! started this in the fall and it was exactly what i needed coming in to the new year. L’Oreal shares a lot of hard truths, but her ability to build you up while being painfully honest is a beautiful and much needed skill. cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you really struggle with perfectionism.

[sal]

I love this one. Just what I needed to read. Specifically lovely to an aspiring writer.

[Karin H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am extremely grateful to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book, which has been incredibly beneficial in helping me overcome my self-doubt and trust issues. The book's writing style was thoroughly enjoyable and kept me engaged throughout. The insightful tips provided have been truly valuable, and I can confidently say that I found this book to be exceedingly useful. Without a doubt, it deserves a full five stars! #StopWaitingforPerfect #NetGalley

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

L’Oreal came to a work event of mine to speak on perfectionism and mental wellness. I was instantly inspired by her words, motivated by her prompts and found her journey relatable so I was super excited to pick up her book. Being an overly perfectionists,overachieving, anxious black girl myself, when I say this book is truly everything I needed and more, it still would be an understatement.

I found L’Oreal authenticity and honesty so refreshing when talking about being a black woman in pressured career field, dealing with the isms that come with being a high achieving black woman, having other deeply personal but meaningful aspirations and overall just wanting to find joy through the noise and still excel.

I’ve connected with her briefly on socials and her energy and encouragement has been just as positive.
This is definitely going on my shelf as a fav and L’Oreal whether she knows it or not is my sensi,yoda, unknowingly a mentor that I needed going through my own writing journey/chasing my own dreams.
High recommend this read.

[Cait Monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found L’Oreal Thompson Payton a few years ago (5+ years) at a time that can only be described as a career slump. I was sitting in the basement bathroom of my office, crying, half from the stress and half from the godawful sewage smell that bathroom had. I googled “millennial newsletters”, “women in business newsletters”, and “Black women newsletters” to find inspiration and advice from people who were doing it. Yes dear review reader, I am not Black.

In that search I kept seeing one newsletter recommended over and over, LT in the City. So I tapped the subscribe link and signed up on the spot. Every Wednesday for the last however many years, I’ve been excited to check my emails for LTP’s wit, smarts, passion, and vulnerability. To get all of that in book form?! It’s the best.

LTP has had such an influence on my career and I’m just so excited to see her continue to grow and kick butt. This book is warm and thoughtful, no nonsense confidence boost.

[Laura Scholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

L’Oréal has such a strong voice and has been such a cheerleader for so many people’s careers, including mine, it’s so nice to see her get her flowers and watch her soar in this debut dream book. Part memoir, part self-help tome, it’s written from the POV of your savvy big (or my case, little), sister or sympathetic best friend. Tough love when you need it, but full of gems. As a recovering perfectionist, I found the book relatable but actionable, all while acknowledging the -isms of the world and her lived reality of being a Black woman in America. The questions at the end of each chapter had me writing pages in my journal and thinking hard about my own career and life. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. I am so glad I read this book and can’t wait to gift it to others.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

STOP WAITING FOR PERFECT is a quick and digestible read on how to stop waiting and start living. I appreciated the reminder that perfection isn’t actually real and the questions that follow the chapters to allow for reflection. A great book to pump you up and just go for it, whether it’s asking for a pay raise, moving to a different state, changing careers, etc. The author shares valuable tips and tools to help you feel comfortable betting on yourself.

Thank you to BenBella Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

[Kristi Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love this book! I first borrowed the audio book and then I bought the book! A common sense guide to get out of your own way and embrace your talents, gifts and fears. I am inspired and have started to do a deep dive while I prepare myself for new endeavours. The reflection questions help to get to these deeper spaces and the letter templates are a nice push in the right direction. Its like a life coach in a book!

[Alyssa Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

L’Oreal’s book gave me the pep talk I needed to step out of my comfort zone and into my purpose. And while encouraging someone to take risks is usually easier said than done, L’Oreal breaks it down in a way that makes it feel doable. Plus, her museum’s worth of Beyoncé references are the cherry on top. Queen Bey inspo mixed with real-life advice? Yes, please!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because it was easy to read. I enjoyed reading L'Oreal's personal stories and found it interesting. I didn't really connect to the reflective questions at the end of the chapters and the content was a good summary of information that I knew - I was glad that I read it because I think it helped me think about my inner imposter and how to not let her take hold.

[Jenn Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how vulnerable and conversational this book is. I feel like the author is so honest and giving in this text. As a recovering people pleaser and struggling perfectionist, this book makes me feel so seen. I highly recommend for other high-functioning Black women seeking guidance on how to navigate anxiety and perfectionism.

[Kelly Pramberger]

I totally have issues with trusting myself all the time. This book taught me helpful tips to get over my fears. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I enjoyed the writing style. I found it to be useful. Five stars.

[Ifrah Akhtar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly helpful and felt like getting advice from an older sister. If you’re on the fence of building the life you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll find this book to be an assistive experience and a gentle push in the direction of your dreams.

[pianogal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was not was I was expecting. I thought it was going to be more about dealing with perfectionism. Instead, it was about the author's life and the number of times she changed jobs. I liked her writing style, but the content left me a little flat.

[Wesley Tatum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the audible format. It gave a very personal view of the author’s opinion.

[Susan Kerrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read or listen. She is down to Earth and gave me a few great points to ponder.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice

[Alyssa Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!! I listened to it and will be purchasing a hard copy to keep. Thank you, L’Oreal!

[N. Bright]

I am definitely going to read this annually - great book!

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! Appreciated the reflections shared as well.

[Maggie Stohler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on audiobook! I’ve been a newsletter subscriber of L’Oreal’s for many years and really enjoyed listening to this. She offers a lot of really transparent career advice. Would recommend!

[Kaliyah P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

it starts off slow at first you have to give it time to build. Towards the end of the book it gets really good and has a ton of gems, very motivational and insightful.

[Jen Pierron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read but felt similar to other books or podcasts I’ve read or listened to previously!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the “perfect” book for us recovering perfectionists. L’Oreal speaks to us as her confidante (as a recovering perfectionist herself), and seamlessly weaves stories from her own life into this book. Part autobiography and part self-help book, L’Oreal’s writing speaks to her audience in a conversational tone from mentor to mentee. I loved the section where she talked about each of us being someone’s favorite, and her using the example of a teacher applied to my own life. Now, each day when I wake up, that passage that I am some of my students’ favorite teacher is my #morningmotivation that also serves as a source of inspiration throughout my teaching day. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter were super dope, encouraging the reader to apply the reading to her own life. This is most definitely a book to read, re-read and reflect upon during life’s quiet moments. Highly recommend.

[Lyneshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fast read. I absolutely loved it and how relatable it is. It is motivating and eye opening. I recommend the book guide that goes along with it.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great reminders throughout. A helpful guidebook.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like talking to a friend. After reading this, I’m walking away with the tools and confidence I need to stop waiting for perfect and put my dreams into action.