Trying to be perfect is, well, exhausting. And it’s an unrealistic goal. Speaking about this topic to women everywhere is Jennifer Thompson in her new book If We’re Being Honest. It launches today! Jennifer’s journey from feeling suffocated by perfection to embracing her true self is inspiring, and she offers tips based on her experiences in the book. I had the opportunity to interview her, and our conversation follows.
Disclosure: In this sponsored interview, Jennifer Thompson discusses how women can find freedom and happiness in being themselves and accepting their flaws. I do not receive affiliate income from these links.
Book launch day interview: Meet author Jennifer Thompson
Jennifer balances roles as a working mom, wife, and the author of If We’re Being Honest. All while feeling pressures to be perfect. In our conversation, she sheds light on common misconceptions holding women back from happiness, advocating for progress over perfection, and the importance of self-care.
Jennifer, you’ve talked about feeling suffocated by perfection. What was the turning point when you realized you needed to make a change?
Motherhood was the turning point for me. It broke me wide open, exposing all the fallacies and lies I’d been holding onto.
As a working mom and wife, how do you navigate the pressures of family, work, and more, while staying true to yourself?
A whole lot of grace and a husband who knows me often better than I know myself. HA!
More with Jennifer Thompson
In your experience, what are some of the biggest misconceptions that women often tell themselves and hold them back from a happier life?
In my experience, numerous misconceptions can often hinder women from leading fulfilling lives. One prevalent misconception revolves around societal expectations, where women feel compelled to conform to predetermined roles and standards. This pressure to excel in multiple domains simultaneously, whether in their professional, familial, or personal lives, can lead to a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.
Another common challenge is imposter syndrome. Oftentimes, women underestimate their capabilities and qualifications, attributing their achievements to luck rather than merit. This mindset can inhibit them from pursuing opportunities or taking on challenges that could lead to personal and professional growth.
The pursuit of perfection is another pervasive misconception that can be particularly detrimental. Women may feel compelled to maintain an unrealistic standard of flawlessness in every aspect of their lives, resulting in undue stress, burnout, and diminished self-esteem.
Additionally, there exists a cultural expectation for women to prioritize the needs of others above their own, often neglecting self-care and personal fulfillment in the process. This tendency to prioritize caregiving roles at the expense of their own well-being can impede their overall happiness and satisfaction.
To overcome these misconceptions, it is essential for women to challenge societal norms, cultivate self-awareness and confidence, set realistic expectations, prioritize self-care, and redefine success on their own terms. By embracing authenticity, resilience, and self-compassion, women can navigate these challenges and lead more fulfilling lives.
To a woman who is struggling with letting go of perfectionism, what would you say?
I would say, “you’re not alone.” Letting go of perfectionism is a journey. IT’s not something you will wake up one day and never strive for again. But here’s the thing – knowing is half the battle because perfection is an illusion. It’s this unattainable standard that no one can obtain, not even Marie Kondo.
Instead of striving for perfection, how about we aim for progress? Because progress allows for mistakes, for learning, for growth. It’s about embracing our imperfections and recognizing that they’re what make us beautifully human.
Trust me, the world doesn’t need another perfect woman – it needs real, authentic ones. Ones who aren’t afraid to show their vulnerabilities, who aren’t afraid to fail and get back up again. That’s where true strength lies.
So go ahead, give yourself permission to let go of perfectionism. Embrace the messy, imperfect journey of life. And remember, you are worthy, just as you are.
How do you show up authentically for your online community on your blog They Whine, So I Wine? Is it harder to do so some days more than others?
Some days it’s hard. I used to put pressure on myself to show up every single day, but now I know that my followers will be there. I can take a break, and they will still respect me. It’s all about building a community.
You also work at a Fortune 100 company. How do you balance your professional role with your personal mission of empowering women to be their authentic selves?
As a manager, I strive to lead by example, fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and empowers individuals (and women) to bring their whole selves to work. Whether through mentorship, advocacy for equitable policies, or championing diverse voices, I aim to empower my team to be bold in their careers and opinions.
By leveraging my platform and networks, it’s important to me to amplify the voices of women and provide resources and support for their personal and professional growth.
I’d be lying if I said it were always easy. Balancing these roles requires prioritization, boundary-setting, and effective time management. It involves aligning my professional endeavors with my personal values and mission, while also recognizing the importance of self-care and rejuvenation.
Interview with Jennifer Thompson cont’d.
How do you define success in a society that is so focused on appearances?
Great question. Our society has become fixated on appearances, success often seems synonymous with external markers like wealth or physical attractiveness. However, true success goes far beyond superficial measures. It’s about finding fulfillment, purpose, and authenticity as you are. Success lies in the journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and meaningful connections, rather than in conforming to societal norms or seeking validation through material possessions.
Success for me is a deeply personal journey, driven by self-awareness and a commitment to making meaningful contributions to oneself and society, regardless of societal pressures or expectations.
Congrats on publishing If We’re Being Honest. Who is this book intended for?
Women of all ages. It was important to me that whether a mother or not, any woman could pick this up and relate.
What do you hope readers take away from it?
I hope it awakens them into who they were always designed to be. I hope it sparks a fire within them to shed the lies they’ve believed to be true about themselves and instead, live boldly and authentically.
Did anything surprising happen while writing it? If so, what?
I learned the art of patience and accepting that not everything happens on the timeline we have in our minds, but it DOES always happen when it’s supposed to.
One last question! In the spirit of the book’s title, complete this sentence, based on how your day is going today: “If we’re being honest ________”
[If we’re being honest] I am tired from back-to-back morning talk shows, but I am so thankful to be getting this book out into the world and into the hands of women everywhere.
Get your copy of If We’re Being Honest today
The new release If We’re Being Honest is now avilable on Amazon in Kindle or paperback.
This book is also on Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, Bookshop.org, and more.
Connect further with author Jennifer Thompson
Find out more about Jennifer at her self-titled website. Register for her webinars, read blog posts, and check out her inspiring shop!
Jennifer Thompson is also on Instagram and Facebook. Hit the follow buttons to stay up to date with her on socials.
Do you feel the pressure of perfectionism? How do you think society can better support women in embracing their true selves?