This is not a novel, it is a book that you will find things that help understand some of the things you think. One of the things I found for me, was when I have to learn something new or take a test, I panic, stress, make myself sick, but I do it and all is good. But, it always happens. Well, I learned that it could be I am so afraid of making a mistake. Until I read about it, I said I always say, I love making mistakes because I learn so much more from making a mistake than I do coasting through life. But after reading what the author was saying, I could honestly say, I wasn't facing what the problem was, I was trying to convince myself that I loved making mistakes. It was easier. As I move on, I am taking the information with me, and also the book. It isn't a book you read all at once. It is when you are struggling with something, there is information in the book that helps me.
The title intrigued me, and I learned a few things there, too. When I had to learn a new computer program, the panic started, and I stopped my brain, and it told me what it had to say, and I said what I had to say, and I settled in, and managed to do it without the stress or getting sick. The book is a tool, that will help myself and others, The author isn't trying to convince you that you might have something that you don't have. The author and book is there, for answers to questions that you have about what is going on with you.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Essentials through NetGalley.

There is a lot of realy useful information in this book and WAY too many metaphors, metaphors on metaphors then an analogy tossed in when really, most of that language was unnecessary. It got really distracting. So many examples are of students (which is terrific), so the question is: are students the audience? If so, getting to the point and the way to implement, directing them to the parts of the book that may apply to their scenario vs having to wade through metaphors to find them, would have been useful.

Tired of feeling like you cannot measure up? This book will show you how to tame your perfectionism so that it can be a strength.

I absolutely loved this book, I might have more highlighted parts than non-highlighted parts!! First of all Hendriksen is funny - the metaphors she uses are so relevant and kind of cracked me up, which makes a book just so enjoyable to read. I wouldn't classify myself as a perfectionist, but if you're living in America, you can't help but be at least somewhat affected by the idea that you are what you do, or what you accomplish. As a therapist, I think this book is an absolute must to have on your shelf and to recommend to clients - I even got my son to agree to read it when I'm done! This book did make me feel bad as a parent; some of the things she talks about in the beginning in terms of families you might have grown up in really poked my heart - thinking I was encouraging my kids to succeed and realizing now that they may have associated succeeding with her value as a person. But that's why this book is so important, so we can learn more about our intrinsic value, and how to be ourselves. Really excellent read. Highly recommend.

This is one of those pieces of non fiction I didn’t know I needed. The advice on how to let go of expectations that no one needs to place on themselves was eyes opening. I will add as recommended reading on my chronic illness website. I can’t thank the author enough for her straight forward, self care approach.

Wow, I have never felt more seen and heard than this book. I have some new language to use when I talk to my friends. I have high expectations for myself and the chapter about rules really resonated. Hendriksen has really done her research and is very thoughtful about this work. Well Done!!!

As someone who doubts herself daily, this title grabbed my attention. The book is very detailed with tips, tricks, examples of people's behaviors and finally how to heal. The layout of the chapters appealed to me. A few parts seemed long but they're helpful. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

How to Be Enough is a self help book for perfectionists. There is a societal misconception that being a perfectionist is a great thing and something to brag about because it means you get things done and done well. That might be true, but it also causes a great deal of mental anguish.

The author discusses the combination of genetics, family environment and cultural influences that produces perfectionism, and then elaborates on seven ways or shifts to change the reader's outlook and behaviours. She discusses moving away from self criticism, harsh judgement and labels to focusing on values, and from over-evaluation of performance to enjoying the moment and connecting with other people. She gives examples and practical exercises throughout the chapters, as well as suggestions to reframe our inner monologue so that it is more supportive and less self destructive.

Overall it is a decent guide, although a little bit dry. For those suffering due to their inner critic, it could be valuable reading.

Self-help books can tend to be dry and cliched. This one is emphatically not. It is accessible, relateable, and annotate-able with an aha! moment on just about every page. I made copious notes, scribbles, drawings, you name it. It read as though the author was talking to me personally. I will absolutely be buying a hardcover copy to keep and stuffing it with post-it flags. I was given an opportunity to really think about what I value and drew a "basket of favorites" that actually surprised me, since what I want is not what I WANT to want. I want to want what will make other people happy. Maybe since I passed on some critical parenting patterns before I knew how destructive they could be, I will also buy copies for my older children who might think that they are not enough. It's never too late to come into your own.

Thank you to the publisher/author for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I don't normally read these types of books but this one kept me interested during various chapters. There were some aspects that I skimmed through but there were some sections that had good information for everyone in my opinion. I think if self-help is your type of genre you will find this book to be useful in some aspects of your life, possibly more.

The book provides actionable strategies to foster self-acceptance and build meaningful connections, making it a valuable resource for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their own high standards. Hendriksen’s blend of psychological expertise and relatable advice creates a supportive framework for overcoming perfectionism and embracing a more fulfilling, connected life.