Amazing! I felt so validated and seen in this book. Every anecdote and example felt like it came right out of my own life. And the narrator—it's the author herself! That personal touch really adds something special to the stories she's sharing.

This is a must-read for anyone who’s doubting themselves or wondering if what they’re doing is enough. You don’t have to force yourself to keep going with something that just isn’t working. Sometimes quitting is the best option, even though it’s also the hardest. As someone who has had to make those tough decisions and felt immense guilt for not trying anymore, this was something I really needed to hear.

How to Stop Trying is an incredibly vulnerable book exploring how women are conditioned to perfect every aspect of their lives and how we can start to recognize these pressures and let them go. Kate Williams is incredibly open and talks about her struggles with infertility and all of the mental hoops she went through to be able to let herself stop trying to get pregnant, and how she's been working to apply that to the rest of her life.

This book definitely resonated with me, and I really appreciated what Kate brought to the reading by listening to her book and would definitely recommend the format. I will say though, as someone without kids, I felt that a lot of the advice was really focused toward moms and people with kids. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with kiddos, but probably not as much for folks without them.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and to Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy.

As a millennial woman, this book resonated with me a lot. Williams’ experiences were so relatable and she provides such a great reminder about how we all need to stop trying so hard, especially when trying so hard ends up hurting us. Our generation was raised to keep trying at all costs, especially at all costs to ourselves, and it’s an important reminder to break these habits and embrace learning to quit. I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone I know, especially the millennial/Gen-X women in my life.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the advanced audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review!

Excellent account of challenges that today’s generation of women are facing. Kate Williams gives honest feedback on how she approached and managed her life choices. Reassurance for those struggling with work/life balance. Kate’s honest reflection on the fertility dilemma is brave.

Introduction
In "How to Stop Trying" by Kate Williams, readers are invited into a journey of self-discovery and introspection aimed at redefining success, productivity, and personal fulfillment. Kate Williams, known for her insightful explorations of human behavior and self-help, tackles the often-overlooked topic of the relentless pursuit of achievement and its impact on our mental and emotional well-being. This review will provide a comprehensive look at the book's philosophy, its practical advice, and its effectiveness in guiding readers towards a more balanced life.

Summary
Core Philosophy:
"How to Stop Trying" pivots on the idea that constant striving for more—be it success, wealth, or recognition—can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a disconnection from what truly matters. Williams argues for a paradigm shift where "trying" is reevaluated, suggesting that sometimes, stopping to try so hard can open up avenues for more authentic living.

Structure and Content:
The book is organized into several key sections:

Understanding the Try-Hard Culture: Williams begins by dissecting the societal norms that push individuals into a never-ending cycle of achievement. She uses anecdotes, research, and personal stories to illustrate how this culture affects us.
The Art of Letting Go: Here, the author introduces techniques for releasing the need to control outcomes, including mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioral strategies, and the importance of embracing imperfection.
Redefining Success: This section challenges conventional definitions of success, encouraging readers to find personal metrics of fulfillment that align with their values rather than societal expectations.
Practical Applications: Williams provides actionable advice on how to incorporate these new philosophies into daily life, from career to personal relationships, advocating for a life where "doing" is balanced with "being."

Narrative Style:
Williams writes with a conversational tone that makes complex psychological concepts accessible. Her blend of humor, vulnerability, and directness makes the book not just a guide but an engaging companion on the journey toward mental liberation.

Conclusion
"How to Stop Trying" is a breath of fresh air in the self-help genre, offering a counter-narrative to the hustle culture that dominates modern life. While it might not resonate with everyone, especially those deeply entrenched in traditional views of success, it serves as a profound reminder of the importance of self-care, mental health, and finding joy in the process rather than solely in the outcome. Williams' book encourages a thoughtful reevaluation of personal goals and the paths we choose to achieve them.

Rating Breakdown
Content: 4.5/5 - The content is both thought-provoking and practical, providing a fresh perspective on common self-help themes.
Structure: 4/5 - Well-organized with clear progression from problem identification to solutions, though some might find the transition between personal anecdotes and advice slightly jarring at times.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - Engaging, accessible, and at times poetic, making complex ideas feel relatable.
Practicality: 4/5 - Offers many actionable steps, though some might require readers to significantly shift their mindset, which can be challenging.
Impact: 4/5 - Has the potential to genuinely change how readers approach their lives, though its impact might vary based on individual readiness for change.
Overall: 4.3/5 - A valuable read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly achieve, providing both philosophical insights and practical steps toward a more balanced life.

"How to Stop Trying" by Kate Williams is recommended for those looking to explore a new way of living that prioritizes well-being over relentless striving.

This was the perfect book to read for anyone needing to hear that it's OKAY to say no and prioritize your own self-care!!

There are lots of self-help books out there but this one really resonated for me. In it the author talks about her experience with anxiety, depression, ADHD, loss and infertility (among other things), while also offering a social critique of the society of misogyny that girls and women grow up in that constantly tells them they aren't 'enough' and need to 'do better.'

Great on audio and full of so many important little truth bombs. I can see this being a book I go back and re-read again and again. HIGHLY recommended for fans of books like More than enough and Find your unicorn space. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I got this audiobook through NetGalley and it’s such a great, heartfelt message to millennial women. I love the permission to give yourself a break. The narrator is chatty and fun sounding. I didn’t love the discussion of unequal domestic labor, not because it’s not true but because this topic is one that saps my will to go on. But I really loved the book and I do recommend it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC audiobook for review. This book was a perfect read at the holidays as everyone wants to accomplish everything- all the holiday parties, gifts, shows! Reading this reminded me to SLOW down and just stop trying sometimes for perfect or for everything cause it’s fricking exhausting and just be present and happy with what you have. The author is not saying not to try and go for for what what you want, but sometimes, we just get overwhelmed in the go and the trying that we need to step back and take a minute to just breathe.

I really liked this book and think everyone should read it. It explains so much about navigating life in a way that's incredibly relatable. The author’s narration was especially enjoyable, I love when authors narrate their own work because it adds a personal touch and depth to the experience.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to hear this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
How to Stop Trying by Kate Williams will be released Feb 25th and is narrated by the author themselves.

I absolutely loved the narration of this book. When an author narrates their own work, it brings an extra layer of authenticity and emotion—it feels like their words truly come to life. The message resonated deeply with me: women, and people in general, need to stop chasing endless achievements to feel worthy or fulfilled. Instead, let's embrace the joy of simply living and appreciating what we already have!

What’s a great read. Personally couldn’t have read this at a better time. So good, so relatable. Readers are really going to enjoy this one.

How to Stop Trying is a book I will be recommending to my entire audience, every mother friend I have, and female in my life. As an elder millennial, I deeply, wholeheartedly relate to every idea Williams brings forward, from the notion that we are conditioned to be people pleasers from moment one to the 'you're never going to win but never stop trying' mentality we're forced to live with as wives, mothers, and women daily in American society. This story will resonate with so many women who are overworked, riddled with guilt, and feeling like no matter what we do, we will never be enough. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for sending me an audio-ARC of How to Stop Trying in exchange for review.

3.75 stars

This book takes a deep look into hustle culture and all of the societal expectations placed on us— specifically women.

I’ve definitely been guilty of all things discussed in this book but really it is okey to step back and accept that we don’t constantly need to be pushing ourselves “try and try again” like for real sometimes just give up and move on. Speeding through life from task to task not only IS exhausting but you really do miss out on a lot. After listening to this I think I will try to relax a little more and not put too much pressure on myself. This was very realistic and quick, I flew through it. Macmillan does always choose wonderful narrators though, at times it didn’t feel like I was listening to an audiobook but instead having a heart-to-heart with a close friend.


Thank you so much!

I really enjoyed this audiobook! I loved the author's approach to stop trying so damn hard at things that don't matter, impositions we put on ourselves (mostly women) and society tells us we need to care about.