The Myth of Perfect

Breaking Free from the Pressure to Overachieve

You are already enough! This empowering handbook for teens, full of journal prompts, quizzes, and strategies for pushing back against the unhealthy pressures of hustle culture, will help you live well without losing yourself.

In a world that expects perfection, this book redefines success in a healthier way—one that doesn't require endless sacrifices or lead to burnout. It's packed with practical advice and stories of teens just like you and your friends. Through thought-provoking exercises and expert tips, you'll learn how to manage school stress and social media pressure. Whether you're looking to boost your confidence, improve your relationships, or find your passion, this handbook will be your essential tool.
Shawn Goodman has worked in the teen mental health field for many years and is currently a psychologist at a high school in upstate New York. That work heavily informs this handbook and his previous, How to Survive Your Parents: A Teen's Guide to Thriving in a Difficult Family.

As a novelist, Goodman is the award-winning author of Kindness for Weakness and Something Like Hope, both of which were inspired by his experiences working in several New York State juvenile detention facilities. He is also the co-author of This Way Home, written with bestselling author and governor of Maryland Wes Moore.

He lives in Ithaca, New York, with his wife and children. View titles by Shawn Goodman

About

You are already enough! This empowering handbook for teens, full of journal prompts, quizzes, and strategies for pushing back against the unhealthy pressures of hustle culture, will help you live well without losing yourself.

In a world that expects perfection, this book redefines success in a healthier way—one that doesn't require endless sacrifices or lead to burnout. It's packed with practical advice and stories of teens just like you and your friends. Through thought-provoking exercises and expert tips, you'll learn how to manage school stress and social media pressure. Whether you're looking to boost your confidence, improve your relationships, or find your passion, this handbook will be your essential tool.

Author

Shawn Goodman has worked in the teen mental health field for many years and is currently a psychologist at a high school in upstate New York. That work heavily informs this handbook and his previous, How to Survive Your Parents: A Teen's Guide to Thriving in a Difficult Family.

As a novelist, Goodman is the award-winning author of Kindness for Weakness and Something Like Hope, both of which were inspired by his experiences working in several New York State juvenile detention facilities. He is also the co-author of This Way Home, written with bestselling author and governor of Maryland Wes Moore.

He lives in Ithaca, New York, with his wife and children. View titles by Shawn Goodman
  • More Websites from
    Penguin Random House
  • Common Reads
  • Library Marketing