The Cult of Perfection (2 of 2 free samples)

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COPYRIGHT
The Cult of Perfection by Cooper Lawrence. Copyright 2008 by Cooper Lawrence.
All Rights Reserved. Sharing not permitted.

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INTRODUCTION (CONT'D)

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Okay, if you are holding this book in one hand while you're checking your messages on your BlackBerry with your other hand and have been turning pages with your nose (oh, hold on, is that a cradle you're rocking with your foot?), then raise your...other foot. This book is designed with the overachiever in mind: It's ideal to read it from beginning to end, but if you're reading on the run, I understand that you might prefer to pick out certain topics at your own pace. That's why there are lots of bold headings and boxes--that way you can find information quickly and easily.

If you want to focus on the nitty-gritty, practical solutions to the challenges we overachievers face, go straight to the boxes headed To Do. If reading about the experiences of other overachieving women is your main interest, then look for the boxes headed Tales from the Treadmill. Turn to Part 1 for the lowdown on what we mean by the word overachiever and for help identifying your own inner overachiever. In Part 2 we look at the impact that being an overachiever has on your home life, your relationships with your friends, your health and state of mind, and your future. In each chapter in Part 2 you will find the headings The Good, The Bad, and The Better. The Good refers to the positive impacts of overachieving and The Bad to the potentially negative impacts. The Better is my advice on how to maximize the good and minimize the bad so that you are at peace with your inner overachiever.

In The Types, I outline familiar stereotypes of overachieving women. If you recognize a little bit of yourself in any of these women, don't take it too much to heart: I'm having a gentle dig at the slightly nutty behavior we overachievers can indulge in from time to time. (Believe me, I do include myself in this.) In Part 2 you'll also find inspiring stories of great women in history who have shown how much good we overachievers can do for the world: Look for the boxes headed The Lives of History's Classic Overachievers.

Part 3 is all about learning to understand yourself and what helped to make you an overachieving woman: the personality you were born with, how you were raised, your self-image and belief in what you can achieve, major life events, and even your economic and social circumstances. You'll find plenty of advice to help you deal with issues you may be struggling with from your childhood; maintain a healthy sense of self-esteem; turn negative life events into opportunities to build something positive; and handle economic and social pressures. While Part 3 focuses on the factors that led you to become an overachiever, don't lose sight of the fact that you are the one in control of your life. For the final word on how to make sure you always keep hold of the reins, look for the heading You're in Control at the end of each chapter in Part 3.

Now, let's get started. First off, what exactly is an overachiever?

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