Brave, Not Perfect

Overview

"Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder" by Reshma Saujani is a manifesto challenging women to embrace bravery over perfection. The book examines how girls are socialized to be perfect while boys are encouraged to be brave, and offers strategies for breaking free from perfectionism.

Core Message

Perfectionism holds women back from taking risks, pursuing ambitious careers, and living authentically. The book encourages choosing courage over caution and action over overthinking.

Key Themes

• Choose Brave Over Perfect - Take action despite fear of failure
• Embrace Failure - See failure as learning rather than defeat
• Challenge Socialization - Recognize how gendered expectations shape behavior
• Take Smart Risks - Step outside comfort zones strategically
• Build Courage Muscles - Practice bravery in small ways daily
• Reject Perfectionism - Done is better than perfect
• Live Bolder - Pursue what you want without waiting for permission

Relevance to Time Management

Perfectionism leads to procrastination and wasted time on over-polishing work. By choosing brave over perfect, you make faster decisions and take action more quickly.

Author Background

Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology.

Target Audience

• Women struggling with perfectionism
• Anyone paralyzed by fear of failure
• People seeking to take bigger career risks
• Those working to overcome gendered socialization

Format

Available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and e-book formats.