The Courage to Be Imperfect

How to Release Yourself from Unrealistic Expectations and Start Enjoying Life

By: Elizabeth Danks Robbins

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

No one gets more advice thrust upon them than women. Overwhelmed with information, opinions, and expectations, we are weighed down with guilt, exhaustion, and the belief that we aren't good enough . . . yet. So we keep trying to fix stuff—our bodies, our parenting, our homes. But fixing things isn't the answer. What we need is a paradigm shift, one where we stop trying to get our act together and start living boldly imperfect lives.

Sharing her own story of faltering under the crushing expectations of the world when she found herself pregnant at age sixteen, Elizabeth Danks Robbins turns the very idea of "perfect" on its head. Instead, she shows you how to stop fearing the opinions and criticism of others in favor of creating a life you actually enjoy. You'll learn to reframe your mindset, embrace who you are now, and trade perfection for peace.

Imagine a life where you're not afraid to make a mistake, you don't link your worth to what you've achieved, you don't feel like you're drowning, and you never hear that voice in your head telling you you're not good enough. Release yourself from the pressure to prove yourself to the world. Because, as it turns out, you're not a perfect woman. You're a real one.

©2025 Elizabeth Danks Robbins (P)2025 Christian Audio

My 99 Year Old Self

This was a great listen. I want to send it to so many people in my life because of the solid advice, real life experience, and humility you portray in your words. I will forever consider my '99 year old self' as well as my '18 & pregnant my senior year of HS year old self' when I look at where I am, and where I want to be in life. I am 48 years old with four adult sons, and still to this day hear, "You're too young to have adult children." The shock makes me laugh now, but I love the responses you curated, and will take that approach moving forward. Thank you for your vulnerability, Elizabeth, your words will positively influence me the remainder of my life.

“People will always perceive us through their own life expectancies and there will be people who don’t like you”

This is a great book to read or listen to especially if you are someone who tries to do everything, and not to mention, tries to everything perfectly. We have all been there, and perhaps we just need a subtle reminder that there are far more things that are important rather than a chore that can be completed at another time. Hug your families and loved ones a little tighter.

10/10 Grab a Highlighter

Every mother should read this book. It has blessed me so much in letting little things go that don’t really matter while embracing things that might not seem “productive”, but are certainly worthwhile. Thank you for your words and your vulnerability Elizabeth!