Girl, Stop Apologizing

A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals

by Rachel Hollis

4.6(16,975 ratings)

8 min read

Brief overview

This book shows you how to stop apologizing for who you are and start actively pursuing your goals. It focuses on practical strategies to overcome your limitations, boost your self-confidence, and create positive habits. By reframing how you see yourself and your potential, you’ll discover new ways to embrace bold ambition and make meaningful progress in life.

Introduction

From childhood, many of us learn that we’re expected to please everyone else. Yet inside, there’s often a burning desire to do more, to achieve that big dream, or to live a life beyond the mold. This disconnect can create a cycle of guilt and self-doubt.

In these pages, you’ll discover how to shed the shame that so often holds you back. You’ll explore how to dig beneath the expectations and start focusing on what you really want, rather than what others believe you should be.

A life spent apologizing for who you are means a life spent ignoring your potential.

Breaking Excuses

We frequently hide behind excuses like 'I’m not built for that' or 'I don’t have enough time.' They form a barrier between who we are now and who we might become. These excuses are easier to cling to than to risk failing at something challenging.

Recognizing this pattern is the first step. The key is to identify any self-defeating stories you repeat about your identity—perhaps that you’re too old or too inexperienced—and challenge them. What if you could rewrite that narrative?

Try replacing negative internal chatter with more uplifting words. Uncover how each excuse is really a fear in disguise, and name it. Once you identify the root cause, you can reclaim the energy you’ve been wasting on worry.

Fear will speak in the voice of excuses. Listen closely, and you’ll discover what your heart truly wants.

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What is Girl, Stop Apologizing about?

In Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis delivers a shame-free plan to help readers overcome excuses, build empowering habits, and achieve bold ambitions. Through personal stories and step-by-step tips, she reveals how to break free from limiting self-perceptions and societal pressures so you can confidently move toward the life you want.

With a refreshing voice, Hollis addresses common pitfalls like guilt, fear of judgment, and perfectionism that stop many from realizing their true potential. This book not only reframes how you see setbacks, but it also outlines a clear path toward lasting personal growth, making it essential reading for anyone ready to stop downplaying their capabilities.

Review of Girl, Stop Apologizing

Girl, Stop Apologizing stands out for its practical approach to personal development, combining honest personal anecdotes and simple, proven strategies. Rachel Hollis lays out how to replace harmful thought patterns with constructive ones, helping readers create daily habits that foster progress in both career and personal spheres. It is filled with clear examples showing how consistent effort can lead to meaningful change.

The book’s warm, conversational style makes it accessible to a broad audience, especially those looking for realistic methods to overcome guilt and self-doubt. Short chapters and direct language cater well to busy individuals, and Hollis never hesitates to address real-life barriers. This is a solid pick if you seek a straightforward guide that encourages you to take small, continual steps toward the big goals you may have put on hold.

Who should read Girl, Stop Apologizing?

Working professionals who want to boost confidence in pursuit of a promotion or career shift
Mothers or caregivers aiming to balance personal ventures with family responsibilities
Freelancers and entrepreneurs seeking clear, motivational tactics for sustained growth
Individuals ready to replace limiting beliefs with a more optimistic, growth-oriented mindset

About the author

Rachel Hollis is an American author, motivational speaker, and blogger. She is known for her self-help books, including "Girl, Wash Your Face" and "Girl, Stop Apologizing," which focus on empowering women to overcome guilt, shame, and fear of failure to achieve their goals. With over 15 years of experience in inspiring women through her candid advice, Hollis has founded The Hollis Company and co-hosted the podcast "RISE" with her ex-husband Dave Hollis. Her books have been bestsellers, with "Girl, Wash Your Face" being the second highest bestseller in 2018.