Break the Good Girl Myth: How to Dismantle Outdated Rules, Unleash Your Power, and Design a More Purposeful Life

I've been waiting for this book to come out for over a year. Being a female entrepreneur and CEO, so much of what Majo teaches resonated with my own journey of shedding beliefs about being a "good girl" and finding my own authentic voice and leadership style. Majo breaks down common myths that hold women back from expressing their full selves in favor of keeping the peace. This is definitely not your typical self help book telling people to meditate and be grateful. She offers real life case studies of all the myths she goes into and ways women can work towards overcoming them within themselves, in a way that is relatable and actionable. So much of the book resonates with my own journey. I've learned that I can do the impossible when I tap into my intuition (defying "logic"), let go of my fear of producing work that is less than perfect (overcoming "perfectionism"), putting others' needs before my own ("sacrificing"), and stop trying to follow rules that were never meant to serve me. All in all, I wish someone would have told me these things when I was younger but I am so grateful that Major has released this into the world now!

This is a workbook and you should be prepared to dive deep into guided activities that were created to help you design the life you want. A few years ago I read Designing Your Life and resonated with the concepts, but found the activities challenging to implement and ultimately stayed stuck. Majo lays out very similar concepts PLUS she applies a feminist lens to the design method, attaching a good girl myth to break with each step. I recognize now that what kept me stuck a few years ago were these good girl myths. Revelation! It’s through addressing each of these myths that we can get unstuck and move forward in our life design. It was also refreshing to read Majo’s bold perspective on the patriarchy and capitalism. A passage from page 111 “In hopes of equalizing with men in the workplace, a lot of recent feminism of the 2000s has aligned itself with capitalist ideas. Most pervasive is the idea that women can become the ultimate “work woman” (like men), an ideal that only bolsters an old paradigm……Some people call this corporate feminism-and it puts us in the same trap as it puts men, as a woman derives her value from whether or not she creates wealth and value (to the same degree that men do, if not more). I think this is why so may of us women have issues with motherhood. We see motherhood as a threat to getting ahead in our careers.” I think the feminist movement is ready for this next chapter. The chapter when we redefine success and recognize what we lose when we place more value in a capitalist system.

Not only is the author funny and engaging, she gives you tools. TOOLS! Practical tools you can use everyday. I loved the quiz in Chapter 3. I was lucky enough to hire Majo as a career coach a few years ago. I was in a difficult situation at work. Mostly because I was trying desperately to follow the rules of being a good girl. I’ve hired three other coaches since I’ve moved out of state. Majo words and lessons are what I go back to each time. Every single time, it’s the lessons from Majo that I find most useful, creative and lasting.Here is a quote from her book that rings true on her voice and guidance. “Though I’ve done my best to make this an easy read, it’s far from a comfortable one, since I’ll be asking you look at parts for yourself that don’t look great under the limelight (it’s okay; we all have them). I promise you that any short term discomfort is worth the long term pay off.”Another part of Majo’s coaching is that she has shared with me the importance of a morning ritual. When she first told me about it, I was like “I don’t have time for a morning ritual! Who does have that kind of time for themselves.” It was a truly uncomfortable conversation. I learned I wasn’t valuing myself. I put everyone before me and was afraid to say that out loud for fear of sounding selfish and whining. I was sucked into the good girl myth of Sacrifice. But I am a rule follower and felt Majo must have some secret knowledge that it will help me. I begrudgingly started a morning routine. Small at first. Just two things. Years later it’s the most sacred and protected time in my day. I’m so grateful to her and the women she’s interviewed on the Podcast Heroine. Absolutely insperational. Loved the Jessica Hische interview. Majo can help you break through the quicksand in your life and set you up with a toolbox that will help keep you on a successful and creative path!

This book spoke to me. It’s so well written and well Thought out. Before I read it I didn’t quite realize just how much the patriarchy is imbedded in everything we do. Molfino so clearly lays out the Myths and how to break free from them - the primary Myth I live by is logic. It’s fascinating to read and learn about all of them. Majo’s approach to design thinking also empowers the reader to live the life you want vs the one you think you should. I read this on the heels of Me and White Supremacy And White Fragility. It’s been a summer of personal growth and increased awareness.

I have recommended this book to so many friends. After hearing her speak on a podcast about the rules, I got the book and absolutely loved it! It's a great read for helping women challenge unspoken rules in society and helps you get perspective on why you do the things you do. There are exercises in each chapter which I found helpful and she writes in an approachable, easy to read style. Highly recommend!

This is such an amazing and life changing read. The way it breaks down the myths and gives you the tools to move forward is super powerful. Honestly this book lead me to make some real changes in my life, including my business, my relationships and my POWER. Take your power back, read this book. I could relate to all the myths in some way. If you are a woman who has grown up in this society you will see yourself in this book. DO IT ! x

Such an eye opening book! It certainly puts a different perspective on the motivation behind many of our past decisions. Life changing and empowering. My only regret is that this book was not written 30 years ago! Excellent and highly recommended!

Thank you for writing this. Will be sharing with many of the women in my life.