Real Self-Care [Making Good Book Club]
We’re back with another Making Good Book Club episode, and this time, Charelle and I dove into Real Self-Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin — and wow, this book is a revelation. If you’ve ever felt like what you’re doing for self-care is not working, you are not alone. This book unpacks why traditional self-care isn’t enough and how to build a more meaningful, sustainable version of self-care that actually makes a difference.
Dr. Lakshmin challenges the whole wellness industry and breaks down why self-care isn’t about expensive retreats or skincare routines — it’s about setting boundaries, making empowered decisions, and understanding your values. This conversation was a real eye-opener, and I think it’s going to resonate with so many small business owners juggling all the things.
💡 In this episode, we discuss:
✅ The difference between faux self-care and real self-care (hint: it’s not about bubble baths)
✅ Why setting boundaries is the foundation of real self-care — and why it’s so hard
✅ How perfectionism and guilt keep us stuck in the cycle of burnout
✅ The three common reasons we turn to faux self-care: escape, achievement, and optimization
✅ Why real self-care is an act of personal power — and how it can create change beyond just you
🌟 Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Self-care isn’t a to-do list. If self-care feels like another chore, it’s probably faux self-care. Real self-care is about how you treat yourself, not what you buy.
2️⃣ Boundaries are everything. Setting boundaries — and sticking to them — is the first step toward real self-care.
3️⃣ Guilt is normal — but not a reason to give in. Learning to sit with the discomfort of disappointing others is part of reclaiming your time and energy.
4️⃣ You don’t need to earn rest. Real self-care isn’t about being more productive — it’s about giving yourself permission to slow down and listen to your needs.
5️⃣ It’s not your fault. Burnout isn’t a personal failing — it’s a systemic issue. Recognizing that can help you stop blaming yourself.
We mentioned:
This month’s book: Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin, M.D.
Next month’s book: This Is Strategy by Seth Godin
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