“Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be” — Rachel Hollis

Brittany Clements
6 min readSep 25, 2023

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Introduction: The Power of Owning Your Truth

Beginning “Girl, Wash Your Face” with a personal account of her own problems, Rachel Hollis explains why she felt obliged to create the book. She stresses the value of taking charge of one’s life by facing the lies and anxieties that frequently prevent women from achieving their full potential. The book acts as a manual to assist readers in letting go of self-limiting ideas and embracing a life full of meaning and authenticity.

Click here to get FREE access to the full book.

Chapter 1: The Lie: I’ll Be Happier If Someone Else Does

Hollis begins by dispelling the myth that success or external things will lead to happiness. She exhorts readers to know that true fulfillment comes from inside and take ownership of their own pleasure. She discusses her own experience learning that she might choose happiness.

Chapter 2: The Lie: I’ll Start Tomorrow

In this chapter, Hollis addresses the inclination to put off and delay pursuing one’s ambitions. She stresses the value of acting right away rather than holding off till the “perfect” time. She offers personal experiences and helpful suggestions on how to stop putting off starting to work toward one’s goals.

Chapter 3: The Lie: I’m Not Good Enough

Hollis highlights the detrimental self-defeating lie that many women tell themselves: “I’m not good enough.” She addresses concerns of self-doubt and low self-esteem. She exhorts readers to refute this notion and acknowledge their own value. She discusses experiences from her own life where she had to fight feelings of inadequacy via transparency and vulnerability.

Chapter 4: The Lie: I’m Better Than You

Hollis addresses the propensity for people to compare themselves to others, particularly in the social media age. She contends that comparing oneself to others can result in envy and insecurity. It is also unhelpful. Instead, she advises concentrating on one’s own development and improvement, stressing that every person’s journey is different.

Chapter 5: The Lie: Loving Him Is Enough for Me

The idea that romantic relationships should be the main source of fulfillment and happiness is discussed in this chapter. Hollis discusses her own marital experiences while reassuring the audience that strong partnerships require self-love and self-care.

Chapter 6: The Lie: No Is the Final Answer

Hollis discusses the anxiety of being rejected and the idea that receiving a “no” is a lifelong setback. She exhorts readers to keep trying and realize that rejection does not indicate how valuable they are. She talks about how her own rejections ultimately helped her succeed.

Chapter 7: The Lie: I’m Bad at Sex

Intimate relationship body image and confidence difficulties are covered in this chapter. Hollis speaks openly about the value of accepting one’s physical appearance and letting go of fears. She emphasizes the value of vulnerability and open communication in sexual relationships.

Chapter 8: The Lie: I Don’t Know How to Be a Mom

Hollis recounts her experiences as a mother as well as the typical anxieties and insecurities that affect many mothers. Instead than putting pressure on themselves to be great moms, she advises women to concentrate on being present and genuine throughout their parenting journeys.

Chapter 9: The Lie: I’m Not a Good Mom

Hollis discusses the shame and self-doubt that many mothers go through. Nobody is a perfect parent, and she reminds readers that self-compassion and self-care are crucial for good parenting. She offers personal anecdotes and helpful advice for balancing parenthood with joy.

Chapter 10: The Lie: I Should Be Further Along by Now

Hollis explores the unreasonable expectations that many individuals have for their success and advancement in this chapter. She stresses the value of enjoying the process, recognizing minor accomplishments, and having patience with oneself. On her journey to achievement, Hollis opens up about her personal obstacles and hardships.

Chapter 11: The Lie: Other People’s Kids Are So Much Cleaner/Better Organized/More Polite

Hollis discusses the want to be a “perfect” parent and the propensity to compare one’s kids to others. Rather than attempting to live up to unattainable ideals established by others, she advises readers to concentrate on their own family’s values and objectives.

Chapter 12: The Lie: I Need a Hero

Hollis criticizes the notion that someone else will save us and find solutions to our difficulties in this chapter. She places a strong emphasis on independence and owning one’s future. She discusses her personal path to empowerment and self-discovery.

Chapter 13: The Lie: I’ll Never Get Past This

The idea that some difficulties or traumas are intractable is challenged by Hollis. She shares incredibly intimate tales of surviving trauma with readers and exhorts them to seek support, healing, and resilience. She serves as a reminder that readers has the power to advance.

Chapter 14: The Lie: I Can’t Tell the Truth

Hollis talks about the value of being genuine and honest in relationships. She tells tales about the importance of being open and honest, and how doing so may foster stronger relationships and personal development.

Chapter 15: The Lie: I Am Defined by My Weight

In her discussion on self-acceptance and body image, Hollis dispels the myth that someone’s value is based on their weight. She promotes healthy living, self-love, and self-care over striving for unattainable physical standards.

Chapter 16: The Lie: I Need a Drink

Hollis examines the subject of self-medication and the idea that using alcohol or other drugs might help one cope with life’s difficulties. She discusses her own sobriety path and stresses the value of finding better coping skills.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Authentic Self

Hollis reiterates the significance of confronting the lies and anxieties that limit us and embracing our true selves at the end. She exhorts readers to take charge of their lives, go for their goals, and discover happiness and fulfillment on their own terms.

Important Lessons Learned from “Girl, Wash Your Face”

  1. Self-Improvement: To lead more fulfilled lives, the book advises readers to put their attention on personal development, self-care, and self-improvement. Authenticity: Rachel Hollis stresses the significance of vulnerability and authenticity in forging deep bonds with others and in fostering personal development.
  2. Challenging Self-Limiting Beliefs: The book addresses prevalent self-limiting beliefs and implores readers to face and get rid of them.
  3. Empowerment: “Girl, Wash Your Face” strives to give women the confidence they need to take charge of their life, follow their passions, and recognize their value.
  4. Balancing Roles: Hollis examines the difficulties of juggling many roles, including parenthood, marriage, and job, and she provides advice on how to achieve balance and contentment.
  5. Overcoming Setbacks: The book offers examples of people who have persevered in the face of adversity.

Click here to get FREE access to the full book.

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