Ditch the Ditty - by Lindsey Godwin & Molly McGuigan & Miriam Novotny (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Tired of saying "yes" when you really mean "no"?

If you're overwhelmed, overcommitted, and stuck in a cycle of people-pleasing and perfectionism, you're not alone. Saying "yes" to everything doesn't make life better-it just makes it busier, often at the expense of what truly matters.

In Ditch the Ditty, globally-recognized change experts Lindsey Godwin, Molly McGuigan, and Miriam Novotny invite you to pause, take a breath, and get honest about where your time and energy are going. With humor, relatable stories, and science-backed tools, this bold, refreshing guide helps women identify what's pulling them in all directions-and let it go, guilt-free.

So, what's a Ditty? It's anything you agree to out of politeness, obligation, or fear of letting someone down. Fueled by internalized norms to be agreeable, accommodating, and perfect, Ditties can be tasks, commitments, or even mindsets. They're the "yeses" that don't feel like a choice-until you look back and realize they were. While Ditties can weigh on anyone, this book is especially for women-those of us who've been shaped to prioritize others' needs over our own and often praised for doing so.

In this book, you'll learn how to:

• Spot the Ditties in your life-especially the ones in clever disguises
• Scale your "nos" with clarity and kindness (minus the guilt spiral)
• Understand the dynamics that push women to prioritize others over themselves
• Let go of perfectionism and the pressure to "do it all"
• Replace busyness with choices that truly light you up

Whether you're a working professional, a busy mom, or simply someone ready to trade overwhelm for intention, this book will guide you back to what matters. It's time to stop living on autopilot and start building a life of clarity, purpose, and freedom-on your terms.

Ready to ditch what's holding you back? It's time to say "yes" to yourself.

Review Quotes

"If you are a woman or know a woman, buy a copy. You won't regret it." -Betty Vandenbosch, Ph.D., Former Chief Content Officer, Coursera, Former Chancellor, Purdue University Global

"This book feels like a warm hug, an uplifting pep talk from your sister circle, encouraging you to cut ties with the extra burdens that hold you back." -Natalie Eitel, Special Educator, Mother, Sister, Daughter

"Whoever said there are no more jewels to be found has not read this book yet." -Frances Rucker-Bannister, CEO and Chief Executive Coach, Inner Summit, Inc

"This book is for every woman-whether you're just starting out or have been navigating the complexities of life and work for decades." -Sara Truebridge, Ph.D., Founder of EdLinks & EdLinks Press, Globally recognized strengths-based thought leader in education and resilience

"A powerful manual for personal reinvention - and a seed of a massive movement!" -Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Founder & Chief Reinvention Officer, Reinvention Academy

"With humour and humility, Lindsey, Molly, and Miriam guide us to trust our intuition, embrace who we are, and step boldly into our own journey." -Maureen (Mo) McKenna, CMC, Eclectic Explorer & Energy Catalyst

"Buy at least two copies - halfway through the first chapter you'll want to give a copy to at least one friend, sister, niece, auntie, coworker, or neighbor." -Julie Rennecker, PhD

CEO & Chief Catalyst, Syzygy Team Solutions, Organizational Development consultant, Author, The Strengths Paradox: How our strengths can hold us back (and what to do about it)

"Turn off autopilot in your life and grab onto the wheel of insight, choice and commitment to your best Ditty-Free self." -Pru Sullivan, Catalyst for Personal, Organizational and Community Positive Growth and Change