Where shall we begin? I bought You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero via Audible in April of this year. I listened to it whilst cleaning the house, straightening my hair, before going to bed and upon waking up. I listened to it from start to finish FOUR times. Sometime in between those times, I purchased the paperback version so I could highlight any passages that deeply resonated with me. I then recommended it to my mom via Audible. Then I purchased it for her on Amazon for Mother’s Day. Then I purchased it for my sister for her birthday in July. And now I’ve recommended it to multiple people in my life. And when I’m not recommending it, I’m usually quoting it or retweeting Jen’s quotes on my Twitter page via hers. In short, this book changed my life.
In February, I wrote this sad little post which I’d be completely embarrassed to link to if it weren’t for the fact that it served its purpose of being a reference point as to just how far I’ve come since writing it. I was probably depressed at the time but as I’m not one for (what I viewed as) unnecessary doctors’ appointments, I was never diagnosed. I was definitely sad and hopeless however, and I didn’t think things were going to improve for me. I don’t remember exactly what led me to You Are a Badass in particular other than a sudden desperation to not feel the way I did anymore. Deep down I knew I was so much better than the life I was leading and I had a lot to give to the world that would never see the light of day if I didn’t act right then and there.
So I consumed this book like the internet consumes a new trending topic and I was surprised to find that not only did it work for me by explaining concepts both new and old in ways that allowed them to finally click but it was a delight to read. Jen became my imaginary mentor guiding me out of victim mode, past my long-held unhelpful beliefs and toward a realistic (read: it’ll be hard work but it’s achievable!!) plan of action to better my life. We reviewed topics ranging from how to forgive to how to make money. We created personalized affirmations to help me love and empower myself. We tackled the difficult task of releasing my stubborn grip on how I think life should go and the even more difficult task of allowing myself to pursue what I really want rather than what I think I should settle for or just be satisfied with. And while I’ve certainly not reached my destination yet, I’ve become someone who’s en route – a far cry from the not-so-badass little human I used to be.
And now, let’s do a little rundown, shall we?
THE GOOD
Its Knowledge | Jen has combined her real-life journey from rags to riches along with her experience as a successful life coach to offer a comprehensive guide to self-improvement with a range of topics that’s just as deep as it is wide. This book is the ultimate self-help how-to!
Its Power | You Are a Badass is filled with engaging anecdotes (Loincloth Man is a must-read!) and detailed examples that tell you not only what to do but how to do it as well as a variety of exercises and activities that help you along the way rather than simply pointing you in the right direction and waving goodbye.
Its Down-to-Earthness | Extremely relatable with the perfect sprinkling of curse words to give you a much-needed kick in the ass, this book seamlessly explains the law of attraction in a non-mystical, non-hippy-tent sorta way and serves up the subject of God/the universe in a manner that’s digestible even for people who aren’t card-carrying members of a specific religion.
THE BAD
My only wish is that Jen herself could emerge from the pages of this book (preferably in pocket-sized form but it’s not a deal breaker if she’s life-size) to live with me for six months or so and call me out on everything I’m doing wrong (and right!) in real time. As I’m sure that’s far too much to ask of such a modestly-priced book, I have zero complaints!
THE OVERALL
I can’t praise this book or thank Jen for writing it enough!! If you’re not completely satisfied with your life or where it *seems* (keyword here!) to be headed, I highly recommend you pick up a copy in either paperback or audio form as soon as possible. You Are a Badass is filled with all the self-help goodness you could ask for as well as knowledge you didn’t even know you needed (PLUS quotes from other amazing people at the beginning of each chapter!) and packaged in a way that makes it a true gift from its author to those of us lucky enough to give it a well-deserved read!
In addition to her own books (You Are a Badass at Making Money, anyone?) Jen Sincero has a large list of resources on her site from other authors, coaches and incredible human beings so be sure to check that out as well! If you do purchase You Are a Badass, I strongly suggest you read/listen to it – or any self-help book for that matter – more than once as we’ve all had that awesome moment of realization only to watch it fade away as our current life circumstances continue to loom over us. The only way to combat this is to continuously refuel your epiphany tank with the things – books, videos, people, etc – that light you up and make you feel like you can completely kill the game. Each time (I’m on my FIFTH time now!) I’ve listened to this book, I’ve taken something new from it, understood something better or appreciated a certain idea a little more based on my mindset at the moment. So, seriously, go forth and enjoy it multiple times!!
As always, thank you so much for reading!! Please leave your suggestions in the comments section if you’re into books of the self-help variety and pin the image below if you enjoyed this review!
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