For the month of January, I was reading the book You are a Badass: How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life by Jen Sincero.
What’s it about?
This book describes itself as being the self help book to read when you want to improve your life but don’t want to be busted doing it.
Reason I chose this book
One of the people I follow on Instagram ran a book club, and while I wasn’t a member of it, I was introduced to this book when she was letting people know more information. I decided it sounded worthwhile to read and purchased it the same day.
The other reason I chose this book was because of my clientele. I deal with a lot of coaches, so I figured I should have more understanding about some of the things that I’ve heard them mention; especially considering I write a lot of blog posts on similar topics.
Writing style
I can be a picky reader. I read. A lot. Which leads me to knowing what writing styles grab my attention and will be a good read for me.
Jen writes in a relaxed way, that’s sometimes over the top. She’s blunt and to the point but never in a way intended to shock, more just to really emphases her point.
For me, it’s similar to how I talk and write at times, which I find makes it easier to read. Because it’s a serious range of topics but she doesn’t take them too seriously so it doesn’t feel dry.
Biggest lessons
As someone who has been bullied in the past (distant and not so distant past), I use a lot of self-deprecating humour as an armour to protect myself. If I get in first with the derogatory comments about my appearance, then I can protect myself from getting hurt. Or so I tell myself.
Jen points out that if you are constantly pointing out your flaws, then not only will others believe them but you will to.
She states:
“Seemingly harmless jokes, over time, turn into seriously destructive beliefs. Our thoughts become our words, our words become our beliefs, our beliefs become our actions, our actions become our habits, and our habits become our realities.”
Out of everything else in the book, this was the section that made me sit up and pay attention.
Verdict
I found this book worthwhile in so many ways, but the biggest way was how it subtly re-enforced things that psychologists and counsellors have been telling me for years in a way that made sense to me.
I’ve started to slowly implement some of the changes that Jen writes about. Small steps to break bad habits and begin to welcome the improvements that I know will make a big impact in my life.
Overall, it’s been a great introduction to the idea of manifesting and why words and thoughts matter so much.
Do you have a favourite self help book? Let me know below!
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