You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

Even Better The Second Time
There are very few books in the personal improvement genre that truly resonate with me. This one is at the top of my of the list.I’ve read it cover to cover twice and use it as a guide when I’m feeling stuck. Well worn with dog eared pages, it’s my go to when I really need a jump start.

Get What You Want Out of Life
This month’s read was another book that’s been on my “to read” list for quite a while. I purchased the paperback version of the book on vacation several years back. I started to read it then but didn’t finish the e-book version until this past month.I enjoyed reading the book and was surprised by the many actionable steps included in it. When I read a book on my Kindle, I use the app’s highlighting feature to highlight certain types of notes using the four available highlighting colors:• Yellow = general note• Orange = another person’s quote• Pink = external resource• Blue = actions I need to takeI had 18 Blue highlights in this book, so I have a lot of work to do to apply what I’ve learned.Some of the ways the author suggests you (and I) apply what you learn in the book include:1. Get rid of your bad habits by becoming aware of what you’re not happy about in your life, understanding the bad habits that create those things you’re not pleased with, and swapping out the bad habits for good ones.2. Breathe deeply, clear your mind, check in with your body, become present in the moment.3. Associate with people who are doing the things you want to be doing to get inspiration from them.4. Set honest goals that are just outside your comfort zone.5. Write down your goals and vision for your ideal life, read your goads just before bed and just after getting up.6. Pay for some coaching or mentoring to help you get to where you want to be quicker.7. Use your mind, body, and soul together to make your goals a reality.8. Figure out what actions make you feel invincible and do them.9. Love yourself.Some of my favorite quotes from the book included:• “You need to go from wanting to change your life to deciding to change your life.”• “You’re going to have to let go of old, limiting beliefs and cling to your decision to create the life you desire like your life depends upon it.”• “If you want to live a life you’ve never lived, you’re going to have to do things you’ve never done.”• “…awareness is your key to freedom.”• “…faith being greater than your fear.”• “When we get so wrapped up in our heads, we miss out on what’s available to us right now in the moment.”• “…you create your reality.”• “Try seeing yourself through the eyes of someone who admires you.”• “Your job is to be as you as you can be.”As with any book, there are some areas that I’m not sure I agree with. Still, overall, I liked a lot of what I read and hope I’ll use the information as inspiration to move forward with creating the life I truly want, not the life I think is within social norms or what other people expect me to do.

Grab a highlighter and put in the time – you’re bound to garner something, if not a whole new perspective
I think the best way to go about reviewing the book is to think of the tone. You get a sense of it right from the cover and it carries into the book. Reading this book is similar to that really good friend who doesn’t hold back, but isn’t rude in offering their straight up opinion. Moments of humor intertwined with real moments of “hey, this is how it is and but let’s change it, and I am here for you” reading. There isn’t a slew of theories or vocabulary to throw you off. The message is there, waiting for you, and like any good friend, honest.You are a Badass is straightforward and to the point, but elaborate. The chapters are only several pages long, which offers the opportunity to take 10-20 minutes (turn off Netflix for a moment) out of your day and remember WHY you are doing this. We all have some sort of doubt and/or uncertainty in our lives, and I believe the fortunate ones are those who RECOGNIZE they want change and put forth the time in WANTING to do something about it. This is a great tool to improve yourself, as you continue on whatever path you’re striving for.There are thousands of positive reviews: but I want to mention my opinion on what you should do when taking in this book.Most importantly, as Jen states, be open to ideas and concepts that can/will change you. It’s a process, so don’t think of it like a light-switch… Every body builder, professional athlete, chef, painter, politician, doctor, mechanic, welder, writer, musician, etc… have all STARTED somewhere. Treat your transition the same way as a profession or hobby, and realize it’s a process.In my opinion, there are 3 things I would say you need to fully utilize this book.1. Self Awareness2. Perspective3. Action*** Disconnect from the world a bit while doing your journey.1. Self Awareness – Jen talks about this right away. If you aren’t happy, pleased or satisfied with something, you need have self-awareness to know that you want to change. That is HUGE. It’s with anyone in anything, if they think they are fine with some facet of their life, they may not seek that improvement. Or they don’t really care to change. You are self-aware to know you want change. Then, take that self-awareness and take a good, hard and honest look at yourself and why these things aren’t going as you believe. If you care enough, you’ll focus that energy to make that change.2. Perspective – If I could have paid (insert amount) of money to realize a lot of my perspective was wrong. Think of what you have, what you want and the realities of your world. And no, avoid the negative aspect. It doesn’t do you much good. So change the perspective… It’s the half empty/full conundrum. Take a real look at it, and be in the moment. Take a walk without your phone and realize how awesome your area is or that it’s a great day to be alive – and you’re lucky to be in the moment you are in. Try to find some clues and hints around you to make you appreciative of your perspective. It doesn’t mean we can’t want more, but its the idea of celebrating as compared to celebrating, and we want more celebrations in our life. They are all around us. Change that perspective, and TELL YOURSELF YOU WILL CHANGE – not “want to, would like to, maybe someday to” WILL AND AM as compared to like to and try…3. Action – make a plan and make the effort. Again, think of the process of anyone or anything that you admire. It takes more than a snap of the finger or a rub of a lamp to make what may seem miraculous. But have that unwavering determination in your action, and you’ll be amazed at what you look back on.*** Disconnect when you are focusing on you. Meditate at times if need be. Take a walk without the phone or music in your ears. Turn off the TV, music or computer. Eliminate as much of the distractions as you can, because this is for yourself. You are deciding on a new you and shedding that old skin is a process that takes time and focus. But you’ll be glad you did and continue to do as you MOVE FORWARD.A lot of these principles and themes are common. But this book clicked for me. I am a male, and we often don’t think/talk about or feelings. But do it. I am also a teacher and a coach, and I know that things CLICK for people in different ways. It is that epiphany that we all need and want, and if you read this book (heck, it’s $10) with an open mind and an honest approach, I know anyone can benefit from it.Get your SELF AWARENESS going, alter your PERSPECTIVE (if need be) and take ACTION (by starting this book).

Chill, hilarious, refreshing.Easy to read and catchy, can be read over a weekend, but better if you take the time to let it sink in.

The author’s writing is engaging and accessible, making even the more complex ideas easy to grasp. What I loved most was how practical and actionable the advice was – every chapter offered concrete steps that I could immediately apply to my own life.The personal stories and real-life examples made the concepts even more relatable and helped reinforce the book’s message. The author’s tone is warm and motivating, which made me feel inspired to make positive changes. I also appreciated how the book didn’t just focus on theory but provided real tools and strategies for growth.Overall, this is an empowering read, full of valuable insights that left me feeling more confident and motivated. Whether you’re looking to make small improvements or take on bigger life changes, this book offers something for everyone. Highly recommend!