Book Review: Mastering Your Inner Mean Girl

This post is a book review of Melissa Ambrosini’s book Mastering Your Inner Mean Girl.

I read this book as part of my workplace book club, run by the Women’s Resource Group. It’s well written, useful with a conversational narration. I really liked the tips on quelling our inner critic (we all have one) and enjoyed reading it thoroughly.

Below are the questions from our book discussion with my answers.

Book Club Discussion Q & A

1. What were your favorite takeaways from this book?

My favorites were: ‘Choose Love Over Fear’ and ‘Flex Your Love Muscle’. I enjoyed those two chapters and especially the sections for parents, like the Special note for Mamas, the ‘be the example’ for kids.

2. What do you think about her style of writing? How many people wrote in the book? Or visited her website?

I found the conversational style engaging. I tried to write in the book (with a pencil) but could not bring myself to do it. I love books too much! I did visit her website.

3. Favorite quote from the book?

“Money is simply a unit of energetic exchange.” So apt!

4. How would you define ‘your mean girl’?

My mean girl is my inner critic who keeps piping up about various ‘should dos’ and social expectations.

5. What are some things you do currently out of love?

People I spend time with, activities with my kiddo, reading, learning (books, courses, etc)- I make time for them no matter what.

6. How do you define ‘your truth’?

Still trying to verbalize this. 

7. From all the authors tips on how to master your mean girl what is the hardest for you?

‘Choose Love over Fear’- simply because I come from a culture where one’s behavior also reflects on your immediate family, especially parents. So, I still the ‘toe the line/conform’ and people please for fear of how it might reflect on my loved ones. I hope to do better on this aspect.

8. Energy is brought up often in terms of relationships. Can you relate to what she talks about there? Any stories about people you know with really good energy or bad energy?

Definitely, some people are so optimistic- their energy and enthusiasm is just infectious. And I find I gel so well with some folks (close family, best friends) that I feel rejuvenated. Like when I talk to one of my sisters, even if on the phone, I am laughing and smiling and so perked up- that energy is enough to get through the busiest of days. 

9. Out of her tips to conquering her mean girl is there any of these you feel you do especially well at? And do you have additional tips for everyone else.

Relationships and money- I think I do well on those. 

My dad is an accountant- he taught me to gauge products and services in terms of value and not cost. (I forget the financial term and anyway the author’s phrase “Money is simply a unit of energetic exchange.” is cooler). This helps me use money on things that make life better, more fun, more relaxed and without regrets.

10. Did the book change your opinion on anything?

Not a change in opinion, but the point about not striving for “balance” and embracing ebbs and flows of life was a very different perspective. With a baby on the way, I think it will be worth keeping in mind.

11. Final thoughts, what did you think of this book?

Really enjoyed it- there were enough takeaways for me to apply – so, was quite a useful read.

Other Thoughts:

I have to point here that the premise of this book is similar to the book I read some time back titled: The B!#*} in your Head. I started reading with a nagging doubt that they might tread on the same topics. But the treatment and content are poles apart and this book was enjoyable in a completely different fashion.

So, have you read either? What did you think?

What are your tips for ignoring or better still conquering our internal critic?

Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.