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You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
Bestselling author, speaker, and success coach Jen Sincero cuts through the din of the self-help genre with her own verbal meat cleaver. Full of blunt humor, sage advice, and the occasional swear word, You are a Badass offers its readers new opportunities for growth through 35 chapters of exercises, suggestions, and hilariously inspiring stories.
From "Fear is for Suckers" to "Your Brain is Your Bitch" these chapters provide enlightening lessons: How to stop doubting your greatness, how to love what you don't love about yourself, and how to tap into source energy to live a bigger life than you've ever imagined.
From "Fear is for Suckers" to "Your Brain is Your Bitch" these chapters provide enlightening lessons: How to stop doubting your greatness, how to love what you don't love about yourself, and how to tap into source energy to live a bigger life than you've ever imagined.
258 pages, ebook
First published April 23, 2013
31039 people are currently reading
336767 people want to read
About the author
Jen Sincero
171 books3,758 followersJen Sincero is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author, speaker and success coach who has helped countless people transform their personal and professional lives via her public appearances, private sessions, coaching seminars and, most recently, her latest #1 NY Times Bestselling book, "You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life".
She’s spoken on stages all over the world and has coached full-on super heroes, helping them build their dream businesses, become NY Times Bestselling authors, navigate million dollar business deals, find their soul mates and forgive their bitchy mothers who they now realize were just doing the best they could.
Before becoming a coach, Jen played in several rock bands and eventually wrote her first book, a semi-autobiographical novel called, "Don’t Sleep With Your Drummer." When her plans to become a world-famous rockstar didn’t pan out, she decided to try being a lesbian instead, didn’t pull that off either, and wrote her second book, the National Bestseller, "The Straight Girl’s Guide to Sleeping With Chicks." Jen currently lives in New Mexico, and can be found on the web at JenSincero.Com.
She’s spoken on stages all over the world and has coached full-on super heroes, helping them build their dream businesses, become NY Times Bestselling authors, navigate million dollar business deals, find their soul mates and forgive their bitchy mothers who they now realize were just doing the best they could.
Before becoming a coach, Jen played in several rock bands and eventually wrote her first book, a semi-autobiographical novel called, "Don’t Sleep With Your Drummer." When her plans to become a world-famous rockstar didn’t pan out, she decided to try being a lesbian instead, didn’t pull that off either, and wrote her second book, the National Bestseller, "The Straight Girl’s Guide to Sleeping With Chicks." Jen currently lives in New Mexico, and can be found on the web at JenSincero.Com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,357 reviews
January 1, 2016
Not good. I can sum up this book pretty quickly. If you want to make a change in your life, or if you are not happy with your life, you are the only one who can make it better. There were a few things that really bothered me. If you are depressed, you cannot simply decide that you are not going to be depressed anymore and get yourself out and have fun. It is apparent that the author has never experienced depression, or been a very sympathetic friend to anyone she knows who has been depressed. I also feel that some of her advice is not very practical in the real world. So if I'm a single mom supporting 4-5 kids, and I've always dreamed of starting my own business, I should just quit my job? I should buy expensive things, that I might not be able to pay for? There is some good advice on stopping negative thoughts, but some of the examples of going for what you really want are just not practical for most people.
March 12, 2016
"It's not enough to desire something, you've got to want it"
Seriously?
Seriously?
September 30, 2016
*** PSA: Vent Alert***
I didn't give this review a low rating because Sicero is a bad writer - she is perfectly effective for the task at hand and actually her appealing "ra-ra-go-get'em" voice is what drew me in to begin with. I ultimately bailed however, as I have a Big Problem with the central thesis of this book. Basically it all boils down to the theory that everyone has the power to "manifest" their own reality and if things are not working out for them it is because they are not manifesting hard enough and / or not "vibrating" at a high enough level.
I completely understand the seductive draw of this philosophy i.e. we all control our own destiny. Wouldn't that be simple and lovely? The hard, cold truth - much less palatable to swallow- is that we do not. I do believe that we can choose our attitude most of the time, and that we can choose to give even difficult things in life meaning, but choose what actually happens to us? I'm calling bullshit. I don't buy it.
You see, the dark underbelly of Sincero's philosophy is that - if taken to its logical conclusion - it blames the victims of misfortune. So...are children with terminal cancer just not manifesting hard enough? Was the generation of Jews brutally murdered in the Holocaust simply not vibrating at the right frequency? How do the manifesters / vibrators (there are many writers that espouse this theory - especially, I have noticed, those published by Hay House) explain that? Sometimes people are served up an unresolvable shit sandwich by life, and making them feel they should be vibrating and manifesting their way out of it kind of lacks humanity, you know?
It's not like I am some sad sack sitting here at home spending my days feeling sorry for myself and the human race. I have done many things I consider rather badass things in my life - took off to France for a year when I was 17 and spoke zero French, applied and got accepted into Oxford University, bought and renovated four vacation rentals in Burgundy, wrote and self-published four bestselling books, and now I am dealing with a life-threatening medical condition (see above re: shit sandwich) in the most pro-active manner I know how...Nevertheless, my brand of bad-assery does not negate the reality that we don't control everything (much as this fact continues to annoy me). People should not be blamed for the curve balls that life lobs at their heads from time to time. They deserve our empathy and compassion, not to be made to feel as though their situation is their fault. Now go and try to manifest and vibrate your way out of that one! ;)
***Vent Over***
I didn't give this review a low rating because Sicero is a bad writer - she is perfectly effective for the task at hand and actually her appealing "ra-ra-go-get'em" voice is what drew me in to begin with. I ultimately bailed however, as I have a Big Problem with the central thesis of this book. Basically it all boils down to the theory that everyone has the power to "manifest" their own reality and if things are not working out for them it is because they are not manifesting hard enough and / or not "vibrating" at a high enough level.
I completely understand the seductive draw of this philosophy i.e. we all control our own destiny. Wouldn't that be simple and lovely? The hard, cold truth - much less palatable to swallow- is that we do not. I do believe that we can choose our attitude most of the time, and that we can choose to give even difficult things in life meaning, but choose what actually happens to us? I'm calling bullshit. I don't buy it.
You see, the dark underbelly of Sincero's philosophy is that - if taken to its logical conclusion - it blames the victims of misfortune. So...are children with terminal cancer just not manifesting hard enough? Was the generation of Jews brutally murdered in the Holocaust simply not vibrating at the right frequency? How do the manifesters / vibrators (there are many writers that espouse this theory - especially, I have noticed, those published by Hay House) explain that? Sometimes people are served up an unresolvable shit sandwich by life, and making them feel they should be vibrating and manifesting their way out of it kind of lacks humanity, you know?
It's not like I am some sad sack sitting here at home spending my days feeling sorry for myself and the human race. I have done many things I consider rather badass things in my life - took off to France for a year when I was 17 and spoke zero French, applied and got accepted into Oxford University, bought and renovated four vacation rentals in Burgundy, wrote and self-published four bestselling books, and now I am dealing with a life-threatening medical condition (see above re: shit sandwich) in the most pro-active manner I know how...Nevertheless, my brand of bad-assery does not negate the reality that we don't control everything (much as this fact continues to annoy me). People should not be blamed for the curve balls that life lobs at their heads from time to time. They deserve our empathy and compassion, not to be made to feel as though their situation is their fault. Now go and try to manifest and vibrate your way out of that one! ;)
***Vent Over***
February 24, 2017
If no one tells me to love myself for the next five years, that would be great.
April 11, 2017
I read one and a half chapters and then stumbled on the whole idea of source energy. If I want some real change in my life, I want real tips and not some esoteric mumbo jumbo. I'm also a bit peeved that the author mentioned in the very beginning that her readers should be open minded about her methods, and if they weren't they should just deal with living a sucky life. As if her methods were the only working ones.
So I hardly have to mention that I stopped reading it immediately.
So I hardly have to mention that I stopped reading it immediately.
February 17, 2015
A friend, who will remain nameless for her personal safety, told me that this book changed her life. I am so very happy for her. What I took from Jen Sincero's self-help-memoir was: that I am most definitely not a "badass", that I'm really, really fine with that, and that reading about it did not make me want to "share my awesomeness with the world" so much as contemplate a life of violent crime. Please do not ever, ever read it.
September 18, 2018
Technically I didn't finish this book. But I read 82% of it, all the while growing more and more unimpressed, until finally I got to the point that I just had to stop. My kindle says there's 33 minutes left for me to read. But I've decided I want those 33 minutes to myself.
This book is basically a regurgitation of all other self-help kind of writings but with a "fun and hip" tone, or something. Often this "devil may care" quality feels forced. There are some parts of this book that could be very useful to others, perhaps, but this was an exercise in annoying myself (and the author is very big on loving oneself, so clearly I wasn't learning from this book).
I absolutely lost it, however, when the author basically says "buy a super expensive car that you can't afford (or your personal equivalent) because the money will magically appear!!!!" Exact quote: "I don't see the money, but I believe it's there and it will be mine dammit!"
I'm all for the power of positive thinking but god damn if this isn't some incredibly privileged bullshit.
This book is basically a regurgitation of all other self-help kind of writings but with a "fun and hip" tone, or something. Often this "devil may care" quality feels forced. There are some parts of this book that could be very useful to others, perhaps, but this was an exercise in annoying myself (and the author is very big on loving oneself, so clearly I wasn't learning from this book).
I absolutely lost it, however, when the author basically says "buy a super expensive car that you can't afford (or your personal equivalent) because the money will magically appear!!!!" Exact quote: "I don't see the money, but I believe it's there and it will be mine dammit!"
I'm all for the power of positive thinking but god damn if this isn't some incredibly privileged bullshit.
September 5, 2016
I got the audio of this on sale and I love the title -- but that was the thing I loved the most about it. When I started listening to it, I thought -- okay, maybe a little too "woo-woo" for me, but the tone is fun and it moves quickly and the audio was the right length for the rest of my ride. As I kept listening, I decided it was ok, not great, but some useful tips. Decided I probably wouldn't review it since I don't usually do reviews if I don't have something positive to say. And then I got to a couple of sections that I thought gave advice that was downright irresponsible -- and decided I would review it. At one point, the author decided to buy a car that was way out of her price range because she fell in love with it. While I respect that this made her change some things in her work life to enable her to pay for a luxury car she couldn't afford, it is irresponsible to give this advice. Several times, she encouraged readers to use credit cards to purchase luxuries that they didn't have the money for if they saw these things as part of the life they envisioned for themselves. Her philosophy that you just need to "manifest" your thoughts about the money you need and you will attract it to you seemed dismissive of the true challenges of poverty. People aren't poor because they don't have good mental energy about money -- and thinking positively about money and vibrating at the right frequency isn't ending poverty. While some of the tips that she gave were useful and could help a reader make positive change in their life, there were enough areas where I thought her advice was overly simplified and ignored the realities that many face. I ended up getting pretty angry at some of her suggestions and tips.
January 17, 2026
3.5 stars
Served with a healthy dose of humor, a smidge of sarcasm and plenty of great quotes, Jen Sincero dishes her take on self-help, self- acceptance and (of course) self-love.
This has all the hallmarks of a Self-Help book - cheesy one-liners and a perky "You CAN do it" attitude. I honestly expected it to be just another cookie cutter how to become the real you. Bleh. Needless to say, I was totally ready to hate it.
Yet, the more I read, the more I enjoyed hearing her advice. She's hilarious. She's witty. And she's pretty badass. There were quite a few quotes that articulated concepts that I never fully thought through before:
--- Read by the author. She freaking nailed it. Great tone, great comedic timing. I loved the way she'd say all the funny a asides in her "attitude" voice.
The Finer Books Club - 2018 Reading Challenge: An audiobook read by the author
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
Served with a healthy dose of humor, a smidge of sarcasm and plenty of great quotes, Jen Sincero dishes her take on self-help, self- acceptance and (of course) self-love.
This has all the hallmarks of a Self-Help book - cheesy one-liners and a perky "You CAN do it" attitude. I honestly expected it to be just another cookie cutter how to become the real you. Bleh. Needless to say, I was totally ready to hate it.
Yet, the more I read, the more I enjoyed hearing her advice. She's hilarious. She's witty. And she's pretty badass. There were quite a few quotes that articulated concepts that I never fully thought through before:
Her real life tie-ins and her examples were absolutely spot on. I busted a gut when she started calling out all those little excuses we tell ourselves:
"If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.
You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it."
Audiobook Comments
"Sally always says She can't find a good single man because there aren't any left out there. Really Sally? All the good single men were hunted down and killed so no matter how many dates you go on or how many times you put on sexy high heels and hang around home depot, you'll never bump into one? Was the awesome guy your friend Deb just met the lone survivor of the Good Guy Genocide?"
--- Read by the author. She freaking nailed it. Great tone, great comedic timing. I loved the way she'd say all the funny a asides in her "attitude" voice.
The Finer Books Club - 2018 Reading Challenge: An audiobook read by the author
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
December 27, 2015
OMG, this book was so, so good. The message was exactly what I needed to hear. So much craziness is going on in my life right now and I find myself doubting my greatness every...single...day.
The point Jen Sincero makes in this self-help book is we are all great, we all have enormous potential, we all possess the power to succeed at absolutely everything we direct our energy towards, but we are also our very own obstacle. Ms. Sincero identifies common thought processes and behaviors that keep us from living a truly awesome life and she coaches the reader on how to identify them, replace them, and move forward like a badass.
The first half of this book was absolutely perfect in my opinion - my favorite chapters were the ones about the power of gratitude. The later chapters got a little too new-age for my personal taste, with all the talk about the universe, vibrating energies, and controlling frequencies, but I could see where she was going with it. I benefited from this book and plan to implement some of the suggestions...I already have actually :). It really is great and I highly recommend it. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
“And while there are countless ways that we rip ourselves off, there’s one way in particular that is, without a doubt, the most rampant and the most devastating of all: we invest everything we’ve got in believing that we’re not good enough.”
December 15, 2017
I can't believe I actually finished this book. This is total garbage. If you want money to come to you, just buy that expensive audi and think about money. She actually says in there that the difference between poor people and rich people are their THOUGHTS about money--and not the circumstances they were born into. What dangerous thinking.
July 29, 2013
This book was Badass!!!! If you have any mental barriers that are holding you back from achieving your goals then this book is for you! You have to be comfortable with some colorful language, and the idea of the Law of Attraction, but if you're open minded you will get a lot from this book. I've read a lot of books on this subject, but this one was so much more in your face (in a good way) and more easy to put into practice. I plan to read it again right away to make sure I get the full effect!
April 16, 2021
Couldn’t even finish this due to the author’s absent-minded remarks about race, fat shaming, depression, etc. in chapter 17. Confused how this ever became a best seller & would never recommend it to anyone.
March 31, 2017
I think some of the ideas in here are on the right track, but her "just do it" kind of attitude is shortsighted and potentially harmful for someone who is dealing with actual mental health issues like depression and anxiety. There is a way to believe that I am a badass capable of overcoming my self-doubt and my other obstacles, but I don't think Jen Sincero is going to help me with that.
April 27, 2016
At first I really liked this book. I laughed my ass off. I kept thinking, "yes! That's exactly what I do!" But then...the book kinda started going down the same old self help book road. Still there were some funny bits, but there was nothing new or earth shattering. And then there was the chapter on money and finances that really left a sour taste in my mouth. So superficial. And sad. After that, nothing could make it better. I was half heartedly reading just to finish and check it off my list. Check.
January 4, 2020
I liked the message of positivity in this book but there were some things that didn't vibe with me. My takeaway is to work on positive thinking.
July 26, 2017
I don't think any book has ever annoyed me like this one and that's saying something. I pushed through only because I wanted to check it off of my TBR. And because I was listening to it and didn't have anything else to listen to, so it was convinient while cleaning. Though.. There were times when I actually sad 'SHUT UP!' out loud because she was saying so ignorant bullshits.
1.) No, I don't have a low amount of money because I am afraid of it or hate it. We're actually quite good friends.
2.) No, I won't buy a luxury car that I can't afford just because I want to believe I have the money.
3.) No, I wont quit my secure well-paying job (if I'll have one) just to start my dream company when I have no capital. NO, I WON'T TAKE ON CREDIT FOR THAT EITHER! Especially not when I'll have a family to take care of as well.
You get the point. And don't get me wrong, I totally believe in the law of attraction and yes, it does work for me, but what she recommends in this book is most of the time just downright irresponsible.
I went into this book with high hopes and then I started reading some reviews, which were mostly negative, but I did find some positive ones and I always like to form my own opinion, so I decided to listen to it anyways, this time with lower hopes. Well, the first few minutes it managed to get on my nerves. I don't remember the exact quote, but she said something like this: 'You can decide to either listen to this book and take my advice or you can go back to your sucky life.' Seriously??! First off, I did not say I had a sucky life, so do not suppose stuff and write them in a book. Second of all, I kind of regret sticking here listening to your 'advice' rather than coming back to my 'sucky' life.
So, what I'm trying to say here is that you do not insult the reader, that's not what makes a book good. What makes a book good is that it's original, not full of clichés, not repetative, not giving advice that can make people broke and go bankrupt, and most importantly, you do not talk like the reader is completely ignorant!
I don't want to go on and on about how much I hated this book, so probably it's for the best that I stop right here because you probably already understood the message I was trying to send.
1.) No, I don't have a low amount of money because I am afraid of it or hate it. We're actually quite good friends.
2.) No, I won't buy a luxury car that I can't afford just because I want to believe I have the money.
3.) No, I wont quit my secure well-paying job (if I'll have one) just to start my dream company when I have no capital. NO, I WON'T TAKE ON CREDIT FOR THAT EITHER! Especially not when I'll have a family to take care of as well.
You get the point. And don't get me wrong, I totally believe in the law of attraction and yes, it does work for me, but what she recommends in this book is most of the time just downright irresponsible.
I went into this book with high hopes and then I started reading some reviews, which were mostly negative, but I did find some positive ones and I always like to form my own opinion, so I decided to listen to it anyways, this time with lower hopes. Well, the first few minutes it managed to get on my nerves. I don't remember the exact quote, but she said something like this: 'You can decide to either listen to this book and take my advice or you can go back to your sucky life.' Seriously??! First off, I did not say I had a sucky life, so do not suppose stuff and write them in a book. Second of all, I kind of regret sticking here listening to your 'advice' rather than coming back to my 'sucky' life.
So, what I'm trying to say here is that you do not insult the reader, that's not what makes a book good. What makes a book good is that it's original, not full of clichés, not repetative, not giving advice that can make people broke and go bankrupt, and most importantly, you do not talk like the reader is completely ignorant!
I don't want to go on and on about how much I hated this book, so probably it's for the best that I stop right here because you probably already understood the message I was trying to send.
July 10, 2020
This book might be helpful to some people. But to me, when I hear sentences like the following:
"All of us are connected to this limitless power, and most of us aren't using but a fraction of it"
or
"The universe is made up of source energy. All energy vibrates at a certain frequency, which means you're vibrating at a certain frequency, and everything you desire and don't desire is also vibrating at a certain frequency. Vibration attracts like vibration. Otherwise known as the law of attraction."
I get the feeling that this is a pop-psychology self-help book that is just using buzz words. Some people love this sort of "feel-good" self-help blather, but I do not.
"All of us are connected to this limitless power, and most of us aren't using but a fraction of it"
or
"The universe is made up of source energy. All energy vibrates at a certain frequency, which means you're vibrating at a certain frequency, and everything you desire and don't desire is also vibrating at a certain frequency. Vibration attracts like vibration. Otherwise known as the law of attraction."
I get the feeling that this is a pop-psychology self-help book that is just using buzz words. Some people love this sort of "feel-good" self-help blather, but I do not.
October 8, 2017
4 stars!
November 3, 2018
PLEASE. I implore you. Don't read this book.
Or if you do, then don't take it too seriously.
Sincero is a privileged white woman whose entitlement knows no bounds. She is a proponent of the concept of "manifesting," where if you wish hard enough, whatever you desire magically comes your way. Hopefully you don't need me to tell you that's bullshit. She also advocates for creating a vision board, which she describes as "a craft day with God that totally works, freaky-deaky."
Not only are some of Sincero's concepts idiotic, but her prose is childish at best. I've never read a work of nonfiction that uses the word "doo-doo" so many times. You can almost hear her murmuring "teehee" as she types the word "badass" into her manuscript.
Furthermore, Sincero's views are dangerous. She is fat-shaming, doesn't believe depression is real, and sees no difference in the opportunities available to those born wealthy and those born into poverty. Sincero also loves money for money's sake and shames those that are happy with what they have.
I'm glad she's found a little system that works for her and that she can enjoy gallivanting through India, Bali, Spain, and Tokyo. But please, don't take her ideas too seriously. Think for yourself. Work hard. Be nice. Don't bother with this book.
Or if you do, then don't take it too seriously.
Sincero is a privileged white woman whose entitlement knows no bounds. She is a proponent of the concept of "manifesting," where if you wish hard enough, whatever you desire magically comes your way. Hopefully you don't need me to tell you that's bullshit. She also advocates for creating a vision board, which she describes as "a craft day with God that totally works, freaky-deaky."
Not only are some of Sincero's concepts idiotic, but her prose is childish at best. I've never read a work of nonfiction that uses the word "doo-doo" so many times. You can almost hear her murmuring "teehee" as she types the word "badass" into her manuscript.
Furthermore, Sincero's views are dangerous. She is fat-shaming, doesn't believe depression is real, and sees no difference in the opportunities available to those born wealthy and those born into poverty. Sincero also loves money for money's sake and shames those that are happy with what they have.
I'm glad she's found a little system that works for her and that she can enjoy gallivanting through India, Bali, Spain, and Tokyo. But please, don't take her ideas too seriously. Think for yourself. Work hard. Be nice. Don't bother with this book.
May 27, 2018
In an effort to broaden my reading horizon, I have made it a goal to read some inspirational books that will help me grow! This book was very helpful and offers some great skills and techniques to apply to your life so that you can be a BADASS!
*I listened to this book on audible.com!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
*I listened to this book on audible.com!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
September 5, 2019
I read a lot of motivation books and this one is no different but the way author motivated me was much more pleasurable and definitely more funny. Great audiobook.
June 6, 2014
This book is Bad! Ass!
I don't think I've ever laughed out loud that many times while reading, though comic relief is not the intent. The whole purpose of the book is to freakin' change your life already. Make a difference. Love what you do. Love yourself. Love your life. Put your best foot forward again and again.
Are you where you want to be in your life? Doing what you want? Living where you want?
You have to want it, crave it, need it - can't live without it! If that's the place you're in, this is your book. After that, keep reading, achieving and surrounding yourself with other rock stars.
I don't think I've ever laughed out loud that many times while reading, though comic relief is not the intent. The whole purpose of the book is to freakin' change your life already. Make a difference. Love what you do. Love yourself. Love your life. Put your best foot forward again and again.
Are you where you want to be in your life? Doing what you want? Living where you want?
You have to want it, crave it, need it - can't live without it! If that's the place you're in, this is your book. After that, keep reading, achieving and surrounding yourself with other rock stars.
August 24, 2018
Page 238: Hang out with people who are kicking ass and will make you feel like a giant loser if you're not kicking ass, too. I (obviously) can't stress this enough.
NOW you tell me.
I'm not a fan of "tough love." I understand it's necessary in some situations, but for example, if I were on The Biggest Loser, there is NO WAY I would choose the personal trainer who bellows and screams at everyone as if she's lost her marbles. That sort of thing would make me angry but it wouldn't really motivate me. One thing I hated about You Are a Badass is that Jen Sincero works really hard to make you feel like a big loser if you haven't yet achieved every single dream you've ever had in life. I didn't find it motivating, I found it demoralizing and depressing. And I didn't even realize she was doing it deliberately until I got to the excerpt above. I wish I'd known it was intentional all along—I still wouldn't have found it motivating, but at least I would have been annoyed or angry instead of feeling like a giant loser the whole time.
Beyond that, this book was way more woo-woo than I was expecting. Sincero believes very strongly that we need to "vibrate at a high frequency" and this will cause good things to come our way. Of course, we also need to work really hard, keep our eyes on the prize, and possibly wait years and years for those good things, which makes you wonder if the vibrating part is actually necessary. But it is! Be vibrating at a high frequency at all times or you have only yourself to blame if your life isn't amazing every minute! If you're not put off by this oft-repeated bit of woo-woo, just wait until you see the out-there books she recommends in the suggested reading at the back. Frankly, if I'd known this was what I was signing up for, I never would have bought this book in the first place. (Don't ask me why I did buy this book in the first place, because I don't remember.)
As for what I liked about it. I know a lot of people are against self-help books on principle, but I'm not—people sometimes need advice, and as book people it makes sense we might turn to books. The only reason I've read so few self-help books myself is that most of them are deadly boring. But this one wasn't! It was well-written and lively and way funnier than any other self-help book I've tried. So at least I was entertained while feeling like a loser.
Also, sometimes it's just good to get a reminder that thinking positively is a better idea than thinking negatively. I'm looking to make some big changes in my life, but I know it's going to be hard and a lot of work, and I've just been feeling depressed about it. This book reminded me that, even if things don't work out exactly as you want them to, you make things much easier on yourself simply by trying to have a good attitude instead of a poor one. I realize this is an obvious point, but it was something I did need to hear right now. In that sense this book was helpful.
As I was getting close to finishing this book I was thinking I'd leave it in the lobby of my apartment building or my workplace's book swap rather than keeping it, but then I realized I'd done so much underlining in the book it would be a little weird to give it away. So that's where I'm at with this book—I apparently found a lot of meaning in it but still saw it as disposable. Should you read it? I think you all know whether this sort of thing appeals to you or not, and if it doesn't, this won't be the book that changes your mind.
NOW you tell me.
I'm not a fan of "tough love." I understand it's necessary in some situations, but for example, if I were on The Biggest Loser, there is NO WAY I would choose the personal trainer who bellows and screams at everyone as if she's lost her marbles. That sort of thing would make me angry but it wouldn't really motivate me. One thing I hated about You Are a Badass is that Jen Sincero works really hard to make you feel like a big loser if you haven't yet achieved every single dream you've ever had in life. I didn't find it motivating, I found it demoralizing and depressing. And I didn't even realize she was doing it deliberately until I got to the excerpt above. I wish I'd known it was intentional all along—I still wouldn't have found it motivating, but at least I would have been annoyed or angry instead of feeling like a giant loser the whole time.
Beyond that, this book was way more woo-woo than I was expecting. Sincero believes very strongly that we need to "vibrate at a high frequency" and this will cause good things to come our way. Of course, we also need to work really hard, keep our eyes on the prize, and possibly wait years and years for those good things, which makes you wonder if the vibrating part is actually necessary. But it is! Be vibrating at a high frequency at all times or you have only yourself to blame if your life isn't amazing every minute! If you're not put off by this oft-repeated bit of woo-woo, just wait until you see the out-there books she recommends in the suggested reading at the back. Frankly, if I'd known this was what I was signing up for, I never would have bought this book in the first place. (Don't ask me why I did buy this book in the first place, because I don't remember.)
As for what I liked about it. I know a lot of people are against self-help books on principle, but I'm not—people sometimes need advice, and as book people it makes sense we might turn to books. The only reason I've read so few self-help books myself is that most of them are deadly boring. But this one wasn't! It was well-written and lively and way funnier than any other self-help book I've tried. So at least I was entertained while feeling like a loser.
Also, sometimes it's just good to get a reminder that thinking positively is a better idea than thinking negatively. I'm looking to make some big changes in my life, but I know it's going to be hard and a lot of work, and I've just been feeling depressed about it. This book reminded me that, even if things don't work out exactly as you want them to, you make things much easier on yourself simply by trying to have a good attitude instead of a poor one. I realize this is an obvious point, but it was something I did need to hear right now. In that sense this book was helpful.
As I was getting close to finishing this book I was thinking I'd leave it in the lobby of my apartment building or my workplace's book swap rather than keeping it, but then I realized I'd done so much underlining in the book it would be a little weird to give it away. So that's where I'm at with this book—I apparently found a lot of meaning in it but still saw it as disposable. Should you read it? I think you all know whether this sort of thing appeals to you or not, and if it doesn't, this won't be the book that changes your mind.
March 17, 2020
Badasses SO rule!
I don't know why or how or wtf but this book was actually unexpectedly good.
While most of the ideas were not all that new, still the end result was astonishingly motivating. I think I just clicked with this book.
Q:
There’s nothing as unstoppable as a freight train full of fuck-yeah. (c)
Q:
You're here. I'm here. I love you. I'm gonna pee all over the floor about it. (c) Ewww!
Q:
The only failure is quitting. Everything else is just gathering information. (c)
Q:
You cut yourself off from the supply of awesomeness when you are not in a state of gratitude. (c)
Q:
You are powerful. You are loved. You are surrounded by miracles. (c)
Q:
What other people think of you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. (c)
Q:
Because so often when we say we’re unqualified for something, what we’re really saying is that we’re too scared to try it, not that we can’t do it. (c)
Q:
The definition of screwing someone over is taking their money and doing a lousy job or destroying their water source or enslaving populations, things like that—your mother being disappointed or your father disapproving or your friends being outraged does not qualify as screwing someone over. (c)
Q:
The Universe is totally freaking out about how awesome you are. It’s got you wrapped in a warm gorilla hug of adoration. It wants to give you everything you desire. It wants you to be happy. It wants you to see what it sees in you. (c)
Q:
It never ceases to amaze me the precious time we spend chasing the squirrels around our brains, playing out our dramas, worrying about unwanted facial hair, seeking adoration, justifying our actions, complaining about slow Internet connections, dissecting the lives of idiots, when we are sitting in the middle of a full-blown miracle that is happening right here, right now. (c)
Q:
Never apologize for who you are. It lets the whole world down. (c)
Q:
We only get to be in our bodies for a limited time, why not celebrate the journey instead of merely riding it out until it’s over? (c)
Q:
Your life is your party. You get to choose how you invite people and experiences and things into it. (c)
Q:
You are perfect. To think anything less is as pointless as a river thinking that it’s got too many curves or that it moves too slowly or that its rapids are too rapid. (c)
Q:
All this is to say that it’s not your fault that you’re fucked up. It’s your fault if you stay fucked up... (c)
Q:
Say nice things about your body, dress it up, and take it out. Give it hot sex, luxurious baths, and massages. Move it, stretch it, nourish it, hydrate it, pay attention to it—The better our bodies feel, the happier and more productive we are. (c)
Q:
In order to kick ass you must first lift up your foot. (c)
Q:
There’s something called the Crab Effect. If you put a bunch of crabs in a bowl and if, while they’re in there crawling all over each other, one of them tries to climb out, the rest of them will try to pull him back down instead of helping to push him out. No wonder they’re called crabs. (c)
Q:
If you’re always late, start being early. (c)
Q:
... blurter of brilliance ... (c)
I don't know why or how or wtf but this book was actually unexpectedly good.
While most of the ideas were not all that new, still the end result was astonishingly motivating. I think I just clicked with this book.
Q:
There’s nothing as unstoppable as a freight train full of fuck-yeah. (c)
Q:
You're here. I'm here. I love you. I'm gonna pee all over the floor about it. (c) Ewww!
Q:
The only failure is quitting. Everything else is just gathering information. (c)
Q:
You cut yourself off from the supply of awesomeness when you are not in a state of gratitude. (c)
Q:
You are powerful. You are loved. You are surrounded by miracles. (c)
Q:
What other people think of you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. (c)
Q:
Because so often when we say we’re unqualified for something, what we’re really saying is that we’re too scared to try it, not that we can’t do it. (c)
Q:
The definition of screwing someone over is taking their money and doing a lousy job or destroying their water source or enslaving populations, things like that—your mother being disappointed or your father disapproving or your friends being outraged does not qualify as screwing someone over. (c)
Q:
The Universe is totally freaking out about how awesome you are. It’s got you wrapped in a warm gorilla hug of adoration. It wants to give you everything you desire. It wants you to be happy. It wants you to see what it sees in you. (c)
Q:
It never ceases to amaze me the precious time we spend chasing the squirrels around our brains, playing out our dramas, worrying about unwanted facial hair, seeking adoration, justifying our actions, complaining about slow Internet connections, dissecting the lives of idiots, when we are sitting in the middle of a full-blown miracle that is happening right here, right now. (c)
Q:
Never apologize for who you are. It lets the whole world down. (c)
Q:
We only get to be in our bodies for a limited time, why not celebrate the journey instead of merely riding it out until it’s over? (c)
Q:
Your life is your party. You get to choose how you invite people and experiences and things into it. (c)
Q:
You are perfect. To think anything less is as pointless as a river thinking that it’s got too many curves or that it moves too slowly or that its rapids are too rapid. (c)
Q:
All this is to say that it’s not your fault that you’re fucked up. It’s your fault if you stay fucked up... (c)
Q:
Say nice things about your body, dress it up, and take it out. Give it hot sex, luxurious baths, and massages. Move it, stretch it, nourish it, hydrate it, pay attention to it—The better our bodies feel, the happier and more productive we are. (c)
Q:
In order to kick ass you must first lift up your foot. (c)
Q:
There’s something called the Crab Effect. If you put a bunch of crabs in a bowl and if, while they’re in there crawling all over each other, one of them tries to climb out, the rest of them will try to pull him back down instead of helping to push him out. No wonder they’re called crabs. (c)
Q:
If you’re always late, start being early. (c)
Q:
... blurter of brilliance ... (c)
November 1, 2015
Literally finished this book and immediately jumped into taking action. It reminded me how much of a badass I truly am and finally helped me overcome my fears. Never again will I doubt my faith and the awesomeness that I WILL bring to this world. Everything is available to me and I deserve it. Here I come world. :)
August 3, 2015
I saw this at the airport in St. Louis and liked its affirmation that I was, indeed, a badass, so I decided to check it out from the library when I got back home. Honestly, who buys books at airports anymore? So expensive.
Now, this book would have me believe that it doesn't matter that this book is expensive, because if I truly feel that money will manifest itself in my future, then so it shall be. While I like the unbridled optimism that Sincero brings to this kinda half-baked self-help book, I've never been able to get behind advice of that nature. It's much too easy for the advice-giver to say, "Well, you're just not doing it right" when my excessive faith-having turns me into a social exile. I'm down with taking a positive spin on life, believing that I deserve happiness, and all that crap--it's gotten me pretty far, actually--so good job, book.
Despite its inherent gooshyness, You Are A Badass did reinforce some ideas that I already had about my role in my own happiness, and it did give me a few new epiphanies to chew on, which made it a successful self-help book.
I just wanted to punch it in the face sometimes.
Now, this book would have me believe that it doesn't matter that this book is expensive, because if I truly feel that money will manifest itself in my future, then so it shall be. While I like the unbridled optimism that Sincero brings to this kinda half-baked self-help book, I've never been able to get behind advice of that nature. It's much too easy for the advice-giver to say, "Well, you're just not doing it right" when my excessive faith-having turns me into a social exile. I'm down with taking a positive spin on life, believing that I deserve happiness, and all that crap--it's gotten me pretty far, actually--so good job, book.
Despite its inherent gooshyness, You Are A Badass did reinforce some ideas that I already had about my role in my own happiness, and it did give me a few new epiphanies to chew on, which made it a successful self-help book.
I just wanted to punch it in the face sometimes.
November 10, 2021
3.5 stars. It had some great encouragement and ideas, but at times I must admit felt a little generic. Overall I do felt I learned a few things and would still recommend.
February 6, 2017
*****The full review of this book can be read at Darling & Co.*****
I was really excited for this book. I have the day-by-day calendar and I love it. It's posts are quick and witty and there's a bonus on the back of every day that tells you something interesting, or is a little puzzle, or something to get you thinking. It's great. The book version was...a let down, for a few reasons.
Between the repetitiveness, Jen insulting the reader, and the big one, talking more about herself than actually how to help a person be a badass, the whole book was a disappointment. I don't know, maybe I'm already a badass and that's why I didn't like it; but I really didn't learn anything new from this book that I haven't read/heard a million times before.
I was really excited for this book. I have the day-by-day calendar and I love it. It's posts are quick and witty and there's a bonus on the back of every day that tells you something interesting, or is a little puzzle, or something to get you thinking. It's great. The book version was...a let down, for a few reasons.
Between the repetitiveness, Jen insulting the reader, and the big one, talking more about herself than actually how to help a person be a badass, the whole book was a disappointment. I don't know, maybe I'm already a badass and that's why I didn't like it; but I really didn't learn anything new from this book that I haven't read/heard a million times before.
March 28, 2016
I cannot in good conscience recommend this big. She states that depression is an excuse to get attention. This is potentially damaging to those with depression and those who may have a loved one with depression.
She also says some pretty inflammatory things about people who are broke...
When she's spent most her life as a clinical psychologist, or shows her doctorates in psychology then she can speak.
She also says some pretty inflammatory things about people who are broke...
When she's spent most her life as a clinical psychologist, or shows her doctorates in psychology then she can speak.
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