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Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life
Part memoir, part manifesto, Soulbbatical is an invitation to become Chief Soul Officer of your own life—and to open up a whole new world of possibility.
“An honest, emotionally gut-wrenching, and ultimately soul-satisfying memoir.” —Kirkus Reviews
Former Harley-Davidson executive Shelley Paxton did just that. She walked away at the peak of her twenty-six-year marketing career and embarked on a profoundly personal journey to reconnect with her true purpose and deepest desires. She called it her “Soulbbatical,” and it not only changed her life, it became her calling.
Paxton had a wildly successful life by most definitions—iconic brands, executive titles, and a globe-trotting career that took her to over sixty countries. She had one of the coolest jobs in the world, yet couldn’t shake the feeling that she had lost herself along the way. Something was missing.
Here, she takes you on a sometimes harrowing, often hilarious journey through the illness, divorce, addiction, and tragedy that finally woke her up. Suddenly she was rebelling for her best life, and embracing a new to encourage others to live their most authentic, courageous, and purposeful lives—today.
Soulbbatical is an unconventional, exhilarating, and totally badass road map to discovering what you really want—and getting it. Because no matter how far you’ve strayed from your soul’s true path, it’s never too late for transformation.
“An honest, emotionally gut-wrenching, and ultimately soul-satisfying memoir.” —Kirkus Reviews
Former Harley-Davidson executive Shelley Paxton did just that. She walked away at the peak of her twenty-six-year marketing career and embarked on a profoundly personal journey to reconnect with her true purpose and deepest desires. She called it her “Soulbbatical,” and it not only changed her life, it became her calling.
Paxton had a wildly successful life by most definitions—iconic brands, executive titles, and a globe-trotting career that took her to over sixty countries. She had one of the coolest jobs in the world, yet couldn’t shake the feeling that she had lost herself along the way. Something was missing.
Here, she takes you on a sometimes harrowing, often hilarious journey through the illness, divorce, addiction, and tragedy that finally woke her up. Suddenly she was rebelling for her best life, and embracing a new to encourage others to live their most authentic, courageous, and purposeful lives—today.
Soulbbatical is an unconventional, exhilarating, and totally badass road map to discovering what you really want—and getting it. Because no matter how far you’ve strayed from your soul’s true path, it’s never too late for transformation.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2020
About the author
Shelley Paxton
1 book11 followersShelley Paxton is an author, speaker, and transformational coach. She spent 26 years as a highly regarded marketing and advertising executive stewarding some of the world's most iconic brands, including Harley-Davidson, Visa, McDonald's, and AOL. In 2016 she left the corporate world to become Chief Soul Officer of her life and, ultimately, her own company. She launched Soulbbatical with the mission to liberate the souls of leaders and organizations by inspiring them to realize their greatest purpose, possibility, and impact. As a certified professional coach, Shelley works with executives at Fortune 100 companies, and with fellow rebel-soul individuals and entrepreneurs. She has also trained with some of the top teachers in the world including researcher and five-time New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown and master coach and coauthor of The Prosperous Coach Rich Litvin.
Her first book, Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life, was published by Simon & Schuster in January 2020. It's equal parts memoir, manifesto, and interactive guide, inviting readers to create their most authentic, courageous, and purposeful life. Now.
Shelley is based in Chicago (when she's not indulging her wanderlust). You can learn more at www.soulbbatical.com.
Her first book, Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life, was published by Simon & Schuster in January 2020. It's equal parts memoir, manifesto, and interactive guide, inviting readers to create their most authentic, courageous, and purposeful life. Now.
Shelley is based in Chicago (when she's not indulging her wanderlust). You can learn more at www.soulbbatical.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 13, 2020
This was the perfect read to get me motivated for the next step in my life. It goes beyond being a simple how-to in order to get yourself settled into your best life. It’s a series of stories that show a relatable personal journey proving you can make your life rewarding in a way you have never imagined before. But you have to do the work.
I’ve set the book aside to do some thinking about its messages. I can already tell it will become a regular reference for inspiration.
I’ve set the book aside to do some thinking about its messages. I can already tell it will become a regular reference for inspiration.
June 23, 2020
Okay, so, this book was not for me. But it probably is the book others need, and I can see that. I think a lot of people would be better off if the corporations they work for listened to some of Paxton’s core beliefs about slowing down, taking care of one’s self, and working to live. I think companies helping their employees nurture their minds and bodies, essentially investing in the people who work for them over focusing just on the bottom line will help foster more creative, loyal, and passionate workers. I think listening to what your subconscious and body are telling you is key—even when those might contradict the logical or safe path.
So really, I don’t disagree with the points she’s making, but I just really hate self help books, and I really hate when companies/people brand words. It ends up feeling cheesy and inauthentic to me in the way that girls I went to high school with FB messaging me “Hey girl! Want try Beach Body?!” ends up feeling depressing and gross. It all ends up feeling gimicky and flashy instead of authentic and real, and it feels counterintuitive to the message Paxton is pushing about doing what authentically feeds your soul.
So really, I don’t disagree with the points she’s making, but I just really hate self help books, and I really hate when companies/people brand words. It ends up feeling cheesy and inauthentic to me in the way that girls I went to high school with FB messaging me “Hey girl! Want try Beach Body?!” ends up feeling depressing and gross. It all ends up feeling gimicky and flashy instead of authentic and real, and it feels counterintuitive to the message Paxton is pushing about doing what authentically feeds your soul.
March 29, 2021
The perfect book for a crazy year -
If anything, 2020 is the ultimate re-set year.
Up until March of 2020, life around the world was on a steady, even relentless course. School, work, production and productivity, busy schedules – for work or play – were the rule. Until they weren’t.
Chaos emerged and then a silence fell across our factories and our freeways. Workplaces and schools, even shopping malls, shut down.
COVID-19 and its impact shuttered almost the entire world.
It was as if the universe was telling us something.
That’s kind of the premise of Soulbbatical by Shelley Paxton; if we don’t learn to moderate ourselves, the natural world will do it for us.
One principle Paxton using is the idea that the universe opens one door at a time. That might be true for individuals, but for those of us in the thick of the pandemic of 2020, it seemed that every week a new door of complication, difficulty and demands would open up all around us.
In fact for many of us, not only did doors open, but windows flew open and walls collapsed and storms and furies and forces unknown seemed to leap from every corner.
And we, especially we of the so-called industrialized economies, most of us anyway, were shuffled aside – laid-off or furloughed. Over 40 million of us. In some areas half of all workers were suddenly – and indefinitely – unemployed.
Most of us went full-bore into distractions streaming videos, doing puzzles and baking. Many of us tackled long-neglected projects or hobbies.
Many of us accidently found ourselves doing what Shelly Paxton recommends; reevaluating our purpose, direction and identity. Finding our souls.
This was barely possible; thanks to the busy schedule it seems like everyone had before March of 2020. After March of 2020, it became essential.
What is work, after all? Many of us who were on unemployment got a $600 a week “stimulus” check on top of our unemployment payment.
Even those occupations considered “essential” had schedules cut back. The seemingly firm symbiotic relationship between work and pay was fractured – maybe forever.
What do we do when we don’t have work or school schedules commanding (or dominating) our time?
Many of us floundered – ate too much, drank too much, watched too many cringe-worthy videos.
And some of us sharpened our skills, or had the time (finally) to consider what we really wanted to do with our lives.
In other words, most of us have been on an involuntary sabbatical.
I’ve always wanted to have a sabbatical, many colleges used to offer them. A professor would get a full year off (with pay) to explore, travel, do research or write and then come back refreshed and revitalized and more productive.
Not many colleges do that anymore, but Shelley Paxton certainly thinks they – and every corporation should.
She tells her own story – of all-consuming work schedules, burn-out and health collapses.
She was successful – but as she put it, she had the success, but not the “ful”.
Her story is the story of all of us. We who have been furloughed or cut back have little desire to go back to what passed for normal – the 40-hour work week, the killer commutes, the 24/7 availability to our employer.
Our devices are tethers to unending work.
There was a famous Broadway musical many years ago – “Stop the world, I want to get off”.
In 2020, in many ways, the world did stop. And we don’t know yet how many “got off”. But many did, and more will. The workplace – and schedule -of the 2020s will look very different from the 20- teens.
It will look much like Shelley Paxton’s vision – not the gig economy necessarily, but an economy driven – and defined by what she calls “soul” the deepest, richest, yet, under most conditions, quietest aspect of our humanity.
“Success”, by whatever definition, may be at hand, but Shelley asks, at what cost?
Friendships, physical and mental health and family are all too often sacrificed on the altar of professional success.
Shelly does not prescribe “dropping out” – at least not for long. She also doesn’t suggest going back, but instead does the (much) harder work of defining (and refining) what our deepest, strongest and bravest selves are calling us to.
She suggests (among other things) that we put all of life’s choices into three categories; Hell, yes, Hell no and no for now.
Referring to Rich Litvin, there is no “Hell, maybe”.
Paxton’s message is very simple (but don’t confuse simple with easy) – take care of yourself, spend time with those who take care of (respect and appreciate) you and stay open to the unexpected, serendipitous opportunities life offers.
Tomorrow is never guaranteed, the struggle is never over and the learning never ends.
In 2020 we all learned this. Read this book for a (slightly) more detailed road map.
If anything, 2020 is the ultimate re-set year.
Up until March of 2020, life around the world was on a steady, even relentless course. School, work, production and productivity, busy schedules – for work or play – were the rule. Until they weren’t.
Chaos emerged and then a silence fell across our factories and our freeways. Workplaces and schools, even shopping malls, shut down.
COVID-19 and its impact shuttered almost the entire world.
It was as if the universe was telling us something.
That’s kind of the premise of Soulbbatical by Shelley Paxton; if we don’t learn to moderate ourselves, the natural world will do it for us.
One principle Paxton using is the idea that the universe opens one door at a time. That might be true for individuals, but for those of us in the thick of the pandemic of 2020, it seemed that every week a new door of complication, difficulty and demands would open up all around us.
In fact for many of us, not only did doors open, but windows flew open and walls collapsed and storms and furies and forces unknown seemed to leap from every corner.
And we, especially we of the so-called industrialized economies, most of us anyway, were shuffled aside – laid-off or furloughed. Over 40 million of us. In some areas half of all workers were suddenly – and indefinitely – unemployed.
Most of us went full-bore into distractions streaming videos, doing puzzles and baking. Many of us tackled long-neglected projects or hobbies.
Many of us accidently found ourselves doing what Shelly Paxton recommends; reevaluating our purpose, direction and identity. Finding our souls.
This was barely possible; thanks to the busy schedule it seems like everyone had before March of 2020. After March of 2020, it became essential.
What is work, after all? Many of us who were on unemployment got a $600 a week “stimulus” check on top of our unemployment payment.
Even those occupations considered “essential” had schedules cut back. The seemingly firm symbiotic relationship between work and pay was fractured – maybe forever.
What do we do when we don’t have work or school schedules commanding (or dominating) our time?
Many of us floundered – ate too much, drank too much, watched too many cringe-worthy videos.
And some of us sharpened our skills, or had the time (finally) to consider what we really wanted to do with our lives.
In other words, most of us have been on an involuntary sabbatical.
I’ve always wanted to have a sabbatical, many colleges used to offer them. A professor would get a full year off (with pay) to explore, travel, do research or write and then come back refreshed and revitalized and more productive.
Not many colleges do that anymore, but Shelley Paxton certainly thinks they – and every corporation should.
She tells her own story – of all-consuming work schedules, burn-out and health collapses.
She was successful – but as she put it, she had the success, but not the “ful”.
Her story is the story of all of us. We who have been furloughed or cut back have little desire to go back to what passed for normal – the 40-hour work week, the killer commutes, the 24/7 availability to our employer.
Our devices are tethers to unending work.
There was a famous Broadway musical many years ago – “Stop the world, I want to get off”.
In 2020, in many ways, the world did stop. And we don’t know yet how many “got off”. But many did, and more will. The workplace – and schedule -of the 2020s will look very different from the 20- teens.
It will look much like Shelley Paxton’s vision – not the gig economy necessarily, but an economy driven – and defined by what she calls “soul” the deepest, richest, yet, under most conditions, quietest aspect of our humanity.
“Success”, by whatever definition, may be at hand, but Shelley asks, at what cost?
Friendships, physical and mental health and family are all too often sacrificed on the altar of professional success.
Shelly does not prescribe “dropping out” – at least not for long. She also doesn’t suggest going back, but instead does the (much) harder work of defining (and refining) what our deepest, strongest and bravest selves are calling us to.
She suggests (among other things) that we put all of life’s choices into three categories; Hell, yes, Hell no and no for now.
Referring to Rich Litvin, there is no “Hell, maybe”.
Paxton’s message is very simple (but don’t confuse simple with easy) – take care of yourself, spend time with those who take care of (respect and appreciate) you and stay open to the unexpected, serendipitous opportunities life offers.
Tomorrow is never guaranteed, the struggle is never over and the learning never ends.
In 2020 we all learned this. Read this book for a (slightly) more detailed road map.
June 1, 2022
In terms of how-to-let-go-of-a-life-that-looks-great-from-the-outside-but-inside-not-so-much, Shelley Paxton has written the definitive book. It's all here, refreshingly honest, full of authentic moments of cringe-worthy mistakes and u-turns -- followed by the embrace of a life-affirming path. Reading this book, you immediately warm to Shelley -- she is that no-bullshit, direct friend that would help you when you needed it, no questions asked, and give you a straight answer when you needed that. Passionate, funny, and easy to read, Soulbbatical is the book for anyone trapped in a life that just happened, feeling like it's time to choose. Shelley will help you choose. My only complaint: for some reason, I can't get it out of my head that it should be "Soulbatical." That just looks better to me.
June 17, 2020
INSIGHTFUL & AUTHENTIC- YOU will LAUGH, CHEER, & CRY YOUR WAY THROUGH THIS BOOK!
Soulbbatical is a MUST read or listen! Shelley is courageous & vulnerable in this book, fearlessly sharing her soulful journey. I too have a rebel spirit & was able to relate on all levels. It will take you on a ride (pun intended) of unexpected twists & turns you can’t put down, Shelley awakens your spirit & burns through to your soul! i really enjoy an audio book orated by the author. Her passion truly comes through & you will feel as though you are on the journey with her cheering her on and ready to ride along! This is on my best book to gift list. You deserve your BEST life and this book with get your engines roaring!
Soulbbatical is a MUST read or listen! Shelley is courageous & vulnerable in this book, fearlessly sharing her soulful journey. I too have a rebel spirit & was able to relate on all levels. It will take you on a ride (pun intended) of unexpected twists & turns you can’t put down, Shelley awakens your spirit & burns through to your soul! i really enjoy an audio book orated by the author. Her passion truly comes through & you will feel as though you are on the journey with her cheering her on and ready to ride along! This is on my best book to gift list. You deserve your BEST life and this book with get your engines roaring!
June 28, 2020
Although I’m sure this book was very cathartic for the author to write, I can’t imagine who would really walk away from reading this book with any enlightenment. Unless perhaps, the reader has lived a completely unexamined life. It’s unfortunate the author never read Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” as a young person. It’s a must read for any 18 year old in your life. If you are heading into your 40s - 50s, The Middle Passage by James Hollis is a brilliant read, framing mid-life as not a crisis but the period where we step into our authentic adulthood. If you are feeling ambivalent about what you are really good at - StrengthsFinder 2.0 (now CliftonStrengths) is amazing and really helped me define a significant mid-life career change.
August 21, 2022
While the author has worked hard to get where she is in life, I found it extremely hard to apply her principles to a middle class corporate America type of role. Not everyone can afford the luxuries of travel and how she “found” herself. I could not detach the message from her privilege, especially affording the opportunity to take a break from “life” and corporate America in her 20s. And using her success, network, and resources to make a living (write this book and create this brand) out of telling other people how to make a happy living. It did not give any different message than what we already know about work life balance (and trying to find it). Unfortunately this book was not for me.
January 5, 2020
Soulbbatical is true soul-fuel that will activate that deep part of you that has been patiently waiting for you to read a book like this and say ‘it’s time’. Shelley’s story is ultimately one of hope and possibility - for all of us.
My soul literally screamed ‘yes!’ more than once as I let Shelley’s story wash over me during my own mini-soulbbatical. The book was perfectly timed to help me ask perspective-shifting questions, learn from Shelley’s experience, and see my own transformation through a powerful lens of potential.
Shelley bravely bares her soul so that we can see glimpses, if not entire vistas, of our own path in hers. Through her raw sharing, I felt my own emotions shifting until the final page where I bathed in sense of purpose, and with a deep knowing that something has shifted on my own path to soul-freedom.
Soulbbatical isn’t about a place you go or a thing you do - it’s about who you become through deep self-acceptance when you give yourself permission to tap into the longing of your own soul’s purpose. Shelley helps guide the reader with reflective questions and an accountability framework that will help open the doors to your best adventure yet.
It’s not a book, it’s a movement that will liberate souls the world over.
My soul literally screamed ‘yes!’ more than once as I let Shelley’s story wash over me during my own mini-soulbbatical. The book was perfectly timed to help me ask perspective-shifting questions, learn from Shelley’s experience, and see my own transformation through a powerful lens of potential.
Shelley bravely bares her soul so that we can see glimpses, if not entire vistas, of our own path in hers. Through her raw sharing, I felt my own emotions shifting until the final page where I bathed in sense of purpose, and with a deep knowing that something has shifted on my own path to soul-freedom.
Soulbbatical isn’t about a place you go or a thing you do - it’s about who you become through deep self-acceptance when you give yourself permission to tap into the longing of your own soul’s purpose. Shelley helps guide the reader with reflective questions and an accountability framework that will help open the doors to your best adventure yet.
It’s not a book, it’s a movement that will liberate souls the world over.
January 12, 2020
We need books about making different decisions. About rebelling the status quo and saying no to some of the choices that society tells us are ‘right’. And we need books that don’t sugar coat those decisions with palm trees and beaches. Books that dig into the moments when liberating our soul seems too hard...and books that give us hope and excitement about what could be if we hang in there.
This is one of those books. A vulnerable share with witty writing and practical techniques for all of us. Give it a read. Especially if you know you’re a rebel.
This is one of those books. A vulnerable share with witty writing and practical techniques for all of us. Give it a read. Especially if you know you’re a rebel.
June 17, 2020
Soulbattical has quickly become one of my favorite books I've ever read. I read it in two days! Shelley is an incredibly talented writer who blends stories of pain, laughter, grief, and joy throughout her book. Soulbattical is honest, raw, inspiring, and liberating. I especially enjoyed Shelley's clever words she created throughout her chapters - including the title itself! If you're looking for a kick in the butt to wake you up and get you to pursue a career and life you love, this book will open up your eyes to the possibilities that await.
March 15, 2020
We are not getting any younger and Shelley Paxton took the chance that we all dream about taking. And then she tells us why we should also take that chance and walks us through HOW to take that chance, and succeed. Through her anecdotes, coaching, humor and heartfelt passion, she has created a mission to liberate us all to live our best life. A very inspiring read that you will want to pass on to all those in your circle.
April 28, 2020
Soulbbatical is a soulful expression and exposure of Shelly Paxton's life experience. I first heard of the new book release on a local news station and immediately ordered it. Something struck me about the title and its profound message that it was time for me to look at my own journey and the dreams within. Turning the last page and closing the back cover, I was lighter on my feet and ready to change my Universe! Thank you Shelly for being my compass!
January 4, 2023
This book came at the perfect time as books sometimes do. The “workbook” sections were thought provoking. Having had a chance to meet the author just by chance when I was starting it, made it come to life all the more. Shelley is truly genuine, has a great ability to get a person to think. What do we really want out of life, where do we go from here and how do we build our personal runway to get there.
January 12, 2020
Please make this the first book you read in 2020. It’ll change you. I know it’s had me in a spin since I finished it and I can’t stop thinking about it. Love her writing style and love the stories weaved into the lessons. Highly recommend !!!!
February 1, 2020
I loved this book so much.
Vulnerable | authentic | relatable - There aren’t enough adjectives In my vocabulary so I really don’t even
know how to properly express it.
Life well lived (so far). The book inspired me so my hope is that millions of others will be inspired too.
Vulnerable | authentic | relatable - There aren’t enough adjectives In my vocabulary so I really don’t even
know how to properly express it.
Life well lived (so far). The book inspired me so my hope is that millions of others will be inspired too.
October 11, 2020
After sharing her very personal and inspirational history, Shelley offers advice for corporations and citizens to adopt Soulbatticals. Now and more than ever, we have the opportunity to reflect on what matters most; it just takes courage. Thanks for sharing your story with the world!
March 20, 2024
Love a well placed f-bomb, and Shelley’s book does not disappoint. Great resource for remembering all we have is now, and don’t waste a (insert f-bomb here) minute. Great reflective questions to take your own Soulbbatical.
January 11, 2020
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
January 18, 2021
I love Shelley and I love this book! She’s sharing her story from such a beautiful place of authenticity and badassery, it’s very, very inspiring. Can’t wait for Book 2, Rebel Soul Sister!
January 7, 2021
For all you boys and girls who have been following the expected path of success, going to the right school, getting the right job, moving up the corporate ladder or following in your family's small business, when do you take the time and space to examine what you truly want?
Soulbbbatical follows Shelley's soul quest through her corporate years of numbing with travel, wine, and work... and then breathes a sigh of relief as she slows down to examine what really matters. Us this as inspiration and a call to action to take your own soulbatical and find out what is it that you're willing to rebel FOR not AGAINST,
Soulbbbatical follows Shelley's soul quest through her corporate years of numbing with travel, wine, and work... and then breathes a sigh of relief as she slows down to examine what really matters. Us this as inspiration and a call to action to take your own soulbatical and find out what is it that you're willing to rebel FOR not AGAINST,
May 16, 2020
The title of this book could also be Soulbbatical: A Guide to Finding Your Best Life. Because although Shelley Paxton writes about being a corporate rebel, the lessons learned here pertain to anyone. Shelley takes the reader on a journey that is filled with heartwarming and heartbreaking stories of her life-all told with the perfect amount of humor. An inspiring read for anyone, even someone like me who usually reads novels. This is a book that I will read again and share with others.
Read
October 13, 2020#bookclub4m genre pick "business nonfic"
Eh
Eh
May 23, 2023
so worth the read
I couldn’t put this book down! It’s a self-help book written for real people who are ready to make major life changes but need a nudge. Shelley Paxton’s book reads like a conversation with a brilliant, funny, profane, deeply caring friend who wants the best for you and for the world. So much of her story resonated with me and my own journey as a high-achieving, recovering perfectionist. Thank you for lighting the way, Shelley. Thank you for this book and for your movement!
I couldn’t put this book down! It’s a self-help book written for real people who are ready to make major life changes but need a nudge. Shelley Paxton’s book reads like a conversation with a brilliant, funny, profane, deeply caring friend who wants the best for you and for the world. So much of her story resonated with me and my own journey as a high-achieving, recovering perfectionist. Thank you for lighting the way, Shelley. Thank you for this book and for your movement!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews