Book of the Month: You Are a Badass - Jen Sincero
For Companioning Your Journey’s third Book of the Month, Jen Sincero’s, “You Are a Badass”.
About the Author and Publication
In the first book of their hit “Badass” series, Jen Sincero introduces some interesting and transformative concepts. Jen experienced a transformation of her own when she started to ask more of life and went from living in a converted garage with little to her name to becoming a global speaker, motivator, and living an unlocked life. Jen continues to write, coach, travel, and try to spread the message that people are far more awesome and able than they think.
Here is a brief blurb on the cover page that shares the foundation of this book, “How to stop doubting your greatnes and start living an awesome life.”
Key Take Aways
You Are
One of the most impactful lines in the book was, “You’re on a journey with no defined beginning, middle or end. There are no wrong twists and turns. There is just being. And your job is to be as you as you can be. This is why you’re here. To shy away from who you truly are would leave the world you-less. You are the only you there is and ever will be. I repeat, you are the only you there is and ever will be. Do not deny the world its one and only chance to bask in your brilliance.” This perfectly sums up the way we should view ourselves and our journey. It is so remarkable that you are you. Get out there and be!
How often do you think about the miracle of “IS”? Just the fact that this moment is. That the world is. That life is. We often take for granted the life that we have been given and the improbability of existing. Just think of all of the things that had to line up so perfectly that you are here today. Life is and you are. Don’t let this gift slip away. Leave your mark. You are the only person who has been gifted with the talents, energy, dreams, and thoughts that you have. You have things to share in ways that only you can share them.
Turning Set-Backs Into Stepping Stones
Everything you do on your journey takes you closer to where you want to go. This idea includes the setbacks, the hurts, the moments of doubt. So long as you keep your feet pointed in the right direction, no step is too small and no effort is unimportant.
In one of my favorite quotes, Jen was speaking about making mistakes and thinking about them differently instead of beating yourself up. She says, “I’m just a little bunny figuring out my issues.” This humorous thought reminds us to go a bit easier on ourselves and to try and take control of our thoughts to offer some self-compassion.
Getting Fulfillment
You are most fulfilled when you are giving your gifts to the world in the way only you can do. When you live life sharing those gifts, you will find what you are seeking. Take time to think of the gifts you have, what is important to you, and how you can offer yourself to the world. We will find what we look for. If you look for ways you are not enough, you will find pieces to support this idea. If you look for ways to serve, you will find a way to give.
Wanting Change vs Deciding to Change
One of the metaphors that comes to mind is asking for help with a closed hand. Jen talks about the idea of resolving ourselves to change and deciding that we will take steps to make a difference in our lives. Ask yourself about your why and think of one thing you can do today to get yourself a step closer. You have what it takes to get where you want to be.
Rewriting Your Story
What are you attached to that isn’t serving you? No matter where you are in your life, it is never too late to change your story. You can decide today that you want to step closer to your dream. Life is short and you owe it to yourself, the world, and the people around you to pursue what makes you happy, fulfilled, and lets you come alive.
Points I Disagree With
Some of the people I have learned the most from were people that I did not necessarily see eye to eye with. It is important to take in new ideas and to decide what you agree or disagree with. There were a few ideas in the book that I did not agree with. I still do recommend this book, but wanted to acknowledge the points I disagree with while sharing that there was still enough value/benefit that make it worth the read.
Frequency
One of the ideas mentioned in several sections of the book was that there was a frequency or energy in the universe and that we operate at a certain frequency which either attracts or repels other frequencies. If you want to attract high frequency outcomes, you need to be at a high frequency. I can see the idea behind this of trying to attract and welcome opportunity with an abundance mindset but I do not believe in the same idea or the law of attraction. I have heard of some people who deeply resonate with the idea and some who would be deeply insulted by it. See what resonates for you and if it works, that is great! If it doesn’t, there will still be plenty of takeaways that this can be overlooked.
Language Used Around Depression
Depression and anxiety are very real experiences that people do everything they can to overcome. I do not agree with some of the brief dialogue about depression being an excuse to remain inactive or “lazy” or to not have to try. I would have appreciated this section to either have not made the cut or for it to have also validated the gravity of this very real pain while still speaking to the ideas and belief of overcoming.
What Made this the Book of the Month
This book is humorous, powerful, and speaks to the innate power that you carry within you. It speaks to the way that I view the people I work with, individuals of immeasurable strength who may not see that strength in themselves or were at some point in their life convinced to believe it wasn't there. You truly are capable, deserving, and able to create remarkable things for your life and the lives of those around you. If you ever need a reminder, drop me a line and I am happy to be there.
Conclusion
Remember that you are the best, only, and most powerful you there is or will ever be. Share your strengths and light with the world. You have a story to tell, impacts to make, and the gift of life to enjoy!
What has been one of your most impactful reads? Are there any that you feel like more people should get their hands on? Let me know and I would be happy to read and review in a future post!