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

by Jen Sincero

Paperback, 2013

Status

Available

Call number

158.1

Genres

Collections

Your library, Property & Workplace

Publication

Running Press Adult (2013), Edition: 1, 256 pages

Description

Self-Improvement. Nonfiction. HTML:Packed with humor, inspiration, and advice, You Are a Badass is the #1 New York Times bestselling self-help book that teaches you how to get better without getting busted. In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up twenty-seven bite-sized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW, and Make some damn money already. The kind you've never made before. By the end of You Are a Badass, you'll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can't change, how to change what you don't love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.… (more)

Media reviews

Weekly Alibi

"Sincero relies on her humor and attitude to make this book as entertaining as a self-help book can be. "

User reviews

LibraryThing member ASKelmore

Best for: I can't think of a reader I'd recommend this to.
In a nutshell: Life Coach re-purposes classic self-help book recommendations into multiple short chapters that say very little that is new or original. Also, she swears.

Line that sticks with me: None.

Why I chose it: Embarrassingly, the

"Badass" in the title drew me in.
Review: From a quick CBR search, it appears I might be the only person to have reviewed this book so far. Good. If this is in your TBR pile, I recommend returning it, as your time is more valuable than this.

As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, I've read many a personal growth / self-help book, and can usually find something to like in them. And I have to say that for a couple of pages, I was into this book. Mostly because I appreciated that the author said fuck a lot.

But then it became apparently to me that the author has read a lot of books on personal growth, and this is just a rearranging and distilling of the some of the genre’s greatest hits. I’ve never read “The Secret,” but fuck if this doesn’t read like what I understand to be the main thesis of that book. I just cannot take seriously anyone who says things like (direct from page 33) “In order to truly raise your vibration, you’ve got to believe that everything you want is available to you. And the best way to keep this belief strong is by staying connected to Source Energy.”

I’m sorry. Did I just wander into a Scientology seminar?

Also, Ms. Sincero seems to think that capitalizing a couple of nouns makes them something real. Source Energy is not a thing. Stop trying to make Source Energy happen, Gretchen. It’s not. Going. To happen.

I have to admit that I was turned off just pages in because this books seems to take a page out of Alcholics Anonymous: I have to believe in some “higher power.” Nopety nope nope. And that’s not to say that one shouldn’t believe in a higher power, or that I’m not super wrong in my lack of belief, or that it can't play a role in this type of book, but I wish there had been some mention of this requirement on the back cover, because that would have let me know this book definitely was not for me, and saved me the time and money and Ms. Sincero this review.

There are like a million chapters, and each one is distilled down to a list, as though Buzzfeed decided to write a book based off of its early, less well-edited work.

Also, at one point the author talks about her life-changing visit to India. (She’s white. I know, you’re shocked.) White women (and men)? Can we please collectively agree to stop putting these types of things passages in books? No problem with traveling the world and learning about different cultures, but maybe keep it in your travel journal.

There’s a sort of odd recurring theme of money, as though that should definitely be a primary motivating factor. I know that we all have bills to pay and that we live in a society where money still matters, but I didn’t realize I’d picked up a ‘make money now!’ book. Sadly, that’s on me, because the line on the back cover is right there: “Make some damn money already. The kind you’ve never made before.” That should have been sufficient for me to put this back on the shelf, but alas, I missed it.

I can’t with this. This book isn’t one-star bad, but I’m having a really hard time thinking of someone I’d recommend it to, because if a person really is interested in finding good ways to make changes in their lives, I want better for them than this cobbled together treatise that seems to think that if we just wish hard upon a star and Stuart Smalley ourselves, then everything will fall into place.

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LibraryThing member mountie9

The Good Stuff
Truly inspirational without being hokey or in your face religious
The opening paragraph hooked me in right away, because, not going to lie, I felt the same way about self-help books
Felt like she was talking right to me on many occasions, like the fact about running away from

uncomfortable interactions
Feel pumped up and ready to change - actually went and downloaded the audio so I will listen to it when I need it and to pass it on to a friend who needs it
Wise practical advice that I think most of us could benefit from
Now this is the most important advice for me = do not waste your precious time givig one single crap about what anybody else thinks of you. AND. What other people think about you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them."
There is a chapter called "Your brain is your bitch"
Highlights the importance of forgiveness and how it makes you healthier - um certain parts of our world REALLY need to understand this
Also emphasizes the need for compassion
I am awesome and will show the universe that I am awesome from now on - no more pity party and settling - I want more and I am going to go out and get it - first things first - my mission is to be out of debt!
This one I like because it was a problem I had with someone who didn't respect time - yup its my problem for being upset with her "You'll stop being one of those rude people who constantly wastes everyone else's."
Millions of mirrors chapter is fascinating and really makes you take stock of yourself
The Not So Good Stuff
Not sure how I feel about the "source energy" seems a little too spirtual for MY comfort zone (not yours my comfort zone) but I can get behind having a positive outlook and humour to be healthier and more open
Also a little leery on the money aspects and wanting may not be enough - but I will open my mind
Um I used a Kurt Cobain quote and its a good one
Hell writing this review with spell check telling me certain words, weren't actual words - man spell check has no creativity & going to be hard putting quotes in certain review sites as all of the naughty language (and that pisses me off - swear words are wonderful and effective when used properly)
Damn it really is me, not you, that has to change
I have Let it Go stuck in my head
Yeah some friends and family are going to have a hard time dealing with the changes I will be making - I am going to be looking out for me more and less making everyone else happy
Favorite Quotes/Pages

"What little I knew about the self-help/spiritual world I found to be unforgivably cheesy; it reeked of desperation, rah rah churchiness and unwanted hugs from unappealing strangers, And don't get me started on how grouchy I used to be about God."

"All this is to say it's not your fault that you're fucked up. It's your fault if you stay fucked up, but the foundation of your fuckedupedness is something that's been passed down through generations of your family, like a coat of arms or a killer cornbread recipe, or in my case, equating confrontation with heart failure."

"Wanting to be something else is a waste of the person you are." quote from Kurt Cobain

"We are all perfect in our own, magnificint, fucked-up ways. Laugh at yourself. Love yourself and others. Rejoice in the cosmic ridiculusness."

"You are not alone, screwing up is not your special skill. Get over it!"

4 Dewey's

Didn't have to review as I picked up the book because Jeremy Cammy recommended it and he rarely steers me wrong

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LibraryThing member aurorapaigem

I'm not usually a big self-help person, but the title really drew me in. It's read by the author and is certainly not a push weird things down your throat kind of book. I'm going to attempt a few of her suggestions for life and see how they go. Her stories make you really want to believe that her

methods work and I feel energized just by hearing them. I'd recommend this to new college grads or young professionals who are still working on finding the self and don't mind a few swear words along the way. Audio-Hoopla

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LibraryThing member antoxnio

Gives self help!

LibraryThing member Bricker

Not too hippie or religious, but realistic and splattered with naughty words. Definitely one of the more modern and relatable self-help/motivational books I've read.

LibraryThing member boredness

There were a lot of interesting ideas in this book. I felt like I already knew many of them, but as I was reading I kept thinking of different people in my life who may benefit from also reading this one. I wasn't a fan of the casual writing style so that put me off a little bit. I did like how

there were many resources listed for you to check out outside of the book to help you along on your journey.

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LibraryThing member dazedbybooks

I don't think a short review and a few words can describe how inspiring, motivating and entertaining this book is. Jen Sincero is ridiculously hilarious and takes on a no-nonsense attitude to provide you with a direct instruction on how to change your perspective on life to master obtaining your

dreams, and convince yourself that not only do you deserve it, but you will get it! I love that she is so funny and "real". She is loaded with the grit I needed to change my attitude about life and the way I look at things. Highly recommend to....pretty much anyone and everyone!!!

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LibraryThing member Jane-Phillips

This was a fantastic and entertaining read. Success coach Jen Sincero never believed in the usual self-help books or the hokeyness of principles like "The Secret" and "The Law of Attraction". She was living a good life as a freelance writer and musician, however wanted to do more including a

healthy, consistent income. So she dipped her toe into the self-help world and hired a life coach. This book includes her experiences as well as those of others to help us, the readers, work on changing the mindsets, beliefs and behaviours that hold us back from having the life we want and earning the money we want. Sincero does discuss the Law of Attraction, but in a non-hokey way that will appeal to skeptics. For example she does discuss Esther Hicks and her channeling of the teachings of Abraham as high on the woo woo scale with super freak factor, but not to dismiss them as they are good lessons for manifesting what one wants. I felt that the book brought these principles down to earth and it really resonated with me.

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LibraryThing member amylee39

I think Jen Sincero makes some excellent points in this book. She is obviously a student of Wayne Dyer and good for her for embracing spirituality. I really appreciated her belief that Americans have a weird relationship with money. Let me just be the first to say I would love to be independently

wealthy. Money gives options and options create happiness. I would share, of course.

My biggest complaint (which she would say is my own personal problem) is that I cannot relate to half the examples in the book. The last chapter culminated in the universe taking care of her by finding her a place to stay as she finished writing this book (she had previously sold her house and lived gypsy style, staying wherever the wind blew her). Yeah, I guess the universe was her location and housing guide. But, when you have a ton of friends, money is no problem, and you're single, that's not such a tall order. I would like to read 'You Are a Middle Aged Badass: How to Stop Worrying About Your Debt, Aging Parents, Adult Children and Diminishing Job Prospects and Live an Antidepressant Free Life'. Guess I'm going to have to write it myself.

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LibraryThing member over.the.edge

You Are A Badass:How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living An Awesome Life
🍒🍒🍒🍒
By Jen Sincero
2011

You Are Badass....yes, I read this because I liked the title. Who doesn't want to be a badass.....hopefully not 24/7, everyday, all day ...but there are times when we all need the

support and to be reminded:

You CAN do this. You WILL do this. KNOW WHY?
You are a badass.

Jen Sincero has written a fun, funny but also very serious book about how we see ourselves and the influence it can have over our entire life-or-death future- you!

Some favorite quotes:

" This is about your faith being greater than your fear" p. 36

"Even though they're often doing it out of love and concern, having others smear their fear and worry all over you is the last thing you need when you're strengthening your superhero muscles to step out and take some risks, so I highly recommend keeping your mouth shut around people who are gonna bring you down. Instead, seek out those who are already totally kicking butt, or people who you know will be supportive, and confide in them." p.46

"What other people think about you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them." p.71

"Everything you do along your journey contributes to where you're going." p.80

"Your thoughts and beliefs dictate your reality, so if you want to change your reality, you have to change your beliefs." p.98

Recommended!!

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LibraryThing member Madamxtra

Jen truly rocked this masterpiece and laid out the concepts of bad-assery, in all it’s fine points and nuances. This hilarious story-teller shared her personal transformation and invited us all to do likewise; that is, to wake of from our own Big-Snooze and start living more vividly, without fear

of what others may think.
I appreciate the candor, insights and encouragement as Jen shared her self-help roller-coaster-rides. This was so valuable to me, because I too have worked relentlessly to elevate the quality of my life by improving the way I think – Free My Mind, My Ass Will Follow...SMILE!!!

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LibraryThing member untitled841

What a wake up call! Listened to the audiobook version read by the author and loved it so much I ordered from Amazon so I can review and highlights and underline to my hearts content!

LibraryThing member she_climber

Not a self-help person I was drawn to this book for its title. I instantly hated it for its talk about money: its not the root of all evil but it is not the key to happiness either. I couldn't believe that after the first half-hour I was still listening. And I really couldn't believe after the

first hour I hadn't turned it off. I somehow was able to take the examples of how people want to change their lives, in her opinion/experience and put it to my own and actually got a good couple of nuggets out of it. Still think this great title was wasted on such a mediocre book.

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LibraryThing member Vantine

Power of attraction presented in a way that would be more palatable for those who disdain the more new age approach in The Secret. Good for a patron who is drawn to that sort of self help but would like language that was more hip, snarky, and modern.

LibraryThing member quenstalof

This book was secretly just the secret. Also has a really bad take on depression

LibraryThing member NanetteLS

Enjoyable and inspiring

While many of her instructions are typical of today's self help books, her delivery and examples are unique and entertaining yet immediately resonated with me. I found myself laughing, noting quotes in my journal and wanting to go back and reread sections.

LibraryThing member DrT

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

Why I picked this book up: On this day I watched two similar books on YouTube and this was one. There was a bright, colorful book that has be advertised a lot in bookstores.

Thoughts: While going

through this easy book it seemed like a hippie wrote it to me. She seemed to me a woman that has been in therapy or counseling, sees value in herself, had background religious upbringing, is modern and wrote a fast read. The author does an good job of writing anecdotes that match her points. Overall, this book is not deep, it is worth reading, is not life shattering and did not grip me but it was good enough for me to like it.
In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bitesized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW, Make some damn money already. The kind you've never made before. By the end of You Are a Badass, you'll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can't change, how to change what you don't love, and how to use The Force to kick some.

Why I finished this read: It was a fast read that did not take much investment of time or brain power so it was easy.

Stars rating: 3/5 I liked it slightly more than Un#@%! Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life Gary John Bishop but not close to Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now

5-17-22

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LibraryThing member thewestwing

Focuses on the law of attraction and using affirmations & meditation. If that doesn’t appeal to you, you won’t enjoy his book.

LibraryThing member sanyamakadi

I started the book feeling a little skeptical, but hopeful as I thought it would be more practical and less "woowoo say your affirmations every day and the universe will hear you." And it did start out practical, with the author noting how she felt that woowoo stuff was not useful. But within a

couple of chapters, she has taken a seminar, gotten a coach, practiced the woohoo, and now are her dreams have come true! Including now being a coach so she can share the woowoo with all of us. Listening to the book, I returned time and time again to the level of (white, middle class, educated) privilege it takes to tell people to just state your affirmations into the universe, and that will make them come true. Or to say that you should make money decisions based on how you want to live, and the money will come (from a "surprise inheritance"??? as well as suddenly creating the strategies you need to be successful...)....her money chapter opens up with her deciding to buy an Audi even though she can't pay for it, and tada, the money came! No thanks. I was also extremely distracted by how often she used the word "lame" to describe to bad decisions and thoughts. The book was published in 2013, so not that long ago....was she absent when her publishers talked about not using ableist language? In short, unless you are already bought into the idea that the universe is waiting to make all your dreams come true, I would give it a pass.

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LibraryThing member Chris.Wolak

A motivational shot in the arm. Looking forward to her next book which focuses on money.

LibraryThing member jfred

Don't waste your time. Was on the available shelf in overdrive. I should have read reviews first. Just a bunch of BS. Not surprised that it was BS but somehow impressed that it was lacking *anything* worthwhile.

LibraryThing member mktoronto

Nothing really new to me but a fun, engaging style and it's good to be reminded of the things she mentions in the book.

LibraryThing member viviennestrauss

First off, I did not seek this one out - it was first available in audio-books when I couldn't fall asleep. At first I found the author witty (she IS an engaging writer) but it didn't last long before she grated on my nerves. My biggest issue with her is the constant self-contradictions. She bashes

self-deprecating humor as one of the lowest forms of humor and to get rid of that as your schtick - yet SHE relies on that method over and OVER and OVER again. She is more what I would call a cheerleader rather than "life-coach". She would make a better sales person actually. Makes things sound great until you realize how trite and shallow her words are. I only made it to Chapter 11 and probably wouldn't have listened that long had I not been working.

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LibraryThing member miosmith5

In You Are a Badass, Jen Sincero outlines a life where she believes in herself and offers her experience as the window into a new way of thinking about oneself that leads to higher self-esteem and success. With thoughtful personal experiences and funny anecdotes, there are many one-liners to take

from this book and paste onto your mirror to reflect on each morning before you start your day; "Comparison is the fastest way to take all the fun out of life," or "It's just as easy to believe we're awesome as it is to believe we're giant sucking things." A great read if you need a little pick-me-up or a good life-coaching session to get you out of a slump. Truly the author makes every reader potentially feel like a badass.

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