The low down on my summer self-help reading list.

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A little self-help book reading is good, but what about FOUR self-help books to make it awesome?!

My girls had to read this summer as a part of their school requirement and I decided it was a great time for me to jump on the reading train as well. We read, it was quiet… total win-win in my book.  It was about the same time a good friend of mine, Gina, suggested having a book club in our group and pretty much laid out the books for us, which is a huge WIN because I didn’t have to figure out what to read.  The best part is that they’re all self-help books and I’ll be honest, I can use all the self-help and motivation I can get these days. Come to find out, I’m really not alone in the need for self-help and decided that maybe I would pass on my review of the books just in case you were looking for a little kick in the keister like I was.

1. “You’re a Badass” by Jen Sincero
   
   Just like the title suggests this book was a very grab you by the shoulders, nose to nose, forehead to forehead, “do you hear what I’m saying” kind of book. If you don’t like profanity, or the in your face sort of message, then this book probably isn’t for you. But if you can tolerate a little bit of potty mouth, the message is big and entertaining. For a person who learns things the hard way, the message was exactly what I needed to kick my hind parts in gear. Jen will call you out on your own excuses and tell you what you need to do to get your mind right and your goals in order. I really did enjoy this book and will most likely read it again soon.
2. “You’re a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero
   
   The follow-up book to “You’re a Badass” is the “what to do now that your mind is right and start making money” sort of book. She talks about changing how we look at money and how we feel about having an abundance. Once we get comfortable with the idea that money is out there to be made it will come to you, that’s when the magic happens. While the message was good, the book in general wasn’t my favorite and didn’t have the high energy punch the first book offered.
3. “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis
   
   Reading this book off the heals of the “You’re a Badass” was hard for me to switch gears. Rachel’s book is the deep conversations you have with yourself without so much of the brash tone. Once I got that part out of my head and focused on her message, it was really good. Logical. Really logical and it spoke to the parts of me that led to this need for self-help anyway. Rachel’s book breaks down the lies we tell ourselves and why we can’t be successful. Chapter by chapter she pulls away your excuses. She proves that you don’t have to have a college degree to be successful and having a husband and children are no excuse either. With mantra’s like “Nobody gets to tell you how big your dreams can be”, “Maybe you were given this mountain to show someone else it can be moved”, and my favorite of all “Same you, new mood”. Most important, her message to stop waiting until things are perfect to start because it’s never going to be perfect. All her words truly resonated with me and I tell everyone if you need a book to start with, “Girl, Wash Your Face” is the perfect place to start. Days after reading this book, my family and I attended the limited release showing of “Made for More” in theaters which is Rachel’s conference RISE. RISE is a hands on conference made to motivate and encourage women to go after their dreams. I cried and felt all the things I needed to know that I’m on the right journey. Surrounded by my tribe and how they continue to stand by me as I navigate this ever changing blogging world, I definitely walked out of that movie theatre ready to take on the world. I definitely would say that this book is a must read and not just for women. My husband is reading it now too and her message is making an impact on him. Rachel and her husband Dave have since taken the RISE conference and created the RISE-TOGETHER series which is directed towards couples.
4. “Fail Until You Don’t” by Bobby Bones
   
   What I loved about this book, it came from the guy perspective. Very little emotion and very straight forward. The story of his journey from humble beginnings and his hard fought rise in an industry he was told time and again he didn’t belong. Bobby’s book definitely the anthem to keep fighting for your dreams, no matter how many times you’re told no. No matter the obstacles you have to overcome. Then when you get there, you have to work even harder and smarter to stay on top because there’s always someone behind you, waiting to take your spot. While I appreciated the worth ethic and Bobby’s message, I felt his approach was really intense and didn’t leave much room for the other things in his life outside of his job. Bobby talks about his struggle and why he’s single in the book, but didn’t strike that balance with me like Rachel’s book did. Worth the read for sure, but I had a harder time identifying with him on all levels and that’s ok.

I know first hand taking leaps of faith are exciting, but they are also scary especially when aside from your fear of what others think, you have to battle your own internal demons. All of these books changed me, some more than others, but all for the better. Half of the battle is just starting and the other is to just keep going. You’ll figure it out, if it truly means something to you, you’ll figure it out and find a way.

XOXO,

Brooke