Quick disclaimer: I listened to the audiobook so that may have influenced my perspective.
One of my favorite sections at any book store I walk into is the nonfiction/self- help section. I have always been pulled by that section ever since I was young. This book is a staple of that section and while I always pass by it without thinking anything about it, the audiobook version came out on my recommended on Youtube so I figured why not.
Five and a half hours later and my emotions about this book are about as mixed as a salad. There were a lot of gems within the pages of this book as well as some that I believed to be bullets shot up at the sky with the hope for them to hit an intended target. This book is most useful for individuals who have been down the majority of the time rather than people who have been okay and simply want to get better.
The book in a sense is mirroring the very things it makes fun of. The majority of the information is pretty foundational, but I assume some people need to hear that in order for their gears to start turning. Imagine reading an article that stated drinking water helps resolve dehydration. That is what this book is in regards to the self help genre. I have a decent background in this genre of books and one thing I didn't appreciate was the lack of any references or connections to science-based strategies that work. The entire thing was essentially the author shoving their opinions down your throat. This doesn't mean it isn't useful, just don't expect to ever hear anything that is connected to any evidence.
The section I might have appreciated the most was towards the end where she talked about money.
One thing Jen tries to break down is the stigma attached to money. Often times we grow up thinking negatively towards individuals with an excess of wealth. I'd argue it isn't without reason as their representatives (Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, etc) hardly do anything that isn't for themselves even though they possess a level of wealth only computer systems can comprehend. I agree with her that that should not be the case. Striving towards higher levels of wealth doesn't mean you want to be like them, it just means you want to have similar resources as them. Using myself as an example, I want to achieve a higher level of wealth not just because I want to improve my personal life but because it would help me help others in ways that I can successfully do it. It would give me an opportunity to protect the planet, educate the disadvantaged, and assist the unhealthy. You get the idea. Rather than seeing money as being a greedy goal, we should start viewing it as a means to an end. All it is is a key to the door blocking you from reaching your goals.
Overall this book isn't bad per say. It just wasn't intended for someone like me. If you feel the need to be pressured and pushed towards being a better version of yourself and don't know where to start, this book is a good option. I believe Jen when she says she wants to help other people which is why I would recommend this book to people who are barely testing the waters of the self-help section.
If you need more of a personal touch, feel free to use my contact form and I'll get in touch with you to talk about whatever you desire. Whether you're seeking help, doing well, or something else, know I believe in you and think you will be okay. One step at a time.
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