Last Spring, my Revenue & Referral group decided to read and discuss “You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero. I found it in the self-help section at Barnes & Noble, which was appropriate since the author claims on the back cover it’s the “self-help book for people who desperately want to improve their lives but don’t want to get caught doing it.”

My first impression of the book was that the author wrote like she was talking to you over a cup of coffee, a characteristic I found genuine. She cursed frequently and was extremely open about her past failures and her less-than-perfect upbringing. I believe that vulnerability breeds more vulnerability, which is why Ms. Sincero shared her own disappointments and frustrations with life—to let her readers know that awesome lives are not stumbled upon by accident, they are created by those who want them.

My worldview was challenged more than once by Ms. Sincero, who referred to God as “The Universe,” the Spirit as “The Force” and Satan or one’s flesh as “The Big Snooze.” But instead of throwing the book on the floor at the first sign of disagreement, I kept reading. What I realized is that even though Ms. Sincero used different words than I use, I generally agreed with the premise of her book. Living in defeat and the waiting for the life you desire is unproductive. It’s only when we come to grips with our past (and pursue healing, if necessary), live in hope for our future, and choose “The Force” instead of giving into the lies of “The Big Snooze” can we truly find fulfillment and peace.

The book was a great catalyst for group discussion. And although not a break-through in the world of self-help, still a great reminder in identity and purpose.