The Lessons You Hear Depend on the Life You’ve Lived.

4 of 5 stars

Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass, first published in 2013, has the potential to be life-changing—depending on the life you’ve lived, the life you hope to create, and your openness to its messages. When I first read it in February 2020, I wasn’t ready to fully grasp its teachings, so it didn’t leave a strong impact. I liked it but didn’t love it, rating it 3 out of 5 stars. Revisiting it recently through the audiobook, narrated by Sincero herself, and re-reading Part 3 multiple times, my perspective shifted. After four years of life experience and a mental health healing journey, I found the book more meaningful and timelier than I did in my first read, raising my rating to 4 out of 5 stars. I’ve even started embodying its messages, with my freshly glitter-painted vision board as proof. Although I loved my re-reading, Sincero does take an oversimplified view on depression, provides advice that is unrealistic for most people, and lacks formal coaching credentials, which is why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars.

I am a badass and so are you!!!

This is a post-it I keep on my vision board in my office to remind myself that I am a badass and I’ve got this. I can do the hard things!

Key Takeaways

1. Calm the mind to make intentional decisions (Meditation).

Sincero emphasizes meditation as a tool for silencing mental chatter and connecting to what she calls “Source Energy.” While the spiritual aspect may not resonate with everyone, the core message of calming the mind to make intentional decisions is universally valuable. This chapter reminded me to slow down, reflect, and avoid impulsivity.

2. Use your mindset as a superpower.

Sincero’s idea that “Your brain is your bitch” underscores the immense power of mindset in shaping outcomes. Believing in possibilities opens doors that doubt would keep closed. I’ve applied this principle in my own life, whether pursuing jobs or making big decisions. Sincero’s message also inspired me to align my physical environment with my goals by decluttering and creating a space that reflects my aspirations.

3. Act with confidence and see what you can get away with.

“Lead with your crotch,” one of the book’s more audacious phrases, encourages readers to act boldly and test boundaries. It aligns with the concept of “fake it till you make it,” highlighting the magnetic power of confidence—not just for personal success but also for inspiring others.

4. Pay it forward by giving back and feel amazing!

Sincero highlights generosity to create abundance, whether through acts of kindness or donations. Giving from a place of plenty—emotionally or financially—can lead to unexpected returns, reinforcing a cycle of positivity and growth.

5. Lead with gratitude.

Gratitude, which Sincero calls the “gateway drug to awesomeness,” helps reframe challenges and focus on the positives. By embracing gratitude, even during tough times, we can learn valuable lessons and foster a more resilient outlook.

Why My Re-Read Felt Different

Revisiting You Are a Badass in 2024 reaffirmed how self-help books serve different purposes depending on where we are in life. In 2020, the book felt like a surface-level guide to positivity. Now, its lessons on gratitude, mindset, and intentional action resonate deeply. Part 3 stood out as the most practical and transformative section, and I found myself revisiting it multiple times. During and after this reading, I have taken the following empowering actions, including a couple of key takeaways from above:

1. Decluttered and upgraded my space: I cleaned my office, eliminated unnecessary items, and added personal touches like paintings and inspiring art.

2. Revised my vision board: Using photos and mantras, I created a daily visual reminder of my goals. As someone with ADHD, this out-of-sight, out-of-mind solution keeps me focused.

3. Set boundaries and curated relationships: Over the years, I’ve distanced myself from toxic individuals and surrounded myself with supportive, like-minded people. This has been crucial for keeping a positive mindset.

4. Practiced gratitude and paying it forward: Reflecting on what I’m grateful for and actively helping others has shifted my perspective and improved my overall happiness.

I’ve also embraced the idea that “My life is my party.” I’ve started prioritizing joy, embracing new opportunities, and being intentional about how I spend my time. Interestingly, I see parallels between Sincero’s advice and concepts in mental health healing, such as setting boundaries and practicing self-compassion.

Areas I Struggled to Consume

While You Are a Badass has many strengths, it isn’t without flaws. The following is what led me to rate Sincero’s book 4 instead of 5 out of 5 stars:

1. Oversimplified Views on Depression: Sincero’s portrayal of depression as a mindset rather than a medical condition is a glaring oversimplification. This perspective may alienate readers dealing with clinical mental health challenges.

2. Unrealistic Financial Advice: The suggestion to “spend like you’re rich” to attract wealth feels tone-deaf, particularly for those facing financial struggles. While the underlying message of abundance is valid, the delivery could have been more nuanced and practical.

3. Lack of Formal Coaching Credentials: Sincero openly states that she didn’t receive formal coaching training, learning instead through experience and reading. While effective for her, this approach may lack the rigor and ethical standards of certified coaching organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Final Thoughts

You Are a Badass isn’t a one-size-fits-all guide, but it offers valuable tools for personal growth when approached with discernment. The book shines brightest when its principles are tailored to individual circumstances and applied in moderation.

For me, it was the right book at the right time—both in 2020 and now, albeit for different reasons. It serves as a reminder that personal growth is iterative, and the same message can evolve in meaning depending on where we are in life.

If you’re feeling stuck or seeking motivation, You Are a Badass might be worth exploring. Just take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and remember: the ultimate goal is to embrace your own version of badassery.

Book Review: You are a Badass by Jen Sincero