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You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life by Lea Michele
‘You first’ is about respecting and understanding what you really want—and then going out to achieve it. In Brunette Ambition, Lea Michele shared a lot of the secrets and stories behind her success, and how she manages to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle despite her hectic schedule. Now, in her second book, she will teach readers how they, too, can be their best selves. In Lea's opinion, keeping a journal and asking yourself the hard questions about what you want out of life is the best way to achieve your dreams, so she has outlined a series of exercises, prompts, and lists based on her own personal program. Lea's guided journal will address all the topics she wrote about in Brunette Ambition, including fitness, diet, work, school, and relationships, but with all-new material to help readers reach their goals. Peppered between the advice and exercises will be fun personal anecdotes from Lea to motivate and inspire readers to put themselves first and live their best life.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
Unknown Binding
First published October 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 16, 2015
You First, by singer, actress, and author Lea Michele, will win your heart and hold your attention, as she provides practical tools to help you see the very best in yourself and further help you overcome unhealthy patterned behaviors that are consuming your life. Furthermore, the wisdom and transparency Lea Michele brings into these pages is refreshing!
If you are an admirer of Lea Michele, this book will make you love her even more. I greatly enjoyed this book/interactive journal and recommend it to anyone looking for a permanent change
___________________________________________
WHAT I LIKED:
+ Lea Michele’s voice in You First is altogether wonderful. She engages with the reader in such a personal way by inviting her audience into her own accomplishments and painful struggles, and by providing easy solutions to life’s problems in a highly entertaining and empowering way
+ You First is deeply engaging ― it is not the type of book one would sit back and take in, rather it is a book that requires one’s full attention and participation in on order to reap the full benefits of the book and for its message to resonate deep within the heart. In other words, it calls for vulnerability and this in turn will shift the way you think
+ Truly, You First is jam-packed with so much inspirational wisdom and insight. My favorite section was YOU ― which covered topics on fitness, nutrition and diet. Lea Michele’s honesty about maintaining a properly balanced diet, observing our behavioral patterns, and dietary accountability was so encouraging and motivating. This section also features a Fun Food Challenge which encourages the reader to eliminate certain foods (i.e. gluten, dairy, sugar etc.) from their diet to test Lea’s theories ― this entire section was so well done, I could go on and on!
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKED:
- My only reservation with You First was with the ROOTS section of the book. I confess there was a sense of hopelessness as this section in particular encourages the reader to dig into their maternal and paternal heritage, and well, not all of us were raised with both biological parents; thus, this may be a bit of a setback for those nurtured otherwise
AFTERTHOUGHTS:
While engaging and reading this book, I discovered that one of the most powerful weapons we possess in life is our own human will. We, alone, are the only ones who truly hold the potential to see good fruit in our lives and to be the change we long to see in ourselves and in the world
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December 29, 2015
This books contains all the motivation and guiding you need to have an amazing 2016!!!
November 23, 2015
In her guided journal, Lea speaks with the same tone that you would expect from a close friend asking questions about your day to day lfie. She asks about your expectations, your values, and your goals. Her questions are open ended and nonjudgmental.
The journal itself is broken up into four different sections, further broken into 3 chunks each. There is plenty of space for you to write your thoughts, and the colors are aesthetically very pleasing.
However, not all sections may be relevant to you. The very first chunk is all about your family history and speaking to relatives. If you're anything like me, you don't have access to that knowledge. It was a bit disheartening to open straight to that. That being said, everyone will be able to find something of use in the pages of this book.
The writing is generally very easy to read, most of the type is some various shade of purple. The book itself is beautiful, and the decorations are cute. There is a horrible cursive font that's used pretty frequently that's kind of difficult to read, but you get used to deciphering it. It's dedicated to Jonathan Groff, which I thought was super sweet.
Over all, I think this is a great place to start for someone looking to organize their life and take control. This is a book dedicated to putting you first, and Lea does a great job of putting together fun quizzes and gentle prodding to make you reflect deeply on the choices you have made and will make in the future.
The journal itself is broken up into four different sections, further broken into 3 chunks each. There is plenty of space for you to write your thoughts, and the colors are aesthetically very pleasing.
However, not all sections may be relevant to you. The very first chunk is all about your family history and speaking to relatives. If you're anything like me, you don't have access to that knowledge. It was a bit disheartening to open straight to that. That being said, everyone will be able to find something of use in the pages of this book.
The writing is generally very easy to read, most of the type is some various shade of purple. The book itself is beautiful, and the decorations are cute. There is a horrible cursive font that's used pretty frequently that's kind of difficult to read, but you get used to deciphering it. It's dedicated to Jonathan Groff, which I thought was super sweet.
Over all, I think this is a great place to start for someone looking to organize their life and take control. This is a book dedicated to putting you first, and Lea does a great job of putting together fun quizzes and gentle prodding to make you reflect deeply on the choices you have made and will make in the future.
November 14, 2015
Although I really enjoyed Lea’s first book, “Brunette Ambition,” I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a book/journal combination. I’m pleased to say that she once again did a phenomenal job, and I actually found the journal engaging, inspiring, and something that would be beneficial for a wide age range. Sorry, guys, it is definitely geared more toward the ladies though!
The book is broken up into four different sections ranging from diet and exercise to relationships and covering everything from family history to your hopes and dreams. The whole way, Lea guides you with stories from her own life and inspiration from her own journals, so you still get a very personal touch from her and it doesn’t come across as a self-help book.
All-in-all, if you’re a young woman looking for some inspiration and direction in your life and not totally opposed to the idea of journaling, it’s definitely worth picking up. With the holidays coming up, it would make a great gift for any high-schoolers, collegians, or recent graduates on your list!
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
The book is broken up into four different sections ranging from diet and exercise to relationships and covering everything from family history to your hopes and dreams. The whole way, Lea guides you with stories from her own life and inspiration from her own journals, so you still get a very personal touch from her and it doesn’t come across as a self-help book.
All-in-all, if you’re a young woman looking for some inspiration and direction in your life and not totally opposed to the idea of journaling, it’s definitely worth picking up. With the holidays coming up, it would make a great gift for any high-schoolers, collegians, or recent graduates on your list!
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
December 30, 2018
This is the perfect book to read on New Year's Eve, because it's really inspiring.
This book was written by Lea Michele, which you may or may not know is my favorite actress/singer/person in the whole Earth. I literally took a plane and went to another country just to hear her sing, and I finished crying for happiness the whole concert. So yeah, I may be a little biased in this rewiew.
Thing is, You First is truly an inspiring journal: once you get over the idea that writing on books is bad and people who do that are monsters and embrace the whole Journal Idea, it gets easier.
The book is divided in sections: food, relationship, hobbies and so on, and it encourages the reader to set goals and gradually accomplish them throughout the year.
2019, here I come!
This book was written by Lea Michele, which you may or may not know is my favorite actress/singer/person in the whole Earth. I literally took a plane and went to another country just to hear her sing, and I finished crying for happiness the whole concert. So yeah, I may be a little biased in this rewiew.
Thing is, You First is truly an inspiring journal: once you get over the idea that writing on books is bad and people who do that are monsters and embrace the whole Journal Idea, it gets easier.
The book is divided in sections: food, relationship, hobbies and so on, and it encourages the reader to set goals and gradually accomplish them throughout the year.
2019, here I come!
October 20, 2015
Journal Your Way to Your Best Life…is a nice approach for the modern women. The cover of the book is gorgeous. This one is a journal that records a journey each woman who would pursue to embrace every step of the insights on her own pace. Inside is gorgeously designed: pink lines for journaling, and calligraphic challenges written on top.
Lea brought up four parts for every woman to start a new and happy life: YOU, AMBITION, RELATIONSHIPS, HAPPINESS. Breaking down to summaries all goodies wrapped in every part:
In YOU women will discover such topics: Who are you is in your roots, your family tree, maternal and paternal heritage, parents’ first date, your history, a family recipe, favorite family memories, what are you admire about your parents. Next part will be about fitness, perfect workout flowchart (in groups, alone, indoors, outdoors), what are you looking to get out of exercise, how does exercise make you feel, change your body,5-week journal space for your goals (routine, exercises). And diet/ nutrition:goals to cut foods your body don’t need, food journal for 2 weeks, 7-day eating analysis, shopping list cheat, healthy snacks and go-tos, good food swaps, fun food challenges.
In AMBITION the gems are: goals (long and short term), role models, mind-expanding challenges, creative challenges (new books to read, movies to watch, concerts to attend, food to taste), local site hunting.
In RELATIONSHIPS to discover: friendships,good friend test, romantic relationships, love vision board, good qualities in your partner, colleagues, what type of coworker are you (test).
HAPPINESS is the final chapter: it will involve your hobbies, you might even discover new one, your happiness, when did you laugh the hardest, charity and giving back, gratitude.
This is a perfect size journal that will fit in regular woman purse.
Lea brought up four parts for every woman to start a new and happy life: YOU, AMBITION, RELATIONSHIPS, HAPPINESS. Breaking down to summaries all goodies wrapped in every part:
In YOU women will discover such topics: Who are you is in your roots, your family tree, maternal and paternal heritage, parents’ first date, your history, a family recipe, favorite family memories, what are you admire about your parents. Next part will be about fitness, perfect workout flowchart (in groups, alone, indoors, outdoors), what are you looking to get out of exercise, how does exercise make you feel, change your body,5-week journal space for your goals (routine, exercises). And diet/ nutrition:goals to cut foods your body don’t need, food journal for 2 weeks, 7-day eating analysis, shopping list cheat, healthy snacks and go-tos, good food swaps, fun food challenges.
In AMBITION the gems are: goals (long and short term), role models, mind-expanding challenges, creative challenges (new books to read, movies to watch, concerts to attend, food to taste), local site hunting.
In RELATIONSHIPS to discover: friendships,good friend test, romantic relationships, love vision board, good qualities in your partner, colleagues, what type of coworker are you (test).
HAPPINESS is the final chapter: it will involve your hobbies, you might even discover new one, your happiness, when did you laugh the hardest, charity and giving back, gratitude.
This is a perfect size journal that will fit in regular woman purse.
October 15, 2015
This would have been a five star, but the Roots section of the book was useless for me, seeing how I don't talk to my father or anyone on his side. We rarely talk to people on my mom side. I had to skip most of the section. I just want to say that not everyone get along with family members, nor does some family has a family recipe. Okay, maybe they do, but my family doesn't. Besides that, I love everything about it. The questions do make you think and consider changing some aspects of your life. It's does have a very cute cover when you remove the small dust jacket. The colors are appealing, making it hard to walk pass when you see it on the shelf.
If this your first time getting into journaling or you want to pick up again, I highly recommend it, it definitely will help you get into the grove of things.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
If this your first time getting into journaling or you want to pick up again, I highly recommend it, it definitely will help you get into the grove of things.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
November 15, 2015
I bought this book, because I enjoyed Lea's first book, Brunette Ambition SO much! I was a bit hesitant when I first heard that this was a journal, because even though I love journaling, I was really into reading her first book, which was a part memoir, part diet/style book.
Anyway, I put my hesitance aside and really put my mind and soul into this journal. It contains a lot of personal stories from Lea, from her views on diet and relationships, but also her family story. This gave the journal a more personal feeling which I really appreciated and loved!
This book inspired me in many ways. Especially the chapter on diet! It made me want to eat healthier and take care of my body more!
I would say this is an excellent journal for girls and women who want to get to know themselves a little bit better by writing a journal!
Anyway, I put my hesitance aside and really put my mind and soul into this journal. It contains a lot of personal stories from Lea, from her views on diet and relationships, but also her family story. This gave the journal a more personal feeling which I really appreciated and loved!
This book inspired me in many ways. Especially the chapter on diet! It made me want to eat healthier and take care of my body more!
I would say this is an excellent journal for girls and women who want to get to know themselves a little bit better by writing a journal!
August 16, 2018
Nice ideas in this guided journal. I think it is written for younger readers. While I am settled in my eating and exercising routines, there was nothing new for me to discover or try out as it would have been for women in their early twenties.
June 20, 2017
I thought the journal prompts were awesome! I never wrote in the book because I wanted to cherish it, but I liked the concept!
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July 1, 2019ΤΟ ΑΓΑΠΗΣΑ!
January 16, 2022
Liked the writing style & enjoyed the different chapter questions.
January 29, 2023
Este libro no se si es peor que el primero por Dios 🤢🤮
June 4, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised by this journal. It has very soothing colors that matches it's inspiring theme.
The journal covers all sorts of topics ranging from family history, health, various relationships, hobbies, charity, and gratitude to name several topic points. You do not have to particularly know about Lea Michele in order to utilize this journal. She really makes it for anyone. It is not like her original self help book which focuses on her and imparts her lifestyle tips. Which was a good book. There again you do not need to be a fan to read it. It covers many wonderful topics.
With this journal there is enough inspiration for each topic without being overbearing while giving ample amount of space to jot down your thoughts without running out of room. I also liked how it felt like Lea was writing for someone that was a close friend rather than a reader that they are just trying to push advice off on. It never comes off forced at all. I felt that after each passage I really did want to jot down how I was feeling because the way she wrote made you want to use the journal for what it's intended purpose is.
This journal is also I believe the perfect size. It is too large nor too small. I like the size because you can slip it into your book bag or medium sized purse to use it wherever you please.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. I would recommend this journal for those looking to journal during the new year. This journal definitely would be something I would have picked up on my own if I was not able to receive it for review purposes.
The journal covers all sorts of topics ranging from family history, health, various relationships, hobbies, charity, and gratitude to name several topic points. You do not have to particularly know about Lea Michele in order to utilize this journal. She really makes it for anyone. It is not like her original self help book which focuses on her and imparts her lifestyle tips. Which was a good book. There again you do not need to be a fan to read it. It covers many wonderful topics.
With this journal there is enough inspiration for each topic without being overbearing while giving ample amount of space to jot down your thoughts without running out of room. I also liked how it felt like Lea was writing for someone that was a close friend rather than a reader that they are just trying to push advice off on. It never comes off forced at all. I felt that after each passage I really did want to jot down how I was feeling because the way she wrote made you want to use the journal for what it's intended purpose is.
This journal is also I believe the perfect size. It is too large nor too small. I like the size because you can slip it into your book bag or medium sized purse to use it wherever you please.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. I would recommend this journal for those looking to journal during the new year. This journal definitely would be something I would have picked up on my own if I was not able to receive it for review purposes.
December 21, 2015
As much as I enjoy writing, I never want it to feel like a chore. This book started to feel like a heavy weight that just got heavier. The contents are wonderful and it is a great guide to help you focus on things that are important in life. In fact, I think about the things mentioned in this book on a daily basis. But that's just it: I enjoy thinking about them and learning as I go. But having to write down my every thought ends up adding to my workload in a way that isn't beneficial for me. This book is a great guide and really helps break things down for people who want guidance and will benefit from day-to-day journaling. Lea asks the right questions and gives great advice, and really does let YOU be the ultimate guide. For me personally, however, I would have appreciate a lot more text from Lea. If I ever want to journal, this book is a great way to do so. But meanwhile, I benefit from thinking and brining my thoughts to action. More written advice would have been fun. Either way, I think this book could be outstanding for the right person. And I'll save it in case I ever want to keep a journal. :)
February 5, 2017
El primer libro interactivo que termino.
Puntos a favor:
-La voz de Lea. Se siente increíble leer sus palabras y saber las cosas por las que ha pasado. Realmente sientes que te acompaña mientras vas leyendo.
-La estructura del libro: las diferentes partes se entrelazan unas con otras, y la progresión de los temas es perfecta.
Puntos en contra:
-A veces la cantidad de espacio para escribir jugaba en mi contra. Es como si no tuviera respuestas tan largas o tan estructuradas.
-El tiempo. Porque soy de esas personas que ama tomar un libro y no soltarlo y no podía hacer eso en este caso.
Como gleek es genial poder tener este libro, y me ayudó mucho en momentos difíciles.
Puntos a favor:
-La voz de Lea. Se siente increíble leer sus palabras y saber las cosas por las que ha pasado. Realmente sientes que te acompaña mientras vas leyendo.
-La estructura del libro: las diferentes partes se entrelazan unas con otras, y la progresión de los temas es perfecta.
Puntos en contra:
-A veces la cantidad de espacio para escribir jugaba en mi contra. Es como si no tuviera respuestas tan largas o tan estructuradas.
-El tiempo. Porque soy de esas personas que ama tomar un libro y no soltarlo y no podía hacer eso en este caso.
Como gleek es genial poder tener este libro, y me ayudó mucho en momentos difíciles.
November 30, 2015
I really enjoyed Lea Michele's debut book Brunette Ambition an was very happy to have opportunity to read her guided journal. I have not written in a journal prior to receiving You First by Lea Michele for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
I found her format was perfect for a beginner and the useful prompts allowed reflective thinking. The book is divided into four parts: You, Ambition, Relationships and Happiness. I chose to complete the journal in order. My favorite sections were: recording family history, food journaling, and the mind expanding challenges. Lea's advice is always inspirational! She has created a journal that will help create the habit of caring for You First. The cover is beautiful, and journal is perfect size to toss in your purse. I recommend this journal, and think it will be a fantastic gift for teens!
I found her format was perfect for a beginner and the useful prompts allowed reflective thinking. The book is divided into four parts: You, Ambition, Relationships and Happiness. I chose to complete the journal in order. My favorite sections were: recording family history, food journaling, and the mind expanding challenges. Lea's advice is always inspirational! She has created a journal that will help create the habit of caring for You First. The cover is beautiful, and journal is perfect size to toss in your purse. I recommend this journal, and think it will be a fantastic gift for teens!
October 31, 2015
If you're looking for a beginner journal, this would work well for you. It also works well for advanced journalers as well. I myself have journaled for over 20 years and this book was a refreshing take on journaling. It scripts your thoughts and gives you lots of room to work through the well thought out questions it asks. Questions that help you narrow down exactly what you want out of life and how to get it. It covers a range of topics beginning with your family history all the way to your future health and fitness goals. Some of the topics seem unnecessary, but they all work together to create a unique journaling experience. Well worth the price and this journal is one that can be used for years to come as well as looked back on to review your life goals as they are accomplished.
January 27, 2016
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. When I first looked at the book online I assumed it was an actual book with chapters and stories. When I got it the first thing I noticed was the gorgeous cover. Once I realized it was in fact an actual journal I was a little disappointed. It's a guided journal to help get you centered and answer one of the hardest questions in life: what do I really want? Michele focuses on four sections: You, Ambition, Relationships, and Happiness offering interactive questions, quizzes, and free space for you to get to know yourself on a deeper level. I don't outright dislike the book, I was just disappointed as I was expecting an actual book
February 6, 2016
This was not what I was expecting. I understand it says "journal your way to your best life", but I still expected it to have more content in it than just a bunch of journal questions. This might be helpful for someone who takes the time to answer Lea's questions, but it just wasn't for me.
3 stars, only because it's unfair for me to rate it lower just because it wasn't what I expected it to be.
3 stars, only because it's unfair for me to rate it lower just because it wasn't what I expected it to be.
March 19, 2020
Technicality I didn't read it, I just did some of the journaling part, but I love these types of books because it really helps with a lot of things and you can look back at things like this and see if anything has changed.
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