Half-Arse Human: How to Live Better Without Burning Out

by Leena Norms

This is the only self-help book that will tell you to give up. Except . . . you don't need to give up, do you? Because you didn't start.


Me either.


I am a half-arser. A shave-one-legger. A rinse-the-plates-and-tell-myself-any-residual-dirt-will-improve-my-immune-system-er. And yet, I still want to live better, improve my relationships, build a career, enjoy hobbies, have ethics, and live a full, passionate, varied life.


And it's possible. This book will teach you to harness the power of half-arsedness to improve the things you actually care about improving, without expending more than you have to give. It's not going to turn you into a superhuman, but it will help you feel more human.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Personal Development, Psychology, Mental Health, Ebooks

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2024

About the author

I no longer use Goodreads! Please come follow me on Storygraph, which is tons better and not owned by Amazon. https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...

Reviews

[Wiebke (1book1review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just as good as expected. I've followed Leena on YouTube for over a decade, so already am familiar with her and her ideas on many topics.
What I like most about the book is that it addresses individual restrictions and limitations, not as a flaw, but as something to factor in in your endeavours.
I really like how the book shows varying levels of engagement and ways of thinking differently about certain aspects in our lives. It's a mindshift that can help us do things we wouldn't attempt otherwise.

If you are a fan of her content and don't think this can add to what you already know from her, get it. It is a great addition to her content.

If you are unsure if this is for you, check out some of her videos on clothes or climate topics to see if you like her ideas and tone of voice.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun and no nonsense as in realistic; I've come to expect that from the delightful Norms as I watched her YouTube videos over the years.

The title and subtitle pretty much give away the main points of the book. Don't let good be the enemy of great" sums this book as well.

There are lots of great examples and thought-provoking points.
Nobody is perfect, so if the aim for doing everything perfectly or being perfect stops you from doing, acting, or trying, perhaps it's time you half-arsed it. (I love this very British term!)

Would you like to become a vegetarian/vegan, but it's too hard, too overwhelming? Why not try reducing your meat-based meals by half, it's still better for you and the planet than what you were doing before. I've learnt something I did not know: eating chicken is better than cheese, when it comes to environmental footprint! Of course, there's still the issue of killing animals.

The examples abound when it comes to choices, style/fashion, careers, food choices, your home and decor, body, and so on.

This is a worthy addition to the gazillion self-help books published every year. I may buy myself a copy.

[Bethany Dark · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the spirit of half-arsing, I'm going to bullet-point this review rather than writing full sentences to free up time to save the world (by which I mean go watch Wicked)…

Pros:
- straight talking chatty style that matches the tone of Leena's YouTube video essays that I love.
- strong core premise which I have already put into practice in my slow journey towards veganism.
- clear chapter divisions that allow you to dip in and out.
- some reference to sources and science to back up her thesis.
- provides much-needed optimism in the face of our crisis-filled future.

Cons:
- totally wacky formatting that used increased font size for emphasis, making some sections really hard to follow.
- half-arsed MS Paint graphics that brought vibes but very little else.
- I'm a self-help sceptic and even Leena can't convince me otherwise.

That'll do! Wishing everyone a great reading year in 2025 :)

[Scherbenkind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wished I was that wise at 34.

[Judith Vives · Rating 4 out of 5]

la leena, qué decir... celebré muchísimo que una de mis creadoras de contenido favoritas fuese a sacar un libro sobre una filosofía en la que creo bastante: hacer las cosas a medias es una maravilla porque lo importante es Hacer Algo

es un libro de género autoayuda pero huye bastante de los tópicos del género: es cero paternalista, es muy cercano, y mete en todo momento una perspectiva climática, de clase y comunitaria que es importantísima

no le pongo más nota porque creo que hay capítulos algo flojitos, pero el capítulo sobre "veganismo a medias" y "esperanza a medias" han sido mis favoritos. al final opinamos lo mismo en un 90% de veces así que no sé si quizás me sale ser un poco subjetiva, porque me encanta leer cómo explica ella cosas en las que creo muchísimo. me gustaría saber qué piensa de este libro alguien más ajeno y que no haya leído mucho sobre la crisis climática por ejemplo. me tocará prestarlo a alguna amiga e informar de los resultados!!

[Lien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a long time fan of Leena’s work so it’s no surprise that I liked this book.

I’m ready to half arse 2025.

(One tiny personal thing, I wasn’t really a fan of the larger font used for emphasis. I found it a bit distracting.)

[Citlali Sofie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would've loved this book when I was a teenager. It has some really helpful advice.
I recognised a lot of the subjects from her videos. This makes sense, one video a week is already an impressive amount of creative juice. Writing a whole book on top of that is really impressive! But I don't feel like I got anything out of reading this book. I enjoyed learning about these subjects in her video format much more.
The writing felt a bit rushed to me. The very short paragraphs were a bit disorientating. It just didn't flow.
I really enjoy Leena's brainwaves but I didn't enjoy this book.
There were some fun moments where she really played with language in an interesting way. I think she could be a good writer if she could have a bit more time to write. I know she's a good poet.
I would buy and read another one of her books if she wrote another one. I would love to see what she can do with more time and resources.

[Abby Rozee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a letter from a wise older sister/a kind friend who just wants you to go easy on yourself! Leena has articulated some things I have long since suspected in an incredibly digestable, humorous way. Have a curly wurly on me Leena, thanks for your wisdom!

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

love love love leena - the perfect non-fic to set the tone for an action-filled, perfectionism-free year (and beyond). there were moments where i found the tone quite exaggerated (inevitably comparing to leena’s online presence) but the message in here is SO sound, and to anyone who is more of a perfectionist that i, highly recommend. i might even start writing to my mp.

[Ishka · Rating 1 out of 5]

To enjoy this book, you have to be 1 of 3 types of people.

1. A teenager (particularly 12 - 15)
2. A millennial who's in denial that they're not a teenager anymore
3. Someone who enjoys watching Leena's youtube content

This book is the complete wrong format, it should be a youtube video, and it reads like one. It is scattered with dated jokes and information. I feel like I am reading an essay that an over eager high schooler wrote - word count 5000 instead of the required 500. I enjoyed it most when she wasn't regurgitating information that she had to google to find, but when she spoke to things you could tell she had a passion for and just let herself flow.

In saying this, 'half arse' is not what this book should be called. Although Leena stuck with the butt/arse themes the entire way through, her book is really about environmental and ethical issues and how to half arse being politically active. PLUS, most of her advice is asking you to put in MORE effort. For example, 'stop searching, start sewing' as advice to half arse your style.

A lot of other people are saying that they enjoyed the book but didn't really find any new thoughts or ideas. That is because all of the advice is simply HOW TO BE A HUMAN BEING. - If you thought this caps lock was too much, wait until you are reading the exaggerated font changes in this book.

In short, don't read this book. If you want to see what she's about, watch her content instead.

[Polly Cadman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love her idea and liked her tone. The concept is great, but targeted for younger/non-parents I think. As a single parent it became clear that in her mind I half-arse everything already, as wardrobe/personal style - what’s that? I found it didn’t focus on the areas that resonated with me - I was just appalled that people might actually think they should ‘whole arse’ some of that stuff. Great, but clearly I wasn’t the target demographic for this book.

[Annikky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with the overall sentiment and the book has its moments, but ultimately I found it shallow and rather childish. Trying to use as many arse-metaphors and font sizes as possible gets old really fast. For my taste, Oliver Burkeman executes similar ideas much better. But this is clearly not everyone’s view, considering the rating of the book, so your mileage may vary.

[Jos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely helpful and hopeful, without empty promises. A book to help you be kind to yourself. Thanks so much Leena.

[blueisthenewpink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice on how not to throw ourselves at everything with 120% effort only to be burnt out, disappointed, giving up after a short time. Also, how to avoid not starting to do something at all because we cannot give our whole selves (and then some) to the project at the moment. As the old adage goes, slow and steady wins the race.

With sections on choices, style, career, veganism, home, body, and hope, it gets to the what to give our maximum effort to part, and how to determine what it is for us. With a chatty, friendly style, showing how human it is to not be able to do things perfectly, backing up the advice by scientific research - mostly. (A notable exception is the skin is perfect on your butt because it is not exposed to sunlight idea, which I don't agree with on multiple levels.).

All in all, sound lifestyle advice for setting achievable goals, making the world a better place in the process, avoiding being overwhelmed and burnt out, from someone who doesn't pretend to know all the answers. Ah, yes, with hilariously basic illustrations, I loved the botched 'graphics' explaining concepts. Truly half-arsed!

[Faye Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read from a person I have followed for many years. I walk around with constant guilt about what I haven’t done and Leena has shown me that I needn’t have bothered!
I’m half arsing this year and I’ll make shit happen

[emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This didn't tell me all too many things I didn't already know, but the tone is so comforting and down-to-earth that I still enjoyed it. I do love the overall concept of half-arsing things, which subverts a lot of self-help conventions. Most books like this focus on one issue and whole-arsing it; this one suggests to half-arse everything, and not just because being a generalist is good (there are other books about that alone) but also specifically because half-arsing is more effective in the long term.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really thoughtful, gentle and well-written book! I was the perfect target audience (a burnt-out twenty-something girlie 😔), so I found it funny and very thought-provoking as it challenged my perfectionism and how I perceive the world around me.

It's a no-nonsense but very kind approach to preventing burnout and showing yourself a bit of compassion.

The world is a shit-show, yes, but taking on the entire world's problems (whilst very noble) won't get you anywhere. As one human being, you can only do so much – so half-arse most things so you can whole-arse the things that matter to you and (as a great by-product) have a positive impact on the world. Doesn't make sense? Read the book! Leena knows her stuff!

[Jen]

Leena pleaseee post some USA links pleaseee

[Isobel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that helps you figure out where to put your focus to live a meaningful life, and how to get out of the all or nothing thinking that is so common in the age of clickbait and doom scrolling.

Although the formatting (fonts increased in size for emphasis, mixed in with drawings) and overextended metaphor that derives from the title was not to my taste, this book has genuinely changed my life. I am going to start trying to eat vegan at least at home, I’m not going to waste any more money on anti aging cream which is all basically bullshit, and I have several helpful ways of reframing thinking that I think are really positive (there’s some great content about decision making and community building).

A very hopeful read, which covers a lot of ground — bound to be chapters that don’t feel so relevant to your life, but surely something that can be useful to everyone too.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Listened to the audiobook.) I'm biased because I've been a fan of Leena's YouTube channel for years, but I really enjoyed this. No, I didn't necessarily learn a lot. Yes, I think it could have been a 30-minute video instead. But I liked Leena's chatty writing style and there were a few interesting tidbits that will stick with me (I now feel better about not having an extensive skincare routine but also worse about eating cheese! 😝). I'm also just a big fan of the overall concept and am definitely already half-arsing it in several aspects of life. Especially if you're a fan of Leena's, I highly recommend picking up the audiobook, which she reads herself.

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the start of this but it sort of petered out for me as it got further in. It may just be that I'm not the target audience, but a lot of these issues were just not things that I would think people were really struggling with (particularly the fashion and skincare chapters). Also I wish it had been more upfront in the blurb about how much of the focus was on environmentalism - obviously very important but not what I was expecting from the description. Some useful bits, especially around contacting your MP, but overall a bit of a miss.

[Leahna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Bre Fitton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unknowingly, I have been on a half arse transformation of my own, and this book has validated my choices and experiences, while giving me the confidence and perspective to continue and explore other half arse opportunities.
In a world where it always feels like we should be doing more, it is a reassuring concept to focus where we can and half arse the rest.
I laughed and enjoyed the way it was written. Some analogies were hard for me to follow.
This is a book with quotes that I’ll continue to think about.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great read. I already knew Leena was super eloquent from her youtube channel, but it's amazing how easy she makes it look. I have dog-eared a few pages and have taken some of the advice to heart. well sourced, clearly organised, and motivating. (i've never had curly wurly, and this book has created a new need for me to try one)

[Annie Lev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t believe that cheese has a greater negative impact on the climate than chicken, that is my takeaway message from this

I enjoyed this and I’m glad to be supporting one of my favourite influencers. I knew most of what was in here already from years of watching Leena’s videos but it was all set out really nicely in this book too. My only criticism would be that I really didn’t like the pictures/ graphs and sometimes the writing was a little too Miranda Hart-esque for my taste (saying that, I do own her latest biography, thank you Santa) but otherwise I enjoyed this and found it a comforting and different approach to the self-help or self-improvement genre

[Danae Lamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Jack Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant and well written book, but the whole crux of the book is a bit peak centrism, especially around veganism.

[Lore H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book! skimmed during a break at work.

normally I am not too keen on “self help” books, but this one was decent and fairly unique.

chapters I particularly enjoyed:
• home (made me want to read how to keep house while drowning)
•career (reminded me of Bullshit Jobs).

for a brain like mine that tends to think in extremes, I appreciated the practical applications of what it could look like to pick a career that feels “right enough” or keep a home that feels “cozy enough”. reminds me of my therapist’s advice to follow my “55% yes.”

[ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

some nice messaging if you can look past the millennial humor and quirky formatting

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got through this really quickly - very easy to read and I found myself nodding along with Leena's perspective many times. Would recommend!

"The definition we discussed at the beginning of the chapter, of personal style as something to tell everyone 'who you are without you having to say a word' is actually kind of sad on reflection. Because I like saying words. [...] I like the idea that I actually have to talk to someone before I know them. That I can't get it all in a glance from the pleat of a peplum skirt or the flush of a fluorescent fleece. That I won't know whether you're a particular sort of person from the type of green you wear, or whether your statement piece is a chunky necklace or a cross-body bag. I'm not saying the idea of 'personal style' is a conspiracy to stop us all from actually talking to each other, but I'm not NOT saying that either." - pg 67-68

"Yet when you actually ask a stylish French person, for example the fashion photographer Garance Doré, they say things like 'elegance is refusal'. So, I invite you to join me in trying something new: actually listening to the people who are supposedly getting it 'right'. If they say refuse, refuse. Refuse to over-study style, refuse to part with your money, to have someone else tell you what's stylish and what's not, refuse to care as much as they want you to. The secret to effortless style might be, after all that, simply putting in less effort." - pg 76

"If we start to see the shortcomings and procrastination in our life not as failures, but as 'desire lines', we can start to trace what actually matters to us. If we have never bothered to paint that drab grey hallway and it's been years, perhaps it's time to stop berating ourselves about it. Perhaps whenever you look at that drab staircase, instead of seeing all the ways in which you have failed to express yourself through home decor, you can think of all the things you've chosen to do instead; all the wonderful things you've been swept up in." - pg 228