Big Freakin’ Change

by Cara Moeller Poppitt

Readiness is not a state of being―it’s a feeling that comes after you take action.

Women are less likely to take risks than men. We wait to feel ready and often end up stuck. In Big Freakin’ Change, Cara Moeller Poppitt introduces a new confidence model. Take action first, and confidence will follow.

Drawing on her experience empowering over thirty thousand women and girls to take center stage, Cara introduces her groundbreaking Get Unstuck, Cycle of Change Model. This accessible and empowering guide will teach you how to do the

Realize that feeling stuck is not your faultShift your mindset to know that change is possibleBoost your motivation and confidence through actionFace your fears and move forward anywayTrust yourself as step into your new identityReset your life’s direction by embracing Big Freakin’ ChangeWhether you are seeking a career pivot, personal transformation, or a path to greater fulfillment, Big Freakin’ Change will inspire you to break barriers, step out of self-doubt, and step into power.

248 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Keri Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because, like many of us, I need to make some changes in my life. I’ve felt stuck, frustrated with myself because of lack of motivation or determination. I need a Big Freakin’ Change! The author does a good job of addressing things that may be holding us back from moving forward with change.

One of the things she discusses is that we often think we need to be confident before making change. In her model, we take action first and confidence will follow. Be brave and apply for that job, make that move, make needed changes in a relationship. And once we act, we will build on successes and gain confidence. Even if we’re not 100% successful, focus and become confident in your successes as you learn and build knowledge. Sometimes if you wait until you’re ready, you’ll never take those steps to move forward.

While the book is relevant to anyone, she especially encourages girls and women, as they are typically less likely to take risks than men. Most times I prefer an audiobook, because great narration can enhance an experience. However, I’ve noticed that for self-help/care books, I probably get more out of it if I have a physical book. Yes, I am that geek that will highlight meaningful or inspiring sections of a book! And I do think I absorb more information when reading rather than listening. So choose the format that works best for you, but I do recommend this book. Is some of it stuff we already know - yes. But hearing it in a new way can be an important step to really absorbing the information.

[Danae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Big Freakin' Change by Cara Moeller Poppitt. This is an excellent read for anyone currently feeling stuck in life and wanting to move forward in a positive direction. Cara's stories are engaging and applicable to so many life circumstances and her model for creating change in your life will profoundly impact you! Pick it up today and start readying - you won't be disappointed.

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Freakin’ Change challenges one of the most persistent myths around personal growth: that confidence comes before action. Cara Moeller Poppitt flips this narrative with clarity and conviction, arguing that readiness is not a prerequisite for change it is the result of movement.

What makes this book stand out in the crowded self help space is its grounding in lived experience. Drawing on her work empowering more than thirty thousand women and girls, Poppitt speaks directly to the paralysis many women feel when facing career shifts, personal reinvention, or long-delayed decisions. She names the problem honestly: waiting to “feel ready” often keeps us stuck.

The Get Unstuck, Cycle of Change Model is both accessible and practical. Rather than overwhelming the reader with abstract motivation, the book focuses on small, actionable steps that build momentum. Confidence is treated not as a personality trait, but as a byproduct of courage in motion. This reframing alone makes the book impactful.

Poppitt’s tone is encouraging without being dismissive of fear. She acknowledges self doubt, resistance, and uncertainty then teaches readers how to move forward anyway. The emphasis on trusting oneself after taking action feels especially empowering, offering a realistic pathway to identity change rather than a feel good mantra.

Big Freakin’ Change is ideal for women standing at a crossroads career pivots, personal transitions, or moments when staying the same feels heavier than the risk of moving forward. It doesn’t promise ease, but it does offer something far more valuable: a repeatable way to break inertia and reclaim agency.

This is a book that doesn’t just inspire it activates.

[Viktoriia Hushchenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has completely transformed my life—not just how I live, but how I feel about making progress. I used to struggle with direction, unsure of what I was good at or where I belonged. But after reading this book—BOOM! Everything changed. I’m no longer afraid to take the steps that lead me closer to my best life.

[Kathy Oneto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t wait to get unstuck! This book is a must-read for those who are wanting more out of life but feel like they are stuck on the sidelines. Cara Poppitt’s Cycle of Change model is a powerful guide that gets you into action to build your confidence to become who you want to be. With Cara as your guide, you’ll not just embrace change, you’ll thrive in it. 

[Gina Aschenbrener · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lit a fire in me. It’s not just inspiring—it’s a call to action. Big Freakin’ Change breaks down the illusion that we have to wait until we’re “ready” and instead shows us how to move forward now. If you’ve ever felt stuck, this is your wake-up call.

[A.M.]

She said act first - do the thing, then gain the confidence - OF COURSE you feel anxious beforehand - you do not know how to do it - DUH

blinks… Not sure I have ever processed it like that before.

3 stars

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! It’s like having a best friend tell you to stop making excuses and take action! It gives you the courage and tools you need to make change. Great read. You won’t be disappointed!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe where my head is at but this hit for me.