How I Changed My Life In a Year: One Woman's Mission To Lose Weight, Get Fit, Beat Her Demons, And Find Happiness …In Twelve Easy Steps!

by Shelley Wilson

Straight-talking, honest and with touches of humour, Shelley Wilson shares her journey as she sets out to prove that being a 40-something, single mum with back fat and grey hairs isn’t the end of life as we know it.

From fighting flab to writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days, Shelley covers a wide variety of themes as she tackles twelve challenges in twelve months.

Packed with affirmations, tips, steps and links, 'How I Changed My Life In A Year' will keep you motivated for the year to come and beyond.

Based on the popular Resolution Challenge blog, Shelley shows how one year can change your life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Personal Development, Memoir

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2014

About the author

Shelley Wilson is a genre straddling English author of motivational self-help titles and young adult fantasy/supernatural fiction.

She's published nine non-fiction self-help books including her bestseller - How I Changed My Life in a Year - as well as six young adult (YA) novels. Book one of her werewolf series was a finalist in the RONE YA Book of the Year Awards and has been combined and re-released with book two under the new title - Hood Academy.

Shelley lives in the West Midlands, UK, with her three children. She has a crazy black cat called Luna and is obsessed with vampires, Tudor and Viking history, and exploring castles.

Find her on:
Twitter www.twitter.com/ShelleyWilson72
Facebook www.facebook.com/FantasyAuthorSLWilson
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@shelleywilson...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorslwil...

Reviews

[Kelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I take full responsibility for beginning the year with yet another two star book. By now I should be able to recognize a blog-turned-book but foolishly, I continue to unwittingly choose them when making hasty audio selections. I don’t typically enjoy blog-turned-book books. This one was pretty boring and presented nothing new. 2 stars.

[Ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shelley seems like a really nice person and has a great sense of humor, so I feel kinda bad for giving her only two stars. But the book really didn't live up to my expectations.
It starts interesting and inspirational but soon turns into a strange mix of being a travel guide, cook book and traffic awareness course. As a matter of fact, hadn't it been so short, I would've abandoned it.

I am very happy for her that she met her yearly goals and there is some potential into breaking your NY resolutions into monthly and weekly goals, however none of my goals could be achieved this way as all of them require much more than a month. So this modus operandi and her advice about it doesn't really help me.

Let's say I wanna learn German, turn my blog into business and get a certificate as a pole dancer. Learning German for one month will get me nowhere. Blogs take cca a year to make an income... If I am training one month super intensively to be a PD instructor, I won't have time to write for my blog, practice my German every day and it will fade away. No go.

Constant links in the book kinda annoyed me to and I was literally feeling like I was reading a blog.

[Samantha Tonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational read to make you look at your life in a different way and makes some changes. It can be done! Just take it one month at time. A thought-provoking self-help book told in a friendly, relatable way.

[Galen Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little pedestrian for my tastes but it was a pleasant read from the position that Shelley is authentic, easy to identify with and a lovely person. It is full of good ideas but some challenges were more inspiring than others. Her month of "learning something new" included a long account of her speed awareness course, and the crafts and hobby chapters were snoozy. Her creativity and writing months were the best ones. Read this if you have very basic challenges that you're struggling to overcome, and if life as a single mother has become self limiting.

[Sacha Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic memoir-style self improvement book.

Wilson made me laugh out loud as well as sympathise with her journey. There are lots of ideas and suggestions for how taking on new challenges can both change your mindset and your life for the better.

I've taken away some ideas for myself that I hope I can implement, the biggest lesson for me, is that bad, self-destructive behaviours are habits, and habits can be changed.

Thank you for opening my eyes, and making me smile. A wonderful quick read that will leave you feeling warm and positive.

[Brittany | BrittanyIsBooked · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how easy this book was to read- it wasn’t boring, but it wasn’t super captivating either. I noticed a shift around month 6 in which Wilson stops word vomiting and really providing reflection and advise.

One of the major problems I had with this book was the tone of the early months. It was very much her account of going through the motions because she said she would, little learning from her experiences, and absolutely no mention of follow-through. If she did really change her life in a year, how did month one look in month seven? Overlap was mentioned in the midpoint check in, but not to the extent of continuing habits.

One of the things I loved was how she incorporated so many outside resources. I think it emphasizes that you cannot do this alone, and using the tools that you have is really important. I am glad she was open about needing outside tools and/or people because that’s just realistic.

Something I think that could have been improved in the editing process is again, how all of this tied together. I didn’t see a lot of “personal” feelings for most of the book, which was bothersome because I thought of this more as a memoir than a self-help book. I personally think the book could have been made better by utilizing more details that connect readers.

I would recommend this book, but not if you’re looking to change your life in a year and have no idea where to start. I think this book is best suited for readers who have a starting point and need to be reminded that it isn’t supposed to be easy and that they aren’t ever in it alone.

I received this ebook as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program

[Rosie Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my September treat, after the long school holidays I always deserve a treat and I do love a book that motivates me. The book title appealed to me straight away and I loved the cover with the post-it notes.

Shelley writes in a fun and amusing way and the book goes through her 12 resolutions to change her life for the better with some great lessons along the way. Shelley set herself monthly challenges and within those weekly smaller conquests. I liked the idea of a visions board of things you want to do, I know the idea isn't new but I've only ever tried it once and I lost the enthusiasm.

Month 6, "Adopt better habits", was one of my favourites, I already do a lot of re-cycling, but I had a bag of items for the charity shop which had been sitting by the back door and not actually going anywhere. After reading about Shelley's month 6 I got off my backside, filled another bag with books and put both in my car. Then I planned my next day with a slot to visit the charity shop to drop off my bags. Coming home to empty spaces felt good.

I also enjoyed the challenge to wear bright clothes and not anything black. I took one look at the clothes I was getting ready for the cooler months and realised they were mostly black. Feeling incredibly brave I took to the shops to find some colourful new clothes, I bought jumpers and shirts, but trying to find trousers I like which aren't jeans, skinny or black is proving harder.

This book brought a smile to my face and a list of ways I want to improve my own life, I'll finish with a quote from the book "Dream it, Live it, Become it."

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An honest account of one woman's attempts to change her life for the better over the course of a year. Setting a goal for each month, Shelley Wilson recounts how she set about achieving each goal. It was an enjoyable read, but I would have liked a bit more about whether or not these goals were maintained: it's ok doing something for a month but if you are really going to change your life you need to be able to keep these new habits going.

That said, it has given me some ideas to think about for myself and I will follow up some of the links in the book for further ideas.

[Victoriat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for motivation! It includes some simple achievable tasks that makes you re-evaluate what you do with your time. Instead of New Years resolutions this inspires to take on new tasks/hobbies/goals throughout the year. Since reading, I have achieved more generally in a week than I would have done previously in terms of doing instead of putting things off. Actioning what I should have done ages ago As well as making time for my own interests and new hobbies. Easy reading and to the point.

[Trish Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't do self help books. I find them preachy and they tend to make me feel useless. This one is different. It breaks the year, and the task to change your life, into 12 (and then 52) bite sized pieces so I didn't feel intimated.

There were lots of helpful links and websites and it was so easy to findl any information I wanted. Absolutely going to keep making
changes for better!

[Maria Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of inspiring information in this book.

[Georgia Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all need a little inspiration sometimes and How I Changed My Life in a Year is full of positivity and optimism which gives you a great big lift just by reading it. Many of us make a New Year resolution, maybe one or two of them, and how long do they last? Often, not as long as the party leftovers.

This author not only set herself 12 months of challenges, which became the less intimidating 52 weeks of mini-bite sized challenges but she saw it through.

Some of the ideas may change your life more than others but all of them are thoughtful inclusions because of what this author wanted to achieve.

There were lovely reminders for me such as August’s – Get Out and About More – timed for the summer holidays. It brought back time spent with my own children during these long holidays. And month 11, NaNoWriMo – I can relate, definitely a life changer.

This book is written as a memoir of the year’s experiences rather than as an instruction manual and the author’s chatty, easy going style makes the reading easy.

Some will get more from this than others I’m sure but everyone will get something that will bring a little more focus into the way we are living our lives. It has certainly made me stop putting off something I’ve been needing to get to grips with for a while and that has been a real boost, thank you Ms Wilson.

[Helen Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting ideas

[Robin Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

How many of us are honestly willing to come out and admit we want to lose weight, get fit, beat the demons which are running our lives, and naturally find our sort of happiness? Basically, almost all of us have least one, and it doesn’t matter whether we’re a man or woman.

Since we can all now agree these issues do exist, but how many of us willing admit we’ve got these issues, and to do so publically and in writing? Not many. This is why we as individuals and as possible readers of this book need to thank Shelley Wilson for having the courage to do precisely that, and to do so in an amusing and inviting manner.

While some of us might have already read her suggestions elsewhere, some of us haven’t. The unfortunate thing about the book is that most of the website links she gives her readers are located in the U.K., which is where the author lives.

Aside from the inconvenience of the links being in the U.K.”, How I Changed My Life In a Year can prove to be quite helpful in helping us [man/woman] to lose weight and get a healthier body. And given I’m old enough to be her parent; I’m looking at trying some of her suggestions myself.

After negating the link problem I’ve mentioned, I’m giving this 4 STARS.

Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of a recently released book entitled "Micro Fiction - An Anthology," as well as the author of a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel entitled "I Kissed a Ghost."

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wanted to change something and thought it was just too much hard work?
Ever wanted to make a difference, but found the task too daunting?
Well, then you need to dip into this great book!
I'm not one for 'self-help' books per se, but was intrigued to read this personal account of how author Shelley Wilson turned her life around within a year.
A year.
It may sound like a long time to actually make the changes, but in the grand scheme of things, a year isn't that long really, and considering she made not one, but twelve changes in that time, kudos to her!
Broken down into manageable weekly chunks, Shelley Wilson made her plan, and stuck to it, with great results!
I enjoyed it so much I read it in one day! And it has given me the motivation to make changes, starting small, and aiming big!

[RK · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with a wonderful message

I loved the idea in this book, so much that I have indeed created my own one-year challenge, as the book suggests. I think it's a great idea and am very grateful to the author for writing it.
The book itself, I have to say, doesn't quite live up to the awesomeness of its premise - and het, perhaps that's the charm of it - showing that you can have an amazing, life changing experience without jetting off around the world. It makes it all seem pleasant and familiar, and quietly inspiring, to read about taking holidays and writing novels and giving up alcohol. Four stars, and I'd happily recommend this book to anyone looking for ways to improve their life.

[Sarah-Jayne Windridge-France · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those books that dare I say it is 'inspiring' and makes you want to follow suit .... If you can be bothered, have the time, really want to!

I think my husband was trying to tell me something when he bought me this book, and tbh I know that I have read this book at exactly the right time.

I think/hope/will endeavour to follow Shelley's lead and attempt to change my life next year!

A good read - short, fun and functional.

[Jas Shearsmith · Rating 1 out of 5]

A journey where an author gives herself new challenges every month for a year. I found the challenges interesting where they seemed to actually challenge her skills in writing. The others came across as so easy that anyone could do them - good for some, but not overly ambitious from my perspective. I listened to this book as an audio book and the narrator seemed to lack so much interest in what she was reading, that it probably made the book seem even more dull than it already was.
I wish I didn't feel the need to give this such a harsh review, but I've been left completely uninspired and lacking still enthusiasm for anything and everything she discussed in this book.

[Jenny Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book blurb says straight talking with a touch of humour and this is what makes it such a good book for me. I think there are too many celebrity 'guru's' who are totally detached from reality, but the author Shelley Wilson comes across as honest and above all practical in her approach to change. It makes it easy for readers to identify with and realize they are not alone. I will be reading it more than once!

[Shelley Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much can happen in a year and yet we often squander our time and leave our dreams unfulfilled. Writing this book was a personal journey that I enjoyed very much. It was an incredible year and a great achievement to go from being a broken, beaten woman to published author. I hope you will find some inspiration within the pages.

[Lorraine Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this a refreshing book on change because it is kept real at all times. The suggestions and examples Shelley Wilson gives are within anybody's reach and with a little dedication relatively easy to achieve. I also like the presentation and style of writing which makes it easy to delve into and pick up at your leisure without feeling lost.

[gemma botham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This book has given me some good ideas and things to think about. As I am just coming out of a breakup and am trying to restart my single life and do things that make me happy. As I stumbled across this book the day before new years eve it seemed like a great place to start.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

I too have often felt like another year has gone and nothing has been achieved. Breaking down new years resolutions into months seems to help and I will defiantly give it a go. In actual fact January's goal is to reintroduce my self with the Gym. Second week and I'm feeling positive.

[Marjan Darabi-Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing that how much you can do in 52 weeks, if you want to!
It's really an inspiring little book which makes you feel like if a single mum with three kids can do all these challenges, you can do it too!
Just do it and stop thinking about it!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a good book for motivation. I often try to do similar things and I like the way the author broke everything down into a month for each habit and is something I would consider doing now too! Worth a read!

[Nikki]

Creating habits that last...

This is definitely a good book for motivation. I often try to do similar things and I like the way the author broke everything down into a month for each habit and is something I would consider doing now too! Worth a read!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this on a kindle thinking it was something else so I read it anyway despite being a terrible cynic and generally ideologically opposed to inspirational quotes. Anyway, it wasn't terrible. Probably good if you want to follow through on new year resolutions etc.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a handy and inspiring book!
I always try to do too much so I love how Shelley Wilson splits her goals up into monthly (then weekly) challenges.
This is a positive and friendly guide to life and I will be taking some if Wilson's advice for sure!

[maya howden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a motivational book,wish it hadn't ended so soon.

This book was just amazingly uplifting and expels positivity through the demonstration of determination. It made me laugh and cry, sometimes both at the same time. I will be recommending it to all of my friends

[Tara Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - it's a real diamond and every woman should have one (or at least read it and review it) :)