Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace

by Big Sean, Jay Shetty (Foreword)

Multi-platinum artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Big Sean shares his five key practices for­ inner work and self-acceptance in this interactive guidebook on maintaining daily mental wellness.

Sean Anderson, better known as Big Sean, has reached incredible levels of success in his music career. And while, from the outside, his life looks like a collection of enviable achievements, in truth, he has experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows that come with anxiety and depression.

At the age of eighteen, Sean decided to forgo college to sign with Kanye West’s record label. Even though he saw his wildest dreams coming true, almost like a rap fairytale, he found himself contemplating taking his own life. It was in this, his darkest moments, that he started applying the spiritual practices he’d witnessed his mother embrace throughout his childhood from books like The Four Agreements, The Secret, and many more.

From that moment on, Sean has been on a journey of inward reflection, self-acceptance, and continual work to become the best version of himself every day. In these pages he walks you through the five practices—accepting, strategizing, trying, trusting, and manifesting—that have given him the skills and confidence to become the beloved father, musician, and man that he is today. This book is a clarion call for the next self-help movement, poised to meet the complexities of the moment we’re in.

Go Higher dares to ask the question: If we worked on our self-care regularly, instead of only when we were in crisis, how much higher could we go? Filled with step-by-step instructions for the tools Sean has been using on a daily basis for the last decade—journaling, agreements, affirmations, and meditation, as well as prompts to guide you on your own journey of self-reflection, Go Higher is a spiritual guidebook for our times, proving that investing in yourself isn’t something that drains your energy, but is something that gives you the energy to reach your fullest potential.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Personal Development, Spirituality, Psychology, Biography

288 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Jamele (BookswithJams) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon Element for the gifted copy to review.

This is a quick and inspiring read that I was able to take a few things away from. Sean, aka Big Sean, has done some incredible things with his career even though it was a journey to get there, and he tries to ask the question, what if we worked on becoming the best version of ourselves constantly, rather than waiting until our worlds are falling apart? How much higher could we go? To which I say, who has the time? Jk jk. This was really a great concept and like I said, I took a few things from here to focus on, and I liked how he asked thought provoking questions at the end of every chapter.

I also followed along with the audio, which Big Sean read himself and I thought he did a great job, this one felt authentic which I appreciated, and I think his added commentary via audio provided context that you won’t get in the book, and some was pretty funny (like the shout out to his brother to get back in the gym had me chuckling, as it did him).

This was simple in concept, delivered in bits that were digestible, relatable (as much as it could be), and he held himself accountable for past behaviors that may not have been the best, and all of this came together and made for a great read.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book was more of a one way conversation or almost like an interview without a reporter asking questions. I see the examples of his own life he used and though the rawness of his answers is great for inspiring others it was the lack of organization in thought. I felt he skipped around or added things in different chapters that didn't need to be there. Not for the purpose of that particular lesson at least.
It was like he had two different things going on. First trying to guide or mentor with the path he found but also trying to mix in a bibliography. It wasn't bad for someone who is not a writer of books but for someone who is advanced in reading it was a struggle to get through. It felt more rushed and chaotic in its layout.
There was some inspiration that was triggered but then another paragraph or so later I'd find myself losing focus due to something that didn't quite fit the message. It's probably not just my style.

[Stevi Balsamo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy to check out, and I can confidently say I will be looking forward to obtaining the complete edition. This isn’t some book filled with ground breaking information/pop culture self-help. It was real. It was grounded. It felt authentic in delivery.

For me, Big Sean was having a conversation with me, telling me his life story within the practices, and how I can personally apply the 5 practices in my every day life. The book didn’t feel forced and I often found myself having conversation back with him (in my head of course) regarding how and where in my life I could/need to apply certain principles. It was simply relatable and I can appreciate a read that inadvertently forces me to feel things and reflect, especially in moments that I don’t know I’m ready to.

[Sara Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether or not you've heard of Big Sean the rapper, this is an amazing book. He describes how he personally has used five practices for purpose, success, and inner peace. Those practices are: accept, strategize, try, trust, and manifest. He explains how each has been helpful in his real life and how easy it is for anyone to implement in their own lifes, even if they aren't dreaming of being a rapper or even like rap. Each section gives a question for you to reflect on in pursuing your better self. This book is really positive and highly motivated. I enjoyed learning more about his life and feel inspired to become a better me.

[Shalynn Rangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and I thought big Sean did a great job with it! Loved how this was a combo of a self-help and memoir. I also thought it was cool how he added little things into the audiobook

[Tori Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio and I believe that helped a lot with the flow.

[Kerri McQuiggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book!! Definitely a book I will revisit often. Big Sean I am forever a fan of yours now. Inspiring and uplifting. I think we’d be friends. I listened on Spotify to this one.

[Torrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo to Big Sean for offering solid advice and sharing some vulnerable moments. It was also nice that he narrated it. Although a lot of the information was not new to me, I could definitely see this book being valuable to younger audiences and also to young men.

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[MaKayla Earl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whoever the editor is- if there even was one- needs fired. This is so disappointing. The concept had great potential but the grammar, dialect and narration were ATROCIOUS. I swear to you he said “like” about 300 times and I only made it to chapter 3 in a 5 hour audiobook.

[Olivia Van Guyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Not the most enlightening or educational thing in the world but good real-world reminders. I fuxx with Big Sean 60% more than I previously did

[Tiffanie Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Big Sean musically for years and recently learned of his love for all things spirit and self help through the Jay Shetty podcast (multiple episodes of the two of them - highly recommend) and was pleasantly surprised. Although this was not my favorite self help book, I enjoyed listening. I love the way he describes being strategic in life about everything from making time for fun to health and career success. This book would be a fabulous listen for young men who may not be the typical self help audience to read, listen, and return to!

[Maggie DeCeuninck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely recommend the audiobook over the print version. Big Sean added in a lot of commentary that I don’t necessarily think is in the book (so you get bonus content). Overall, I really liked hearing all the stories about his life. It put a lot of things into perspective and helps you understand him better as a rapper.

[Abdullah T · Rating 3 out of 5]

honestly you can tell he wrote it bc the writing isnt strong. that being said, it feels like a friend is talking to you. he does share many vignettes in his own personal life that has influenced him. i enjoyed reading it!

[Faloni ©]

📬 My mail's arrived—time to read it! 🏃🏽‍♀️📦

[Emily]

i love big sean!

[Maurice B · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5

[Arch Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted to get this in physical, which I still might, but I was able to get this in its audiobook version, and I’m delighted to have made that choice as there were some slight added portions to this versus the written.

I will definitely say that this book isn’t telling you something that you do not know if you’ve already been perusing the self-help/motivational books. It’s all pretty standard across the board. What I will say, as a black man only a few years younger than Sean, this resonated with me at a level I didn’t know would be possible. While listening to this on my drives to work and inevitably finishing this as I overcome the flu while type this review; this book filled me with actual inspiration to do some legwork that may or may not help me feel better about myself and my standing in life. To the point where I wasn’t even done with the book and I actually bought a journal. He speaks on journaling a lot in this, and how it just helps him get out his thoughts during moments and how reflecting back on his journals, lets him see his growth and path he took this far.

Along with that, he details a lot of these common practices of meditation, journaling, being present in the moment, believing in divine timing, etc and intertwines that with many stories of his personal life that makes this book a little more “human” than any others I’ve read so far. Definitely will go back and reread. Hoping I can maybe get a signed copy or something.

But this was absolutely a 5/5 star book. Any book that can get me to be proactive in my life, in a positive manner, is merited of that high status.

Highly recommend this to anyone who needs it or doesn’t. Just a great read and insight on potential ways to better or enhance your life not just physically or financially. But emotionally and mentally.

[Kaylen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like Big Sean couldn't decide if he wanted to write an autobiography or a self-help book, so he combined them.

While I did enjoy some of the motivational quotes, I felt like I could have gotten them and more without his life story filler from another book.

Unless you're a big Big Sean fan, I'm sure there are other books for this genre that would be more helpful.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Go Higher” by Big Sean is an inspiring and thought-provoking guide to personal growth, blending the rapper’s life experiences with practical advice for achieving success while maintaining inner peace. The book revolves around five core practices that Sean believes are crucial for living a purposeful and fulfilling life. Drawing from his own journey—from the highs of fame to the lows of self-doubt—he provides readers with tools for navigating challenges and staying grounded.

What I loved most about the book is how Big Sean’s authenticity shines through. His insights feel genuine, and the way he connects his personal stories with actionable advice makes the book both relatable and motivational. The five practices are simple yet profound, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, positive mindset, gratitude, and the power of persistence.

The balance between hustle and mindfulness was particularly impactful. It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working with intention and maintaining a sense of peace amid the chaos of life. Sean’s message is clear: success is not just external, it’s internal, and true fulfillment comes from aligning your actions with your values.

Overall, Go Higher is a great read for anyone looking to cultivate a mindset of success and peace. Big Sean offers a fresh perspective on personal development that goes beyond the typical "hustle culture," reminding readers that inner peace is just as important as outward achievement.

[Mario Gudec · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up expecting a mix of memoir and self-help, and honestly, Go Higher delivers so much more. Big Sean keeps it real—sharing the highs and lows of his career, mental health struggles, and personal growth—all while giving you actual steps to apply to your own life.

At the heart of the book are five core practices: Accepting, Strategizing, Trying, Trusting, and Manifesting. Sounds simple, but the way Sean breaks them down makes them feel like powerful tools for anyone trying to find their purpose, get unstuck, or just live with more clarity. It’s like he’s giving you a blueprint to level up—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

What I loved most is how personal this book is. Sean opens up about his battles with anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout in a way that feels relatable, not preachy. And he doesn’t just talk about struggles—he gives real, actionable advice, from journaling exercises to affirmations and meditation techniques. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause, reflect, and actually do something about the things holding you back.

Jay Shetty’s foreword sets the perfect tone, grounding the book in mindfulness and purpose. But make no mistake—this is 100% Big Sean’s voice, his journey, his lessons. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just looking for an authentic, practical guide to self-growth, Go Higher is absolutely worth the read.

Highly recommend for anyone who’s ready to step into their best self—without the fluff.

[Te'Lor Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Go Higher” by Big Sean is an insightful and inspiring read. I really enjoyed his perspective on divine timing, God’s plan, and the power of intention—because let’s be real, sometimes we all need a reminder that things are happening for us, not to us. His reflections on kindness and the energy we put into the world also hit home.

As a longtime fan of Big Sean’s music, I think I became a bigger fan after hearing him speak. After watching his conversations with Jay Shetty, I knew he was someone I’d always love to hear from when it comes to life lessons, experiences, and spirituality. This book reinforced that. I found myself taking notes, highlighting passages, and having those “ah-ha” moments where you nod like a philosopher even though you’re just sitting on your couch.

It was also refreshing to see that some of the books that have changed my outlook on life were ones that influenced him too—great minds think alike, right? And the journal prompts? A perfect touch. This book felt like a conversation between enlightened friends rather than the normal self-help book and I loved that.

Go Higher is definitely a book I’ll revisit, especially when I need a reminder to trust the process and stay intentional. Highly recommend to anyone looking for motivation, spiritual insight, or just a little nudge to be conscious of God’s plan over our lives and the power of our thoughts, energy, and actions.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Type: audio

Rating: It’s mostly self help with some stories. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. You can tell that he adlibs the audio book version which is a bonus. Could definitely listen to this often as great reminders. I like the questions at the end, helps bring in the audience.

Forgot to write down when I finished listening to the book so the finished date is a guess.

Book Summary: Spoilers! Review is to jog my memory of the book

Accept Strategize Try Trust Manifest
Learn to accept the situation you’re in. Strategize your way out of it. Try to do the best you could. Trust your instinct. Get in the mindset to manifest your future.

Accept:
Accept who you are, who you want to be. Acceptance is seeing where you are right now but acknowledging you have the power to change any situation you are in. Regardless of possibilities. Open up space to what comes to you.

Strategize:
How can it get any better than this? What else is possible? How can I expedite this that I know is destined to happen? See what works best for you.

Try:
Try over and over again. Take any opportunities

Trust:
Trust yourself above others.

Manifest:
Intentional with your energy, start with manifesting your goals.

“Put our attention on the intention to ask what can I do to water the seed?”

[Mason Tinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely a fantastic book. Big Sean is one of my favorite artists ever and was my favorite rapper as a kid, ask any of my friends from middle and high school. But all that aside, there is so much to take from this book.

I have to give Sean credit for really inspiring my journey into reading. In an interview he mentioned the 3 books that changed his life, “The Alchemist,” “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success,” and “The Four Agreements.” I have gone on to read these books and be impacted in ways beyond expression. ESPECIALLY from “The Alchemist.” So when I saw he was writing a book, I knew I was going to have to read it.

This was a very easy read and easy to digest. Sometimes simple is better, there wasn’t any convoluted and over the top exposition like many self help books can delve into. This was straight to the point on whatever topic he wanted to discuss. The chapters are pretty short and get their point across in an efficient manner. Overall, extremely motivational and inspiring. Even the points of it they are autobiographical aren’t “in your face” braggadocios.

I would highly recommend this to anyone, you don’t even need to be a fan of Sean or know who he is to gain something from this.

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was probably the easiest and most understandable self help book I have read so far. I have read a couple of the books that people write to help others in their mental health and how to be a better person for yourself and others and most of the time I have put them down because of lack of engagement. The way that the personal experience is included in as example and how Sean saw through them in his life was engaging and increased my understanding on what he was trying to get across. I resonated with a lot in this book and the quote that got me the most was quite early on and gave me hope for enjoying the book. "Self care is not selfish." I am a workaholic and don't typically see doing things on my own as beneficial. I see it more as a waste of time that I could be doing something else to benefit society. That one sentence will probably stay with me and will encourage me to think about self care. Over all a wonderful read. It will be a permanent fixture on my book shelf and I can see me picking it up again later when I need a refresher or loaning it out to friends who I think can benefit from Sean's perspective.

[Jes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at a time when I needed it most, and it resonated with me on a level I didn’t expect AT ALL! The way it’s written feels like having a personal conversation with Big Sean. It’s incredibly relatable and I found myself actively reflecting on moments in my own life where I could have (and now will) apply the five practices he discusses: Accept, Strategize, Try, Trust and Manifest.

His life story is woven throughout the book, providing context for when he applied these practices. He kept it real by sharing deeply personal aspects of his experiences, which made the book feel even more genuine.

Some chapters felt a bit disjointed at times and certain parts didn’t fully connect back to the main message. However, there were many insightful quotes and journal prompts at the end of each chapter. These prompts not only helped me process the material, but also provided practical, actionable tools for navigating challenges and staying grounded.

As a Detroit native myself, I wanted to support him and I’m glad I did. This is a solid read for anyone looking to find their purpose, get unstuck, or live with more clarity.

[Maurynne Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a different motive than self-help for reading this book.
As a lifelong practitioner of comparative religions, I was drawn to enter the giveaway I entered because of this from the promotional bio: "It was in this, his darkest moments, that he started applying the spiritual practices he’d witnessed his mother embrace throughout his childhood from books like The Four Agreements, The Secret, and many more."
I wanted to see how someone raised on those books would interpret them in his own life.
What I loved about the book were the very clear life lessons and examples given; it's not simply regurgitated quotes. Rap is poetry and it channels your emotions and can also clarify your thoughts like meditation.
The thoughts are clear, the suggestions good. The layout of the book is great. It's a good one to have on the shelf, and I'm sure others can learn from these examples. Those of us who read this genre are subject to the need for a repeat every now and then and this is a worthy addition to the genre.

[Rashad Sattaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a huge fan of Big Sean's music since the mixtape days so I might be a little biased. But, I have watched his lyrics go from the typical Hip-Hop talk of women, partying, and luxury to inspiring, mindful, and more self-help and empowering lyrics. So it made complete sense to me seeing this book come out from him.

I think this book is a perfect gateway book in the self improvement journey. It covers a ton of ground and gives you insights in to meditation, boundaries, gratitude, journaling, toxic relationships/habits, affirmations, dealing with setbacks, and giving you practices and mindsets to deal with anything in life.

A lot of the chapters are pretty brief and under 5 pages. So it gives you concise and little gems of knowledge and ways to view things. But since it covers so many different topics and briefly, that's why I view it as a gateway book. You can use this book to identify which area you want help in most and then even Big Sean references some of the books he was inspired by, that can go way more in depth to any of these subjects.

[Yuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first started Go Higher by Big Sean, I honestly thought it was going to be like every other “self-help” book—super obvious and kind of gimmicky. But I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did I learn more about Big Sean’s life and how he came up, but I also found myself reflecting on my own.

The book dives into his personal story, his growth, and the mindset shifts that helped him get to where he is today. I loved how he incorporated parts of his life, like his relationship with Jhene and becoming a dad to his son, Noah. Those moments gave the book a more grounded and relatable vibe.

My favorite part, though? The prompts after each chapter. They really force you to stop, think, and actually apply what you’ve just read. I prefer this format so much more than when books throw those exercises at you at the very end, because by then, I usually forget half the details.

It’s not necessarily a groundbreaking book, but it was a genuinely thoughtful and inspiring read that left me with practical takeaways and a lot of self-reflection.

[Jessica Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big Sean wanted to be a rapper from a young age. He passed on a full ride to college in order to pursue his music and it paid off. Now he wants to help others succeed through this book. He has observed that most self-help books are written by white women so he feels his voice is needed in this genre. I did appreciate the journal prompts at the end of each section. I did some good reflecting on what I want next in life. But a lot of this book rubbed me the wrong way. It was more autobiography than I wanted when I requested a self-help book and there was so much bragging about money. One of things I couldn’t get over was when Sean said he asked God to help him sell $2 million dollars in merchandise and then he did really fast so he learned he should always add “and more” to his financial prayers. 😑 He also warns readers that it’s harmful to tell children you can’t afford things they want. Maybe I’m just not the target reader for this one. Thanks for the gifted copy, Simon Element.