What do you think?
Rate this book
Making It Without Losing It: How to Stay Motivated in a World Where We Are Never Done
What if success didn’t have to come at the cost of your peace of mind?
In Making It Without Losing It, bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and founder of Mic Drop Workshop and Headbands of Hope, Jess Ekstrom delivers a refreshingly honest guide for ambitious humans who want to chase their goals without setting their inner peace on fire. Through unfiltered storytelling, practical tools, and a few “yep, been there” moments, Jess helps listeners rediscover what it actually feels like to enjoy their work, stay motivated without the meltdown, and build a life that feels as good as it looks on LinkedIn.
With her signature humor and hard-won wisdom, Jess unpacks how our hustle-harder culture convinces us to delay joy until we've “made it” and why that’s a scam. Instead, she flips the script with two big success happens in the now, and motivation doesn’t come from another to-do list—it comes from within.
A self-proclaimed “walking experiment in balancing ambition and anxiety,” Jess introduces eleven mindset-shifting pillars to help you rewire your brain, quiet the chaos, and reconnect with purpose without having to move to the woods or delete all your apps.
You'll learn how to define your own “success fingerprint,” dodge burnout disguised as productivity, and embrace an “Arrived Mindset”—the radical idea that you’re already enough, right now, no spreadsheet required. This powerful shift in mindset will unlock creativity, courage, and a deeper kind of success.
Smart, funny, and with grounded strategies you can implement right now, Making It Without Losing It is a must-hear for anyone who's done trading their peace for performance. If you're craving a version of success that includes joy, you’ve come to the right place.
In Making It Without Losing It, bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and founder of Mic Drop Workshop and Headbands of Hope, Jess Ekstrom delivers a refreshingly honest guide for ambitious humans who want to chase their goals without setting their inner peace on fire. Through unfiltered storytelling, practical tools, and a few “yep, been there” moments, Jess helps listeners rediscover what it actually feels like to enjoy their work, stay motivated without the meltdown, and build a life that feels as good as it looks on LinkedIn.
With her signature humor and hard-won wisdom, Jess unpacks how our hustle-harder culture convinces us to delay joy until we've “made it” and why that’s a scam. Instead, she flips the script with two big success happens in the now, and motivation doesn’t come from another to-do list—it comes from within.
A self-proclaimed “walking experiment in balancing ambition and anxiety,” Jess introduces eleven mindset-shifting pillars to help you rewire your brain, quiet the chaos, and reconnect with purpose without having to move to the woods or delete all your apps.
You'll learn how to define your own “success fingerprint,” dodge burnout disguised as productivity, and embrace an “Arrived Mindset”—the radical idea that you’re already enough, right now, no spreadsheet required. This powerful shift in mindset will unlock creativity, courage, and a deeper kind of success.
Smart, funny, and with grounded strategies you can implement right now, Making It Without Losing It is a must-hear for anyone who's done trading their peace for performance. If you're craving a version of success that includes joy, you’ve come to the right place.
- GenresSelf Help
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Jess Ekstrom
4 books103 followersJess is the founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope, a company she started as a junior in college in 2012. For every headband sold, a headband is given to a child with cancer. The company has been featured on the TODAY Show, Vanity Fair, Seventeen, Good Morning America and more. But more importantly, they've donated over half a million headbands to every children's hospital in the United States and 15 countries. Jess is also a professional speaker and author of Chasing the Bright Side. She’s currently living and traveling in an Airstream with her husband, Jake, and standard poodle, Ollie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 10, 2026
Making It Without Losing It is a timely, practical, and refreshing contribution to the personal development space. In a culture that often glorifies relentless hustle and constant achievement, Jess Ekstrom offers an alternative perspective—one that challenges readers to pursue success without sacrificing their well-being, joy, or sense of self along the way.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its honesty. Rather than promoting unrealistic productivity ideals or one-size-fits-all success formulas, Ekstrom acknowledges the very real tension many ambitious people experience between achievement and inner peace. Her willingness to address that struggle makes the book both relatable and deeply relevant.
Another standout aspect is the concept of redefining success on personal terms. The idea of developing a "success fingerprint" encourages readers to move beyond external validation and create a vision of success that aligns with their own values, priorities, and aspirations. This shift feels particularly important in an era dominated by comparison culture and social media expectations.
The book also excels in its focus on sustainable motivation. Instead of relying on pressure, perfectionism, or endless goal-setting, Ekstrom explores how purpose, self-awareness, and mindset can become more reliable sources of long-term fulfillment and performance. Her approach recognizes that success is not simply about reaching milestones but about maintaining a healthy relationship with the journey itself.
The introduction of concepts such as the "Arrived Mindset" further distinguishes the book from many traditional self-help titles. The message that fulfillment and self-worth do not have to be postponed until some future achievement is both empowering and practical. Readers are encouraged to appreciate progress while still pursuing meaningful goals.
Filled with humor, personal stories, and actionable insights, Making It Without Losing It strikes an effective balance between inspiration and practicality. It offers readers tools they can immediately apply while also inviting deeper reflection about what success truly means.
For readers interested in personal growth, productivity, motivation, leadership, work-life balance, and mental well-being, this book delivers valuable guidance and a much-needed reminder that achievement and happiness do not have to be opposing forces.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its honesty. Rather than promoting unrealistic productivity ideals or one-size-fits-all success formulas, Ekstrom acknowledges the very real tension many ambitious people experience between achievement and inner peace. Her willingness to address that struggle makes the book both relatable and deeply relevant.
Another standout aspect is the concept of redefining success on personal terms. The idea of developing a "success fingerprint" encourages readers to move beyond external validation and create a vision of success that aligns with their own values, priorities, and aspirations. This shift feels particularly important in an era dominated by comparison culture and social media expectations.
The book also excels in its focus on sustainable motivation. Instead of relying on pressure, perfectionism, or endless goal-setting, Ekstrom explores how purpose, self-awareness, and mindset can become more reliable sources of long-term fulfillment and performance. Her approach recognizes that success is not simply about reaching milestones but about maintaining a healthy relationship with the journey itself.
The introduction of concepts such as the "Arrived Mindset" further distinguishes the book from many traditional self-help titles. The message that fulfillment and self-worth do not have to be postponed until some future achievement is both empowering and practical. Readers are encouraged to appreciate progress while still pursuing meaningful goals.
Filled with humor, personal stories, and actionable insights, Making It Without Losing It strikes an effective balance between inspiration and practicality. It offers readers tools they can immediately apply while also inviting deeper reflection about what success truly means.
For readers interested in personal growth, productivity, motivation, leadership, work-life balance, and mental well-being, this book delivers valuable guidance and a much-needed reminder that achievement and happiness do not have to be opposing forces.
Read
April 1, 2026Making It Without Losing It: How to Stay Motivated in a World Where We Are Never Done by Jess Ekstrom offers a timely and insightful perspective on one of the most pressing challenges of modern life maintaining motivation in a culture defined by constant demands and unfinished work.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its recognition of the relentless nature of today’s productivity-driven world. Ekstrom addresses the emotional and mental toll of always striving, always achieving, yet rarely feeling complete. This framing immediately resonates with readers who find themselves caught in cycles of burnout, pressure, and never ending to do lists.
The strength of the book lies in its practical and relatable approach. Rather than promoting unrealistic productivity standards, Ekstrom emphasizes sustainable motivation focusing on mindset shifts, self-awareness, and intentional progress. Her insights encourage readers to redefine success in a way that aligns with personal well-being rather than external expectations.
Another standout element is the book’s empowering tone. Ekstrom speaks directly to individuals navigating ambition, pressure, and personal growth, offering guidance that feels both supportive and actionable. The balance between motivation and mental health creates a message that is not only inspiring but also deeply necessary in today’s environment.
As the narrative unfolds, themes of balance, resilience, and purpose take center stage. The book challenges readers to rethink their relationship with work, achievement, and self-worth, ultimately guiding them toward a more sustainable and fulfilling path forward.
Ultimately, Making It Without Losing It is more than a motivational book it is a practical guide for navigating ambition without burnout. It will strongly resonate with professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to succeed while maintaining their well-being.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its recognition of the relentless nature of today’s productivity-driven world. Ekstrom addresses the emotional and mental toll of always striving, always achieving, yet rarely feeling complete. This framing immediately resonates with readers who find themselves caught in cycles of burnout, pressure, and never ending to do lists.
The strength of the book lies in its practical and relatable approach. Rather than promoting unrealistic productivity standards, Ekstrom emphasizes sustainable motivation focusing on mindset shifts, self-awareness, and intentional progress. Her insights encourage readers to redefine success in a way that aligns with personal well-being rather than external expectations.
Another standout element is the book’s empowering tone. Ekstrom speaks directly to individuals navigating ambition, pressure, and personal growth, offering guidance that feels both supportive and actionable. The balance between motivation and mental health creates a message that is not only inspiring but also deeply necessary in today’s environment.
As the narrative unfolds, themes of balance, resilience, and purpose take center stage. The book challenges readers to rethink their relationship with work, achievement, and self-worth, ultimately guiding them toward a more sustainable and fulfilling path forward.
Ultimately, Making It Without Losing It is more than a motivational book it is a practical guide for navigating ambition without burnout. It will strongly resonate with professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to succeed while maintaining their well-being.
July 1, 2026
Making It Without Losing It: How to Stay Motivated in a World Where We Are Never Done is an empowering, insightful, and deeply relatable guide for anyone striving to succeed without sacrificing their mental well-being. Jess Ekstrom challenges the relentless culture of hustle with refreshing honesty, offering readers a healthier and more sustainable way to pursue ambition while protecting their sense of purpose, fulfillment, and inner peace.
What immediately stood out to me was the book's authenticity. Rather than presenting perfection or unattainable ideals, Ekstrom openly shares her own experiences navigating ambition, anxiety, and the pressures of modern success. Her conversational style, combined with humor and vulnerability, creates an immediate connection with readers, making the book feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation with someone who genuinely understands the challenges of balancing achievement with emotional well-being.
I was particularly impressed by the practical nature of the book. The eleven mindset-shifting pillars and the concept of the "Arrived Mindset" offer readers actionable strategies for redefining success on their own terms. Instead of encouraging endless productivity, Ekstrom emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, creativity, and intentional living. These ideas provide lasting value for entrepreneurs, professionals, students, leaders, creatives, and anyone who has ever felt trapped by the belief that happiness must wait until the next accomplishment.
At its core, Making It Without Losing It is about reclaiming the joy of the journey rather than postponing fulfillment for an imagined future. It reminds readers that genuine success is measured not only by achievements but also by the quality of the life they build along the way. Thought-provoking, practical, and uplifting, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to thrive personally and professionally without losing sight of what truly matters.
What immediately stood out to me was the book's authenticity. Rather than presenting perfection or unattainable ideals, Ekstrom openly shares her own experiences navigating ambition, anxiety, and the pressures of modern success. Her conversational style, combined with humor and vulnerability, creates an immediate connection with readers, making the book feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation with someone who genuinely understands the challenges of balancing achievement with emotional well-being.
I was particularly impressed by the practical nature of the book. The eleven mindset-shifting pillars and the concept of the "Arrived Mindset" offer readers actionable strategies for redefining success on their own terms. Instead of encouraging endless productivity, Ekstrom emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, creativity, and intentional living. These ideas provide lasting value for entrepreneurs, professionals, students, leaders, creatives, and anyone who has ever felt trapped by the belief that happiness must wait until the next accomplishment.
At its core, Making It Without Losing It is about reclaiming the joy of the journey rather than postponing fulfillment for an imagined future. It reminds readers that genuine success is measured not only by achievements but also by the quality of the life they build along the way. Thought-provoking, practical, and uplifting, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to thrive personally and professionally without losing sight of what truly matters.
May 6, 2026
Making It Without Losing It is a candid and emotionally grounded exploration of modern ambition, burnout, and the pressure to constantly “achieve more.” Jess Ekstrom draws on personal experience and entrepreneurial insight to challenge the idea that success must come at the expense of wellbeing.
The central argument is clear: motivation and fulfillment do not have to be postponed until some distant milestone is reached. Instead, Ekstrom encourages readers to reconnect with the present, reframe success internally, and build sustainable drive without self-neglect. This reframing gives the book a strong emotional core that many readers will relate to.
A standout element is the emphasis on practical mindset shifts rather than abstract motivation. The “success fingerprint” concept and the “Arrived Mindset” are positioned as tools for helping readers redefine achievement on their own terms, rather than through external validation or productivity culture.
The tone is approachable, humorous, and conversational, which makes the heavier themes of burnout and anxiety easier to engage with. Ekstrom’s storytelling style adds authenticity, making the advice feel grounded rather than theoretical.
Overall, Making It Without Losing It is a thoughtful and encouraging guide for high-achievers who want to sustain ambition without sacrificing mental clarity or joy. It fits especially well within the growing conversation around burnout recovery, sustainable productivity, and redefining modern success.
The central argument is clear: motivation and fulfillment do not have to be postponed until some distant milestone is reached. Instead, Ekstrom encourages readers to reconnect with the present, reframe success internally, and build sustainable drive without self-neglect. This reframing gives the book a strong emotional core that many readers will relate to.
A standout element is the emphasis on practical mindset shifts rather than abstract motivation. The “success fingerprint” concept and the “Arrived Mindset” are positioned as tools for helping readers redefine achievement on their own terms, rather than through external validation or productivity culture.
The tone is approachable, humorous, and conversational, which makes the heavier themes of burnout and anxiety easier to engage with. Ekstrom’s storytelling style adds authenticity, making the advice feel grounded rather than theoretical.
Overall, Making It Without Losing It is a thoughtful and encouraging guide for high-achievers who want to sustain ambition without sacrificing mental clarity or joy. It fits especially well within the growing conversation around burnout recovery, sustainable productivity, and redefining modern success.
May 6, 2026
Making It Without Losing It feels like the kind of book you pick up for a little motivation—and end up actually thinking about long after you put it down.
What I loved most is how real it feels. It’s not one of those overly polished “here’s how to be successful in 10 steps” books. Jess talks about ambition, burnout, comparison, and figuring out what you actually want in a way that’s honest and super relatable. It feels more like getting advice from someone who’s been through it than being lectured by an expert.
The standout for me was the “make it moments” sprinkled throughout the book. They’re basically little pauses where you stop and turn what you just read into something personal. Instead of just nodding along, you actually think about how it applies to your own life—and maybe even do something about it. It made the whole experience feel way more interactive and useful, not just inspirational.
Overall, it’s motivating without being overwhelming, and refreshing without trying too hard. If you’re looking for something that gives you a new perspective on success—but still feels easy and enjoyable to read—this one’s definitely worth it.
I want to go get coffee with her and want to order whatever she’s having…
What I loved most is how real it feels. It’s not one of those overly polished “here’s how to be successful in 10 steps” books. Jess talks about ambition, burnout, comparison, and figuring out what you actually want in a way that’s honest and super relatable. It feels more like getting advice from someone who’s been through it than being lectured by an expert.
The standout for me was the “make it moments” sprinkled throughout the book. They’re basically little pauses where you stop and turn what you just read into something personal. Instead of just nodding along, you actually think about how it applies to your own life—and maybe even do something about it. It made the whole experience feel way more interactive and useful, not just inspirational.
Overall, it’s motivating without being overwhelming, and refreshing without trying too hard. If you’re looking for something that gives you a new perspective on success—but still feels easy and enjoyable to read—this one’s definitely worth it.
I want to go get coffee with her and want to order whatever she’s having…
Read
April 2, 2026Making It Without Losing It: How to Stay Motivated in a World Where We Are Never Done by Jess Ekstrom offers a refreshing and much needed perspective on motivation in today’s fast paced, always on culture. Ekstrom challenges the idea that constant productivity equals success, instead guiding readers toward a more sustainable and balanced approach to ambition.
With clear insights and relatable guidance, the book speaks directly to those feeling overwhelmed by endless goals and expectations. Practical, thoughtful, and empowering, it provides a valuable framework for maintaining drive without sacrificing well being.
With clear insights and relatable guidance, the book speaks directly to those feeling overwhelmed by endless goals and expectations. Practical, thoughtful, and empowering, it provides a valuable framework for maintaining drive without sacrificing well being.
May 7, 2026
Ambition's not the problem, the pressure we attach to it is...
Jess Ekstrom’s Making It Without Losing It is wise, energizing, and exactly the book ambitious people need right now. Jess speaks to the questions many of us quietly wrestle with about success - and what it costs, especially since ambitious people are notorious for overpaying! Packed with usable tips and mindset shifts, this book helps you chase big goals without losing yourself along the way. Consider this *required reading*!
Jess Ekstrom’s Making It Without Losing It is wise, energizing, and exactly the book ambitious people need right now. Jess speaks to the questions many of us quietly wrestle with about success - and what it costs, especially since ambitious people are notorious for overpaying! Packed with usable tips and mindset shifts, this book helps you chase big goals without losing yourself along the way. Consider this *required reading*!
May 6, 2026
It was as if I’d shared my deepest, darkest secrets with the author and she responded with feedback and guidance. I plan to put a sticky note on my mirror that says “Oh well” — once you read it, you’ll understand. There are so many takeaways, but that simple one will stick with me. It’s filled with so many empowering mindset shifts. After reading this book, I felt like I could breathe.
June 14, 2026
I love this book. I read so much self-help and really found the views and concepts to be similar but unique. Jess adds a great take on everything and was so relatable. This was some great advice and definitely something I should pick up every so often as a reminder.
May 7, 2026
I learn so much from Jess- a good learning nugget around every page!
May 15, 2026
I don’t usually rate nonfiction books but this one deserves it.
Right book, right time. A must read.
Right book, right time. A must read.
July 7, 2026
What a GREAT read. Practical, relatable, and filled with memorable stories-plus-research anecdotes. Glad to see this awesome book from Jess Ekstrom hitting the USA Today Bestseller List!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews