What do you think?
Rate this book
StoryJacking: Change Your Inner Dialogue, Transform Your Life
Do you feel stuck and wish you were living in another story? You know the one, the story filled with happy relationships, where you love your career and have a sense of purpose as you make a life filled with meaning!
What stories are you telling yourself?
StoryJacking is a seven-step guide that offers a practical road map to your personal power. It is your doorway into profound self-awareness and the fundamental truth: You are whole, capable, resourceful, and creative. By getting curious, you can shift your brain from fear into learning and create the life you want.
Coach and therapist Lyssa Danehy deHart brings twenty plus years of experience working with her stories as well as the stories of thousands of clients. Lyssa teaches her clients how to write new and powerful stories. In StoryJacking she reveals how clients can connect to their authentic self as she unlocks some of the most powerful super-secrets of the universe.
Now she shares with you what you need to understand about your stories. How to navigate the inevitable plot twists that occur, be they large or small, so they won't stop you in your tracks. You'll learn how the way you view your life experiences comes from the stories you tell yourself.
Lyssa will help you understand your mind and support you as you get curious about your stories. She will empower you to build a toolbox of skills that supports you to transform your stories into successes.
It's time to recognize the connections between the stories you tell yourself and your anxiety, stress, worry, depression, and fear.
Are you ready to be free?
What stories are you telling yourself?
StoryJacking is a seven-step guide that offers a practical road map to your personal power. It is your doorway into profound self-awareness and the fundamental truth: You are whole, capable, resourceful, and creative. By getting curious, you can shift your brain from fear into learning and create the life you want.
Coach and therapist Lyssa Danehy deHart brings twenty plus years of experience working with her stories as well as the stories of thousands of clients. Lyssa teaches her clients how to write new and powerful stories. In StoryJacking she reveals how clients can connect to their authentic self as she unlocks some of the most powerful super-secrets of the universe.
Now she shares with you what you need to understand about your stories. How to navigate the inevitable plot twists that occur, be they large or small, so they won't stop you in your tracks. You'll learn how the way you view your life experiences comes from the stories you tell yourself.
Lyssa will help you understand your mind and support you as you get curious about your stories. She will empower you to build a toolbox of skills that supports you to transform your stories into successes.
It's time to recognize the connections between the stories you tell yourself and your anxiety, stress, worry, depression, and fear.
Are you ready to be free?
350 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2017
79 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Lyssa deHart
4 books23 followersLyssa Danehy deHart, LISCW, MCC is an author and transformational coach. With over 20 years of experience as a Therapist and a Coach.
Lyssa inspires her clients as she supports their personal and professional transformations. StoryJacking is about learning to grow yourself as a person of self-mastery by exploring your relationship to the stories you tell yourself. Then rewrite the narratives that don't support your dreams.
Lyssa lives on Bainbridge Island in WA with her husband and their dog Duffy.
Lyssa inspires her clients as she supports their personal and professional transformations. StoryJacking is about learning to grow yourself as a person of self-mastery by exploring your relationship to the stories you tell yourself. Then rewrite the narratives that don't support your dreams.
Lyssa lives on Bainbridge Island in WA with her husband and their dog Duffy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 15, 2017
Obviously, I am biased about this book. Not only in the Chapter 27 way of, "If You Have a Brain You're Biased." That's true too and also in that I feel I have done my best in the writing of StoryJacking. What I have tried to do is write the sort of book I would like to read. I have a great belief in the power of people to create meaningful change in their lives. I have 20+ years experience with people doing just that, creating meaningful changes.
I start this book with the premise that you are Whole, Capable, Resourceful and Creative. That you know yourself better than any other person ever can, and that from this internal sense of yourself, you are the perfect person to decide what you want your life to become. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else on the planet. You will have your longest and most intimate relationship with yourself. When you set your head upon your pillow each night, you will know if you lived the day, in a manner that makes you feel good about yourself, or if you are somehow out of alignment with your vision of who you want to be.
I want you, my reader, to leave StoryJacking empowered to do the work that will transform your relationship to the stories that you believe, have bought into, or accept, that are not useful. I want you to see that you have all you need to be curious about your stories, that you can learn tools that will support you, you can challenge your internal dialogue when it isn't helpful and that you can create a life of meaning.
I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have enjoyed creating it.
I start this book with the premise that you are Whole, Capable, Resourceful and Creative. That you know yourself better than any other person ever can, and that from this internal sense of yourself, you are the perfect person to decide what you want your life to become. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else on the planet. You will have your longest and most intimate relationship with yourself. When you set your head upon your pillow each night, you will know if you lived the day, in a manner that makes you feel good about yourself, or if you are somehow out of alignment with your vision of who you want to be.
I want you, my reader, to leave StoryJacking empowered to do the work that will transform your relationship to the stories that you believe, have bought into, or accept, that are not useful. I want you to see that you have all you need to be curious about your stories, that you can learn tools that will support you, you can challenge your internal dialogue when it isn't helpful and that you can create a life of meaning.
I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have enjoyed creating it.
June 22, 2017
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed (98and3/4 percent guaranteed.)" Be a hero of your story! This is a great book everyone should read. It is so inspiring and motivating. I can see so many years of hard work of Lyssa before she wrote this book, so many tools to change our internal conversation, believe in yourself, uplift, get busy, activate yourself, create the best version of yourself and live a happy and beautiful life! This is not something new, we know the concept, however it is very interesting to listen the way Lyssa talks. I absolutely loved Storyjacking and I highly recommend it!
Lyssa shares examples from her personal life, it felt like I was having a conversation with my best friend who was sharing her experiences, gave advices and tools, and I loved that you included the books you have read and discussed extracts/quotes from those works. I noted down them all, I want to use these tools and create my own beautiful story.
It's time to start Storyjacking.
Lyssa shares examples from her personal life, it felt like I was having a conversation with my best friend who was sharing her experiences, gave advices and tools, and I loved that you included the books you have read and discussed extracts/quotes from those works. I noted down them all, I want to use these tools and create my own beautiful story.
It's time to start Storyjacking.
October 10, 2017
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed (98and3/4 percent guaranteed.)” Be a hero of your story!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book, there are so many self-help books out there now but this one really stood out for me. I’ve coped with depression for as long as I remember and in the last few years have used medication, tried CBT and I’m currently thinking Counselling. The one thing I find very strange about the human being is our thought process. We never truly know what someone is thinking. We become confused when one task to us is simple and yet others can find it difficult. We each respond to events/situations differently and yet the solution is sometimes the same.
This little book is great for helping you decide what is best for you. Packed with quotes,tips and stories of what we can do and what can help provides a lovely little book that you can go back to time and time again. I read this straight through making notes to what I wanted to go back to. The bit I loved most was the exercises, soon to be available in pdf’s on the website, the book guides you through each exercise one step at a time.
So much pressure is put on us these days we forget the ability of just being still and this book reminds us of that. Not only the exercises mentioned above there is the act of mindfulness brought in. Again broken down to be able to fit into our busy lifestyles, to help us when we feel it’s all too much.
“My ability to work through my depression and anxiety will help other people.” Having a clear goal of where she was and where she was going and the work to get there”
Plot twist! how do you want to change your story?
This book is full of helpful advice. How to go on your own journey and explore who you are, looking at all the parts of you and either developing them or releasing them and becoming someone you love rather than hate/dislike as in most cases we do.
As the author says – ‘You are the key, your are the map and you are also the compass taking personal responsibilities of your feelings learning to be brave enough to love yourself and also calling yourself out on your nonsense is what it’s all about’
So go be Alice and start a new adventure and don’t forget to take this book with you.
“Curiouser and curiouser!” Cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).”
― Lewis Carroll,
And before I forget, my favourite quote of the book that stood out the most for me was this, it really fits with how I feel at this moment in time……
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
― Joseph Campbell
The website is here for more information: https://storyjacking.com/
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book, there are so many self-help books out there now but this one really stood out for me. I’ve coped with depression for as long as I remember and in the last few years have used medication, tried CBT and I’m currently thinking Counselling. The one thing I find very strange about the human being is our thought process. We never truly know what someone is thinking. We become confused when one task to us is simple and yet others can find it difficult. We each respond to events/situations differently and yet the solution is sometimes the same.
This little book is great for helping you decide what is best for you. Packed with quotes,tips and stories of what we can do and what can help provides a lovely little book that you can go back to time and time again. I read this straight through making notes to what I wanted to go back to. The bit I loved most was the exercises, soon to be available in pdf’s on the website, the book guides you through each exercise one step at a time.
So much pressure is put on us these days we forget the ability of just being still and this book reminds us of that. Not only the exercises mentioned above there is the act of mindfulness brought in. Again broken down to be able to fit into our busy lifestyles, to help us when we feel it’s all too much.
“My ability to work through my depression and anxiety will help other people.” Having a clear goal of where she was and where she was going and the work to get there”
Plot twist! how do you want to change your story?
This book is full of helpful advice. How to go on your own journey and explore who you are, looking at all the parts of you and either developing them or releasing them and becoming someone you love rather than hate/dislike as in most cases we do.
As the author says – ‘You are the key, your are the map and you are also the compass taking personal responsibilities of your feelings learning to be brave enough to love yourself and also calling yourself out on your nonsense is what it’s all about’
So go be Alice and start a new adventure and don’t forget to take this book with you.
“Curiouser and curiouser!” Cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).”
― Lewis Carroll,
And before I forget, my favourite quote of the book that stood out the most for me was this, it really fits with how I feel at this moment in time……
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
― Joseph Campbell
The website is here for more information: https://storyjacking.com/
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book.
October 2, 2017
I like the idea behind Storyjacking, that you can rewrite your inner dialogue and change your life for the better, however I was instantly sceptical; if life was that easy, none of us would have any problems. Granted this book may help people achieve betters ways of coping and achieving greater resilience, but I think on the whole it's a little too 'airy-fairy' for me. I'm very much from the evidence-based research frame of mind, and unless something is tried and tested and very much supported, I'll take it with a pinch of salt. Admittedly there are some usual tips and bits of advice in here, which may be a great help for some, but for me it just didn't do the job.
(Thanks NetGalley for this copy).
(Thanks NetGalley for this copy).
December 29, 2020
Okay so I typically steer clear from ~self help~ books and i never would have read this book if my mom hadn’t ordered it for me on Amazon because she came across it and the title “seemed like something I could benefit from.” Well she was right. The first half of the book was slow and redundant which is why it took me so long to finish. Section 2 and 3 really called me out and reminded me that I have way more power over my mind and the stories I’m telling myself than I think I do. It’s easy to wallow and feel stuck by these narratives. Lots of skills in here that are simple but not easy. I particularly enjoyed her bit on courage - the kind that is afraid but taking the leap anyway and the kind that chooses to have hope.
All in all I enjoyed and benefited from this book way more than I thought I would and will regularly be going back to my notes ☺️
All in all I enjoyed and benefited from this book way more than I thought I would and will regularly be going back to my notes ☺️
October 25, 2017
A book that draws on the power of narrative and especially self-created narratives. This text gave me much to think about in terms of my own philosophy, view of self, and my belief system.
There is a nicely developed framework that appears here, with practical suggestions and vivid examples to convey the message.
Although this is not always the type of book I go to, I am glad I gave this one a read.
There is a nicely developed framework that appears here, with practical suggestions and vivid examples to convey the message.
Although this is not always the type of book I go to, I am glad I gave this one a read.
June 24, 2020
Well written book for many reasons. The author started each chapter with fabulous quotes. Many of the stories within the chapters I had heard before but they were favorites and I didn't mind reading them again. I liked when deHart said, "When we repeat a story often enough, it becomes hardwired." It behooves me to consider what I am doing when I hear myself repeating a story over and over. Perhaps that story is keeping me stuck or playing small.
The book is inspirational for those who want to transform their lives to something better. I liked this quote towards the end of the book: "Take the opportunity to do some closet cleaning, gather up the limits you've placed upon yourself. Put them in a bag and leave them on the curb." Let's do it!
The book is inspirational for those who want to transform their lives to something better. I liked this quote towards the end of the book: "Take the opportunity to do some closet cleaning, gather up the limits you've placed upon yourself. Put them in a bag and leave them on the curb." Let's do it!
October 22, 2017
I was very fortunate to have received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Lyssa's vast experience as a counselor and a transformational coach certainly comes through in this book. I find it a valuable guide on a journey to self-improvement. I liked the many real life stories and anecdotes that she uses to demonstrate how we can change our stories. I will for sure return to the book as I try to implement Lyssa's advice and suggestions into my own life.
July 24, 2017
I received an e-copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. The author does a great job outlining simple, powerful ways to recognize, heal, and rewrite the stories we've created about our lives. I love the idea of StoryJacking and this book offers plenty of exercises to dig into the areas we would rather ignore, but need to focus on. I appreciated the thoughtful stories, both real world and fables, and corresponding exercises and insights. The sections I got the most from were about personalizing things (guilty!) and snapshot stories.
I recommend this book for anyone who's ready to move forward with their journey by owning their old stories and writing a new, healthier one.
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. The author does a great job outlining simple, powerful ways to recognize, heal, and rewrite the stories we've created about our lives. I love the idea of StoryJacking and this book offers plenty of exercises to dig into the areas we would rather ignore, but need to focus on. I appreciated the thoughtful stories, both real world and fables, and corresponding exercises and insights. The sections I got the most from were about personalizing things (guilty!) and snapshot stories.
I recommend this book for anyone who's ready to move forward with their journey by owning their old stories and writing a new, healthier one.
May 15, 2018
I had a hard time reading this book, and I'm honestly not sure why. I don't have any specific complaints about the writing, which was very conversational in tone, but I found myself getting bored or distracted if I tried to read more than a chapter or two at a time. Fortunately, the book is designed so that it actually works pretty well if you want to read one chapter at a time, do the exercises at the end of that chapter, and let that material sink in a bit before starting on the next chapter. So, if you're patient and enjoy workbook type material, this may work well for you.
I think how valuable this book is for you will also depend somewhat on how much reading you've done in the subject area (self-help, psychology, mindfulness). I thought many of the author's questions and suggestions were helpful, but very little of her content was new to me except for her personal stories, which just didn't resonate with me very much. While this book wasn't a great match for me, it may be that Ms. deHart's expression of these ideas is just what you need to hear. The ideas themselves are very useful, and if nothing else, it can sometimes be helpful to hear the same thing repeated in different ways until you've really assimilated that knowledge.
I did appreciate the author's discussion of healthy boundaries, and she had a nice metaphor in her discussion of internal versus external locus of control. I also liked her section on plot twists. And I thought the quotations at the start of each chapter were fun. There's also a nice reference section at the end.
In the About the Author section at the end of the book, there was a notice about downloading a companion workbook at the author's website. This PDF collection of graphics, worksheets, and questions from the book is a very nice accompaniment, particularly for the Kindle version. It will make it easier to work through the author's suggested exercises, and also serve as a good review later.
I've spent a lot of money on coaching and therapy over the years, and for some issues, you really should work with someone, but for many changes you might like to make in your life, I believe this StoryJacking program can provide you with all of the tools you will need. I would potentially recommend this for anyone who has the patience and determination to do the work; perhaps just take a look at the preview first to see if Ms. deHart's style appeals to you.
I requested and was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review. Because I have not seen the final published version, I cannot comment on the final editing and formatting. The ARC I received had a few editing and formatting errors, but it was an uncorrected proof, so hopefully those mistakes have been corrected.
I think how valuable this book is for you will also depend somewhat on how much reading you've done in the subject area (self-help, psychology, mindfulness). I thought many of the author's questions and suggestions were helpful, but very little of her content was new to me except for her personal stories, which just didn't resonate with me very much. While this book wasn't a great match for me, it may be that Ms. deHart's expression of these ideas is just what you need to hear. The ideas themselves are very useful, and if nothing else, it can sometimes be helpful to hear the same thing repeated in different ways until you've really assimilated that knowledge.
I did appreciate the author's discussion of healthy boundaries, and she had a nice metaphor in her discussion of internal versus external locus of control. I also liked her section on plot twists. And I thought the quotations at the start of each chapter were fun. There's also a nice reference section at the end.
In the About the Author section at the end of the book, there was a notice about downloading a companion workbook at the author's website. This PDF collection of graphics, worksheets, and questions from the book is a very nice accompaniment, particularly for the Kindle version. It will make it easier to work through the author's suggested exercises, and also serve as a good review later.
I've spent a lot of money on coaching and therapy over the years, and for some issues, you really should work with someone, but for many changes you might like to make in your life, I believe this StoryJacking program can provide you with all of the tools you will need. I would potentially recommend this for anyone who has the patience and determination to do the work; perhaps just take a look at the preview first to see if Ms. deHart's style appeals to you.
I requested and was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review. Because I have not seen the final published version, I cannot comment on the final editing and formatting. The ARC I received had a few editing and formatting errors, but it was an uncorrected proof, so hopefully those mistakes have been corrected.
October 27, 2017
This is the book for you if you desire to develop your self awareness and take a look at the stories you are telling yourself. As the author herself writes, "Storyjacking is all about evolving into the person you want to become and having the support that challenges you to live for more".
The author guides you through many interesting tools, specialized techniques, exercises and thoughtful insights with a joyful dose of humor. I especially loved her super secrets of the universe. I found the personal stories she shares very helpful.
I want to live for more and believe we are all capable of doing just that. Under the You Are Whole section when you read the chapter on neuroplasticity you know anything is possible. I’ve been on my personal journey for years and have found that when I challenge myself and my beliefs, take a look inward and get curious, I grow my understanding of myself and have a more compassionate view of others. I’ve read many authors in this literary genre from Brene Brown, Wayne Dyer, Rick Hanson, Nirmala, just to name a few.
I can highly recommend StoryJacking! And wish you the best in changing your stories!
The author guides you through many interesting tools, specialized techniques, exercises and thoughtful insights with a joyful dose of humor. I especially loved her super secrets of the universe. I found the personal stories she shares very helpful.
I want to live for more and believe we are all capable of doing just that. Under the You Are Whole section when you read the chapter on neuroplasticity you know anything is possible. I’ve been on my personal journey for years and have found that when I challenge myself and my beliefs, take a look inward and get curious, I grow my understanding of myself and have a more compassionate view of others. I’ve read many authors in this literary genre from Brene Brown, Wayne Dyer, Rick Hanson, Nirmala, just to name a few.
I can highly recommend StoryJacking! And wish you the best in changing your stories!
September 1, 2019
You CAN Change Your Life!
This book is the next best thing to hiring your own coach. It will teach and guide you to become aware of your inner dialogue, be curious about it instead of judgmental, and if you're behaving in negative way toward others or yourself, it will help you change your behavior, step by step. As a coach myself, I was amazed at how jam-packed this book was with tips, tools, and questions to take you from disillusioned and self-serving to enlightened and productive. You can fall in love with life again if you change your perspective, and this book will show you how. The author is a transformational coach herself, who has dealt with clients' issues ranging from office politics to romantic distress to full-blown PTSD. She peppers her advice with her own stories and inner wisdim. So face your fears, jump over your resistance, and buy this life-changing book.
This book is the next best thing to hiring your own coach. It will teach and guide you to become aware of your inner dialogue, be curious about it instead of judgmental, and if you're behaving in negative way toward others or yourself, it will help you change your behavior, step by step. As a coach myself, I was amazed at how jam-packed this book was with tips, tools, and questions to take you from disillusioned and self-serving to enlightened and productive. You can fall in love with life again if you change your perspective, and this book will show you how. The author is a transformational coach herself, who has dealt with clients' issues ranging from office politics to romantic distress to full-blown PTSD. She peppers her advice with her own stories and inner wisdim. So face your fears, jump over your resistance, and buy this life-changing book.
September 10, 2019
Well researched, with a good blend of humour and personal anecdotes, StoryJacking helps us reconnect with our innate power to change and move forward. DeHart's writing is engaging, to the point. Her message is clear: you have the power to change your life through the stories you choose to tell yourself, the ones you ignore and mostly, the ones you are willing to change. She offers a good choice of tools that will help the reader StoryJack their narrative. As a life and business coach, I will definitely recommend to my clients.
February 11, 2021
Challenge accepted
Ever wonder how you got to be the way you are? Ever feel angry or stuck in a rut? DeHart challenges us to examine our lives and the stories we have about ourselves. And to change our stories.
Ever wonder how you got to be the way you are? Ever feel angry or stuck in a rut? DeHart challenges us to examine our lives and the stories we have about ourselves. And to change our stories.
Read
January 14, 2026Recommended/lent to me by Hannah. My favorite part was her notes and underlines :’)
November 16, 2017
toryJacking is a seven-step guide that offers a practical road map to your personal power. It is your doorway into profound self-awareness and the fundamental truth: You are whole, capable, resourceful, and creative. By getting curious, you can shift your brain from fear into learning and create the life you want.
I thought this was a good and useful book; it is jam-packed with information, stories and ideas. Lots of great suggestions. I agree that the stories that we tell ourselves about our life can be powerful and we need to pay attention to them.
I did find it jumped around a lot, from thought to thought and chapter to chapter. I would have found it beneficial to have the book more streamlined and focused. I didn't realize it was a 7 step guide. There are so many chapters, each only a few pages long. About halfway through, I became overwhelmed with details and had to skim the rest of the book. If someone was disciplined about reading and doing the exercises it would be worthwhile.
Thanks to NetGalley and Aviva Publishing for the Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
I thought this was a good and useful book; it is jam-packed with information, stories and ideas. Lots of great suggestions. I agree that the stories that we tell ourselves about our life can be powerful and we need to pay attention to them.
I did find it jumped around a lot, from thought to thought and chapter to chapter. I would have found it beneficial to have the book more streamlined and focused. I didn't realize it was a 7 step guide. There are so many chapters, each only a few pages long. About halfway through, I became overwhelmed with details and had to skim the rest of the book. If someone was disciplined about reading and doing the exercises it would be worthwhile.
Thanks to NetGalley and Aviva Publishing for the Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews