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Pull It Off: Removing Your Fears and Putting On Confidence
Do you ever feel stuck because of other's expectations of you? Learn to embrace your authentic self and let go of fear. Only then can you step out in bravery, confidence, and brilliance.
"I could never pull that off!"
How many times have we heard that? How many times have we felt that? Well, if artist and musician Julianna Zobrist had a dollar for every time she heard that, she'd be worth her weight in gold.
Notorious for her daring fashion and bold creative perspective, Julianna digs deep into her own life to expose why we feel we can't "pull it off." Whether it's fashion, creative expression, parenting, marriage, or daring to go 100 percent at a career, the greatest negative force you will fight against is yourself.
In Pull it Off , Julianna reveals how we can be transparent and vulnerable and yet secure and confident enough to walk through life facing our fears.
Pull it Off is broken into three parts that address the issues of authority, identity, and security, to reveal the root issue of where our fears stem from. Julianna walks readers through how to maximize our true identities and lean into our unique gifts due to a grounded belief in our acceptance of others, our acceptance by God, and ultimately, the acceptance of ourselves.
When we are secure, we believe we are worthwhile and can, indeed, pull it off!
"I could never pull that off!"
How many times have we heard that? How many times have we felt that? Well, if artist and musician Julianna Zobrist had a dollar for every time she heard that, she'd be worth her weight in gold.
Notorious for her daring fashion and bold creative perspective, Julianna digs deep into her own life to expose why we feel we can't "pull it off." Whether it's fashion, creative expression, parenting, marriage, or daring to go 100 percent at a career, the greatest negative force you will fight against is yourself.
In Pull it Off , Julianna reveals how we can be transparent and vulnerable and yet secure and confident enough to walk through life facing our fears.
Pull it Off is broken into three parts that address the issues of authority, identity, and security, to reveal the root issue of where our fears stem from. Julianna walks readers through how to maximize our true identities and lean into our unique gifts due to a grounded belief in our acceptance of others, our acceptance by God, and ultimately, the acceptance of ourselves.
When we are secure, we believe we are worthwhile and can, indeed, pull it off!
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 18, 2018
23 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 21, 2018
Be yourself! We see those reminders to do just that--but then we also feel a pull to be like everyone else in our society. Pull It Off by Julianna Zobrist reminds women that we are all created to be unique individuals and we should indeed, "be ourselves."
Pull It Off has a bit of a different writing style from any other book. Zobrist truly has her own voice in this book. She starts out with an introduction of who she is. She has divided the book into three parts: Authority, Identity, and Security. She wants to help women see where the root of their fears start and how they make decisions based on fear instead of listening to God. Then in the indentity section she reminds women that their identity won't be found in their image or their success. Instead, it will be found in living a life of the purpose God made you for and remembering He approves of you regardless of anything else going on. After remembering that God is in your corner, in the security section, Zobrist encourages women to be secure in His love and who you are enough to make decisions that really matter to you alone. Then, she says you will care less about the things that really don't matter much in this life and instead remain secure in God's love and living uniquely for Him.
I wasn't familiar with Julianna Zobrist before reading Pull It Off. I did think it was neat to read that she is also from Iowa, my home state. I was a bit surprised at the tone of this book in that she is often blunt and to the point. Yet, I liked that too. I wasn't left wondering what point she was trying to get across to me, the reader. Sometimes she does say things a bit "in your face." However, maybe that is how some people need to hear it. I especially think this book will appeal to twenty and thirty something women. I know I could have used this sort of encouragement at that age.
#Sponsored by FaithWords
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Pull It Off has a bit of a different writing style from any other book. Zobrist truly has her own voice in this book. She starts out with an introduction of who she is. She has divided the book into three parts: Authority, Identity, and Security. She wants to help women see where the root of their fears start and how they make decisions based on fear instead of listening to God. Then in the indentity section she reminds women that their identity won't be found in their image or their success. Instead, it will be found in living a life of the purpose God made you for and remembering He approves of you regardless of anything else going on. After remembering that God is in your corner, in the security section, Zobrist encourages women to be secure in His love and who you are enough to make decisions that really matter to you alone. Then, she says you will care less about the things that really don't matter much in this life and instead remain secure in God's love and living uniquely for Him.
I wasn't familiar with Julianna Zobrist before reading Pull It Off. I did think it was neat to read that she is also from Iowa, my home state. I was a bit surprised at the tone of this book in that she is often blunt and to the point. Yet, I liked that too. I wasn't left wondering what point she was trying to get across to me, the reader. Sometimes she does say things a bit "in your face." However, maybe that is how some people need to hear it. I especially think this book will appeal to twenty and thirty something women. I know I could have used this sort of encouragement at that age.
#Sponsored by FaithWords
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
September 24, 2018
If God asked me to do something unusual, something out of my comfort zone, would I do it? Would I be paralyzed by fear? Would I wonder what other people might think more than what God thought?
Zobrist is no longer bound by such fear and she wants her readers to have that same freedom. She wants to help us to find the origin of our fears and then maximize our true identities in Christ. We can then act with confidence, being creative and expressive. She looks at authority (why our decisions should be between us and God), identity (ours should be in Christ alone), and security (in God's love for us and how He created us).
The book includes many stories to illustrate her teaching. Most are from her own life but she includes examples from the Bible and other sources too.
There is a ton of encouragement in this book but what is missing is a practical strategy for actually working out what Zobrist teaches. There are no questions to ponder, no action steps to take (other than on buying the fashions you like).
And you may be a little confused, as I was, about the difference between identity and image. Our identity is secure in Christ but we are apparently free to embellish our image with bleached hair and fashionable clothes (as she herself does). Never mind Paul's admonition that women are to dress modestly and not have elaborate hairstyles. (I Tim. 2:9) And if I really have confidence in how God created me, why would I change my hair color?
This is a book for young career age women worried about fashion or fitting into society's concepts of beauty and acceptance. Older readers like this senior citizen might find some of the issues included ones dealt with long ago. Zobrist did inspire me, however, to take another look at a project I have been contemplating for years. Maybe I will pull it off.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Zobrist is no longer bound by such fear and she wants her readers to have that same freedom. She wants to help us to find the origin of our fears and then maximize our true identities in Christ. We can then act with confidence, being creative and expressive. She looks at authority (why our decisions should be between us and God), identity (ours should be in Christ alone), and security (in God's love for us and how He created us).
The book includes many stories to illustrate her teaching. Most are from her own life but she includes examples from the Bible and other sources too.
There is a ton of encouragement in this book but what is missing is a practical strategy for actually working out what Zobrist teaches. There are no questions to ponder, no action steps to take (other than on buying the fashions you like).
And you may be a little confused, as I was, about the difference between identity and image. Our identity is secure in Christ but we are apparently free to embellish our image with bleached hair and fashionable clothes (as she herself does). Never mind Paul's admonition that women are to dress modestly and not have elaborate hairstyles. (I Tim. 2:9) And if I really have confidence in how God created me, why would I change my hair color?
This is a book for young career age women worried about fashion or fitting into society's concepts of beauty and acceptance. Older readers like this senior citizen might find some of the issues included ones dealt with long ago. Zobrist did inspire me, however, to take another look at a project I have been contemplating for years. Maybe I will pull it off.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 10, 2019
I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.
0-not-to-read-or-did-not-finish
May 17, 2019Due to the author's connection with the Chicago Cubs, I noticed this book when it came out last fall, including this interview with Julianna Zobrist...
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news...
But the content of the book seemed like showboat Christian evangelicalism, kind of insipid, with a similar though less popular message as Girl, Wash your Face by Rachel Hollis, so I just let it wander by. I think in the back of my mind, I reasoned that if I was going to read a book by the Zobrist's, it would be their biography, Double Play.
However, with news this week that Ms. Zobrist is ending her marriage and thus separating from the Chicago Cubs, I am now moving this to the Books I've Decided Not To Read Shelf. I will confess to being grieved by the break up of the marriage, as the Zobrist's have been outspoken Christians throughout their 14ish years as a family in baseball and through the many cities for which Mr. Zobrist has successfully played (notably Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Chicago). I'm saddened to see their witness undermined by their divorce, but also the revelation of the pain in their lives and the impact on their 3 children. I'm not saying I'm interested in knowing the details of what happened in the Zobrist's marriage (their actions speak enough), nor am I assigning all blame to Ms. Zobrist, I think we all know marriage and divorce are shared responsibilities.
"Do you ever feel stuck because of other's expectations of you? Learn to embrace your authentic self and let go of fear. Only then can you step out in bravery, confidence, and brilliance." Marketing copy for Pull it Off: Removing Your Fears and Putting on Confidence
But Ms. Zobrist's action of initiating a divorce, especially taking such an action not a full year after the publication of a book containing this subject matter, provides reason for caution. And that caution has solidified my desire to remove it from consideration for my to-read.
Concurrently, I was in an on-line discussion this week where a letter was recommended as helpful in pondering purpose and meaning in life. The letter was written by an author who committed suicide years later. There was vigorous debate for and against the value of his counsel. I felt the author's end story undermined their comments about meaning in life, and I'm seeing a similar theme in my feelings here.
Do you think someone's actions affect the validity of their counsel?
Girl, Wash Your Face, Hollis,
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news...
But the content of the book seemed like showboat Christian evangelicalism, kind of insipid, with a similar though less popular message as Girl, Wash your Face by Rachel Hollis, so I just let it wander by. I think in the back of my mind, I reasoned that if I was going to read a book by the Zobrist's, it would be their biography, Double Play.
However, with news this week that Ms. Zobrist is ending her marriage and thus separating from the Chicago Cubs, I am now moving this to the Books I've Decided Not To Read Shelf. I will confess to being grieved by the break up of the marriage, as the Zobrist's have been outspoken Christians throughout their 14ish years as a family in baseball and through the many cities for which Mr. Zobrist has successfully played (notably Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Chicago). I'm saddened to see their witness undermined by their divorce, but also the revelation of the pain in their lives and the impact on their 3 children. I'm not saying I'm interested in knowing the details of what happened in the Zobrist's marriage (their actions speak enough), nor am I assigning all blame to Ms. Zobrist, I think we all know marriage and divorce are shared responsibilities.
"Do you ever feel stuck because of other's expectations of you? Learn to embrace your authentic self and let go of fear. Only then can you step out in bravery, confidence, and brilliance." Marketing copy for Pull it Off: Removing Your Fears and Putting on Confidence
But Ms. Zobrist's action of initiating a divorce, especially taking such an action not a full year after the publication of a book containing this subject matter, provides reason for caution. And that caution has solidified my desire to remove it from consideration for my to-read.
Concurrently, I was in an on-line discussion this week where a letter was recommended as helpful in pondering purpose and meaning in life. The letter was written by an author who committed suicide years later. There was vigorous debate for and against the value of his counsel. I felt the author's end story undermined their comments about meaning in life, and I'm seeing a similar theme in my feelings here.
Do you think someone's actions affect the validity of their counsel?
Girl, Wash Your Face, Hollis,
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 5, 2018
`Pull It Off` is a Christian living book by author Julianna Zobrist. Julianna Zobrist writes to convict, not condemn. She wills that the reader live the life God planned for them. Don’t live your life trying to be who you think others want you to be.
The part I enjoyed most was in chapter twelve where the author encourages the married reader to have fun with their spouse. In fact, Julianna encourages adding fun to your life. One way she has fun is the bright, colorful clothes she wears.
I learned about the false consensus effect which increases false self-esteem. We assume we must be okay because everyone else is doing it. We love the idea of seamlessly fitting into a preexisting stamp of approval. Whether it’s right for us or not.
My lasting impression of the author is that she is a fun person and who dresses fun. I love the cover because it is so colorful it caught my eye. I would recommend this book to readers who want to add fun to their life.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
The part I enjoyed most was in chapter twelve where the author encourages the married reader to have fun with their spouse. In fact, Julianna encourages adding fun to your life. One way she has fun is the bright, colorful clothes she wears.
I learned about the false consensus effect which increases false self-esteem. We assume we must be okay because everyone else is doing it. We love the idea of seamlessly fitting into a preexisting stamp of approval. Whether it’s right for us or not.
My lasting impression of the author is that she is a fun person and who dresses fun. I love the cover because it is so colorful it caught my eye. I would recommend this book to readers who want to add fun to their life.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
March 31, 2019
Pull It Off by Julianna Zobrist is an eye-opening read. Julianna Zobrist, music artist, fashionista, and speaker writes about fears and where they come from. With a vulnerable and wise voice, Mrs. Zobrist speaks from the heart of her own challenges with fear and how she met each challenge with her faith. Mrs. Zobrist takes us on a journey into accepting who we are as God’s children, who He made us to be and accepting ourselves.
A few points that Mrs. Zobrist makes in this book I found to be very powerful. She states that the power of our words can have a tremendous effect that can impact what we believe of ourselves. Mrs. Zobrist also points out that we were the intention of God to fulfill a purpose He has ordained for each of us. These are very important points for every woman to hear as through our journey through life, it is easy to forget Whose we are and how the power of our words can hurt us.
I recommend this book to every woman; whether you are young in your faith or have had your faith tested. Julianna Zobrist speaks to the heart of every woman of faith with truth, honesty, and faith. This book is truly inspiring!
Happy Reading!
This review has been #SponsoredByFaithWords
Note: I have received a copy of this book from Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review. #SponsoredByFaithWords
A few points that Mrs. Zobrist makes in this book I found to be very powerful. She states that the power of our words can have a tremendous effect that can impact what we believe of ourselves. Mrs. Zobrist also points out that we were the intention of God to fulfill a purpose He has ordained for each of us. These are very important points for every woman to hear as through our journey through life, it is easy to forget Whose we are and how the power of our words can hurt us.
I recommend this book to every woman; whether you are young in your faith or have had your faith tested. Julianna Zobrist speaks to the heart of every woman of faith with truth, honesty, and faith. This book is truly inspiring!
Happy Reading!
This review has been #SponsoredByFaithWords
Note: I have received a copy of this book from Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review. #SponsoredByFaithWords
October 17, 2025
This is not a terrible book by any measurement. She is certainly her own person and was not afraid to dress and act like she wanted no matter what people said about her. Ben, her former husband and baseball star and Julianna had at one point what looked like from the outside a glamourous and successful marriage. Unfortunately, not too long after this book came out, they separated, and each filed for divorce. I have no idea if both have recovered from this very public split, but life goes on I am sure for them and their three kids. Ironically, in this book she talks about the high divorce rate among professional baseball players and how her and "Benny" were attempting to overcome those odds. Apparently, something did not work. I do like though that she dives into a Bible word study every now and again in the book that is sound and teaches you an application from the Word of God (i.e. - chapter 8 on Matthew 5:48 and the Greek origin of the word "perfect" - or telos which means to be whole and also means having reached its end and completion). Some of her other thoughts are out there and feels disjointed to me but I have to consider she is writing to the female audience. Overall, it did not take me long to read, and it satisfied my curiosity about her to some degree.
September 28, 2018
Empowering Christianity is what Julianna is trying to push through her book, Pull It Off. She organizes the book with three sections; Authority, Identity, and Security. I personally found the first section about Authority the most interesting. In this section there are a few analogies that I connected with and feel like a large audience of women can connect with. There are a lot of biblical references and random stories that she tries to connect with to make her point, but admittedly I lost interest fast when those started, and that happened frequently in this book.
In the last section she is mostly just describing who she is and that it is ok for everyone else to show their individualism and different ways she thinks the reader can do that. I wouldn’t recommend this book to someone who doesn’t usually read non fiction books or doesn’t enjoy them usually. Overall, I only liked a few points of this book and it was not my favorite. I received an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
In the last section she is mostly just describing who she is and that it is ok for everyone else to show their individualism and different ways she thinks the reader can do that. I wouldn’t recommend this book to someone who doesn’t usually read non fiction books or doesn’t enjoy them usually. Overall, I only liked a few points of this book and it was not my favorite. I received an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2018
#sponsored by faithwords
How many times have you ever thought " I could never pull that off?" That is exactly the question Julianna Zobrist had dug deep into. She isn't afraid to find out why we feel we can't "pull something off." She is willing to ask the tough questions to get readers to be more transparent, to be vulnerable and to face the things that make us most afraid.
I love how Julianna attacks authority, security and identity in this book. Not only does she go after those three things, but she goes after the deeper root, which helps us find our true identity, which is rooted in Christ. I think we can all be positive thinkers and we are all dandelions full of purpose even if we don't think we are. We are! We are created for big things! I love this book and think it is full of great wisdom. I highly recommend this read and think you will enjoy this book. I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
How many times have you ever thought " I could never pull that off?" That is exactly the question Julianna Zobrist had dug deep into. She isn't afraid to find out why we feel we can't "pull something off." She is willing to ask the tough questions to get readers to be more transparent, to be vulnerable and to face the things that make us most afraid.
I love how Julianna attacks authority, security and identity in this book. Not only does she go after those three things, but she goes after the deeper root, which helps us find our true identity, which is rooted in Christ. I think we can all be positive thinkers and we are all dandelions full of purpose even if we don't think we are. We are! We are created for big things! I love this book and think it is full of great wisdom. I highly recommend this read and think you will enjoy this book. I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
May 2, 2019
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
"The work of our human nature is fear, but the work of God is courage."
"Emotions are not the condition. They are merely the symptom. In other words, emotions aren't the imperatives; they're not your boss. They're indicatives; they're reports."
"Being sober-minded is...to be clear-headed, able to walk the line of truth and error, and bring clarity and truth to the road map of emotions."
"If emotions are like the needle on the compass of your heart, sober-mindedness is the ability to read the compass and know which direction you are headed."
"The longing for the divine while living human lives is the pulling force of tension that will bring us closer to God, not to pride."
"He is a God who saves and regains us from the broken world. He is a God who allows us to grow from our pain, to learn from our mistakes, and to change and flourish into a work of art that can bring hope amidst chaos. Our God is defined by His constant redemption."
"The work of our human nature is fear, but the work of God is courage."
"Emotions are not the condition. They are merely the symptom. In other words, emotions aren't the imperatives; they're not your boss. They're indicatives; they're reports."
"Being sober-minded is...to be clear-headed, able to walk the line of truth and error, and bring clarity and truth to the road map of emotions."
"If emotions are like the needle on the compass of your heart, sober-mindedness is the ability to read the compass and know which direction you are headed."
"The longing for the divine while living human lives is the pulling force of tension that will bring us closer to God, not to pride."
"He is a God who saves and regains us from the broken world. He is a God who allows us to grow from our pain, to learn from our mistakes, and to change and flourish into a work of art that can bring hope amidst chaos. Our God is defined by His constant redemption."
August 18, 2021
I liked the main message of this book about being yourself and being comfortable with who you are. A lot of great points were made in this book and I enjoyed it! I also thought the way the author wrote about her husband was super cute and liked that she gave examples of how their marriage stays working because they both make an effort to love each other. However, then I googled her and every article I saw was about their upcoming divorce because she was supposedly unfaithful so that was a real bummer to know as I continued to read the book. But overall, the strong message about self confidence and self expression is great!
December 31, 2018
My granddaughter, a social work major and senior at Liberty University, read and wrote this review.
“I loved this book and I wish Julianna was my best friend! She was humble and vulnerable.
Zobrist provides great insight and real-life application.
I would recommend to readers asking the question "who am I and why am I here," as it asks great questions about developing one’s intrinsic identity, which in our culture seems to get lost.
Such an encouragement!”
“I loved this book and I wish Julianna was my best friend! She was humble and vulnerable.
Zobrist provides great insight and real-life application.
I would recommend to readers asking the question "who am I and why am I here," as it asks great questions about developing one’s intrinsic identity, which in our culture seems to get lost.
Such an encouragement!”
August 31, 2018
#Sponsored by Faith Words. Love your style and learn to appreciate the style of others. That is the message of this book, and I believe this message is going to change the world when we actually take it to heart. Julianna's vibrant and joyful personality are evident in the pages of this book. Having her as an example of confidence in the face of fear and insecurity is such a blessing!
August 23, 2019
This is a book I really want to like - the author's message is positive and encouraging - but for whatever reason, I just haven't been able to get into the book. Preview before buying - hopefully the author's style will be a better fit for you!
September 3, 2018
3.5 Stars
January 9, 2019
So good. Full of wisdom and encouragement, just what my soul needed. Julianna wrote with grace, kindness intelligence, humor and relatability. Love this book
September 17, 2018
#SponsoredbyFaithWords
Julianna Zobrist addresses the thought we all have at one time or another: I could never pull that off! Zobrist goes on to show in her book that, yes, you can!
I didn’t know much about Zobrist before reading this book, other than the fact that her husband is Ben Zobrist. Julianna’s personality shines through in this book. She’s vulnerable, funny, and relatable. She wants to help the reader gain confidence to face their fears.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Julianna Zobrist addresses the thought we all have at one time or another: I could never pull that off! Zobrist goes on to show in her book that, yes, you can!
I didn’t know much about Zobrist before reading this book, other than the fact that her husband is Ben Zobrist. Julianna’s personality shines through in this book. She’s vulnerable, funny, and relatable. She wants to help the reader gain confidence to face their fears.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
November 23, 2018
Powerful, poignant & praise-worthy. Live a life of the purpose God made you for and remembering He approves of you. Remembering that God is in your corner, is one aspect that she talks about.
Julianna Zobrist is often blunt and to the point and I liked that. I really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this book.
Julianna Zobrist is often blunt and to the point and I liked that. I really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews