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Beginner's Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now
"Brave, practical, and true, Liz shares her magical journey for anyone brave enough (and generous enough) to want to go on the journey of a lifetime."-- Seth Godin
***
Start building a life of purpose, passion, and lasting impact today
Hate to break it to you, but you're never going to "find your passion." Why? Because your passion and purpose are something you create --actively--day by day. How? Glad you asked.
In her signature tell-it-like-it-is fashion, entrepreneur Liz Forkin Bohannon shows you how to cultivate the mindsets that will help you live like you were made on purpose and for a purpose. Sharing the hilarious and heartbreaking stories of her own screwups and successes, Liz shows you how to
· embrace your Inner Beginner
· dream small
· choose curiosity over criticism
· own your average
· and so much more
It's within your power to build a life of purpose, passion, and impact. All you need is a little bit of pluck!
***
"I met Liz more than a decade ago in Gulu, Uganda. Beginner's Pluck is a thoughtful book about what Liz has been strategically doing in the world, not merely optimistically hoping for. Her authentic voice is one I trust because I've seen what she's done. As you flip these pages, you won't want to be more like Liz. Instead, you'll want to figure out what your next steps are to release your passions, hopes, and love into a world which is in desperate need of someone just like you to engage it."-- Bob Goff , hon. consul for the Republic of Uganda and author New York Times bestsellers Love Does and Everybody Always
"I am SO VERY GLAD this book exists. We have long needed Liz's expert voice speaking into the minds of dreamers and doers, the ones who have the ideas and want to execute, and the ones who are exhaustedly executing. We want purpose in our day, and Liz does it with her life and teaches it here."-- Annie F. Downs , bestselling author of 100 Days to Brave and Remember God
***
Start building a life of purpose, passion, and lasting impact today
Hate to break it to you, but you're never going to "find your passion." Why? Because your passion and purpose are something you create --actively--day by day. How? Glad you asked.
In her signature tell-it-like-it-is fashion, entrepreneur Liz Forkin Bohannon shows you how to cultivate the mindsets that will help you live like you were made on purpose and for a purpose. Sharing the hilarious and heartbreaking stories of her own screwups and successes, Liz shows you how to
· embrace your Inner Beginner
· dream small
· choose curiosity over criticism
· own your average
· and so much more
It's within your power to build a life of purpose, passion, and impact. All you need is a little bit of pluck!
***
"I met Liz more than a decade ago in Gulu, Uganda. Beginner's Pluck is a thoughtful book about what Liz has been strategically doing in the world, not merely optimistically hoping for. Her authentic voice is one I trust because I've seen what she's done. As you flip these pages, you won't want to be more like Liz. Instead, you'll want to figure out what your next steps are to release your passions, hopes, and love into a world which is in desperate need of someone just like you to engage it."-- Bob Goff , hon. consul for the Republic of Uganda and author New York Times bestsellers Love Does and Everybody Always
"I am SO VERY GLAD this book exists. We have long needed Liz's expert voice speaking into the minds of dreamers and doers, the ones who have the ideas and want to execute, and the ones who are exhaustedly executing. We want purpose in our day, and Liz does it with her life and teaches it here."-- Annie F. Downs , bestselling author of 100 Days to Brave and Remember God
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2019
186 people are currently reading
2312 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
August 12, 2019
After hearing her speak at Global Leadership Summit I decided to grab one of her books before they sold out. She is an incredible speaker and was probably the best in the lineup. I could have listened to her for another hour. Her book expresses her life and ideas very well, similar to the talk. She uses a remarkable amount of vulnerability and courage to live a story that speaks out against injustice. She’s not the type of Feminist who you roll your eyes at because they’re delusional and attack men (which I want to read more women books to defeat my stereotype), but she has a heart to see opportunities for the unprivileged change by taking action that starts small. Start with 1 person. Her innovative heart helps us all to change the way we see ourselves and others, and gets us on the right track to pursue dreams in a realistic manner. Dream small, walk one another home.
August 1, 2019
As a huge admirer of Liz and the Sseko business model, to the extent that I literally moved to East Africa be overturned by entrepreneurship over charity, getting an advanced copy of this book was pretty thrilling!
But the excitement was only the beginning. Because this book far exceeds the expectations that I had. What I anticipated to be something along the lines of the Sseko story is actually an extremely motivational, real-life, oftentimes painfully raw (I know that sounds cliche, but it's true so I'm saying it anyway) push to move forward and stop searching for your purpose and start creating it.
Having a personality polar opposite to Liz (I'm an 84% introvert and a planner, not a doer), her stories of pluck are crazy enough to give me a push out of my comfort zone with the hopes that each step outside will stray a little bit farther.
This book epitomizes the theme of Be Brave.
But the excitement was only the beginning. Because this book far exceeds the expectations that I had. What I anticipated to be something along the lines of the Sseko story is actually an extremely motivational, real-life, oftentimes painfully raw (I know that sounds cliche, but it's true so I'm saying it anyway) push to move forward and stop searching for your purpose and start creating it.
Having a personality polar opposite to Liz (I'm an 84% introvert and a planner, not a doer), her stories of pluck are crazy enough to give me a push out of my comfort zone with the hopes that each step outside will stray a little bit farther.
This book epitomizes the theme of Be Brave.
September 1, 2019
I did not want this book to end! Beginner’s Pluck is not your “run of the mill” business / self-help / motivational book. This is a book that is just as much an incredibly hilarious, emotional, heart-wrenching, soul-inspiring memoir as it is a challenging and equipping message that gives actionable steps for someone to walk away feeling ready to live a life of purpose and passion. It’s. Just. So. Good. I can’t recommend this book enough! Do not hesitate for a moment. Run, do not walk, to buy this book.
Liz, you’re amazing and the way you build community that empowers and equips is unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. You truly exist to shine the light on Jesus and others and I’m grateful for your voice!
Liz, you’re amazing and the way you build community that empowers and equips is unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. You truly exist to shine the light on Jesus and others and I’m grateful for your voice!
August 12, 2019
I don't give a 5 star review unless, after I'm done reading, I hold the book to my chest to breathe in the goodness and mourn its ending. After I turned the last page of Beginner's Pluck, I unconsciously held it to my chest to breathe it in.
I don't usually care for non-fiction books as one chapter in, I'm usually beating myself up about how short I fall from the mark. This book made me laugh throughout, while building my sense of pluck, and inspiring me all the while.
Five stars. No doubt.
I don't usually care for non-fiction books as one chapter in, I'm usually beating myself up about how short I fall from the mark. This book made me laugh throughout, while building my sense of pluck, and inspiring me all the while.
Five stars. No doubt.
August 17, 2019
I honestly can’t remember the last time I gave a book a 5 star review.
But this book. This book stayed with me every time I set it down. I thought about what Liz said constantly. It made me ask myself hard questions. It made me consider my dreams and passions. It showed me that the small dreams and baby steps are the way we accomplish big dreams and giant steps.
Liz’s down to earth, cheerful, spunky writing is inspiring. Her stories are blended with poignant lessons to help you own your average and embrace your fear as you move toward a purpose filled, passion filled life of impact.
But this book. This book stayed with me every time I set it down. I thought about what Liz said constantly. It made me ask myself hard questions. It made me consider my dreams and passions. It showed me that the small dreams and baby steps are the way we accomplish big dreams and giant steps.
Liz’s down to earth, cheerful, spunky writing is inspiring. Her stories are blended with poignant lessons to help you own your average and embrace your fear as you move toward a purpose filled, passion filled life of impact.
October 4, 2019
Beginner's Pluck. At the first sound of this title, I actually thought I misheard and the speaker meant to say Luck.
I mean what in the world is PLUCK?
Thank you Google dictionary : taking hold of something and quickly removing, quickly removing from danger or unpleasantness, the heart, liver and lungs of an animal used as food..... Ewwww, still not making sense.... And then, "spirited and determined courage".... A-HA, there it is, I now have a new word in my vocabulary (that I would probably NEVER use)
Oh, how wrong I was.....
Beginner's Pluck has completely revolutionized my thought processes, my self-talk and my daily life!!!
Liz Bohannon has reawakened the little girl in me who once thought the sky is the limit!
40 plus years (I won't say how many the plus stands for) has quenched, quieted and almost completely eradicated the voice of that little girl. The girl beginning to live this thing called life.
One of the reviews on the book cover says "you won't want to be more like Liz" (when you have the book in your hands, you can see who wrote that) and I want to say, WRONG! I am now a full-grown #Lizfan fangirl.... But, in his defense, I do want to be the REAL ME more than be like Liz.
I have incorporated these principles into everyday LIFE, relationships, interactions, encounters and most of all, building my PASSION....
Passion, I didn't even think I was capable of it anymore, but here I am.... Typing out way too many words that might even be allowed in a review.... Blah, whatever, I'm being PLUCKY!
When you have this book, read it and re-read it, you'll understand where I'm coming from.
Well done, Ms. Bohannon, well done!
I mean what in the world is PLUCK?
Thank you Google dictionary : taking hold of something and quickly removing, quickly removing from danger or unpleasantness, the heart, liver and lungs of an animal used as food..... Ewwww, still not making sense.... And then, "spirited and determined courage".... A-HA, there it is, I now have a new word in my vocabulary (that I would probably NEVER use)
Oh, how wrong I was.....
Beginner's Pluck has completely revolutionized my thought processes, my self-talk and my daily life!!!
Liz Bohannon has reawakened the little girl in me who once thought the sky is the limit!
40 plus years (I won't say how many the plus stands for) has quenched, quieted and almost completely eradicated the voice of that little girl. The girl beginning to live this thing called life.
One of the reviews on the book cover says "you won't want to be more like Liz" (when you have the book in your hands, you can see who wrote that) and I want to say, WRONG! I am now a full-grown #Lizfan fangirl.... But, in his defense, I do want to be the REAL ME more than be like Liz.
I have incorporated these principles into everyday LIFE, relationships, interactions, encounters and most of all, building my PASSION....
Passion, I didn't even think I was capable of it anymore, but here I am.... Typing out way too many words that might even be allowed in a review.... Blah, whatever, I'm being PLUCKY!
When you have this book, read it and re-read it, you'll understand where I'm coming from.
Well done, Ms. Bohannon, well done!
September 22, 2019
A fantastic collection of practical ways to kickstart ideas, get to work and achieve gigantic goals one step at a time. There's nothing new here, but what makes this book great is Liz's personality seeping out of every story and word on the page. It's fun to read, inspirational, motivational and challenging... All at the same time. If your goals and dreams seem bigger than you and impossible to achieve, this book is a great way to figure out how to get started and roll with the necessary punches along the way. I love Liz's energy, heart for serving, her ideal of business's place in the world, her modern view of how faith leaves us vulnerable and her spunky honesty that surprisingly puts you in your place at times in a way that doesn't leave you feeling defeated but leaves you feeling ready to push harder. I work in a community nonprofit that's looking into social enterprises more and more and my wife works for a global company that prioritizes empowering beautiful women with the bottom line instead of prioritizing the bottom line by exploiting women who want to be beautiful. Liz is leading a wonderful charge in this book and I hope it spreads like wildfire because I can't wait to live in a world with more business leaders like Liz and companies like Sseko Designs.
September 18, 2019
I have to be honest--- self-help, #motivationalmonday books are REALLY not my jam. I am eye-rolling, sarcastic retort kind of gal who never did well with team building exercises or journal time assignments.
But since finishing this book I have already found myself applying these principles to my every day life. Because big successful ideas are the culmination of the mundane, seemingly insignificant tasks of the day to day.
No matter who you are or where you’re at in life right now—-I think you're really going to love it and find a lot of #lifehacks you'll want to highlight and remember.
If you want to build a life that makes you excited to wake up every morning, read this book.
But since finishing this book I have already found myself applying these principles to my every day life. Because big successful ideas are the culmination of the mundane, seemingly insignificant tasks of the day to day.
No matter who you are or where you’re at in life right now—-I think you're really going to love it and find a lot of #lifehacks you'll want to highlight and remember.
If you want to build a life that makes you excited to wake up every morning, read this book.
September 2, 2019
Liz is such a refreshing voice in the world full of too many authors with cliché insights that fall flat in the face of reality. Her insights and experience have the right amount encouragement and realism, seasoned with a dash humor that is too honest to not chuckle at.
September 18, 2019
I didn’t want it to end. I tried to stretch it out over a few weeks. It that made me laugh, cry, and realize that I too am capable of more. Liz’s book, Beginner’s Pluck will be a yearly read for me for the rest of my life. Not only is it witty and real, but her story of building Sseko Designs has the ability to encourage anyone with a pulse to go do the things. It’s not about glamour or fame, or being a successful entrepreneur with a 10-step guide we will never apply. It’s authentic, practical, and her journey alone fosters a growth mindset that anything really is possible.
September 30, 2019
Liz Bohannon speaks in rawness and honesty about the journey in her life that led her to recognize that we are not meant to find out passion but to build it, to own our average and recognize that we already have everything in us to create purpose in our lives, no matter where our path takes us, whether as the founder of an international company, or as a mom of 4, trying to juggle the varied stages of her children's lives, and everywhere in between. You will laugh until you pee your pants, probably because of those 4 babies you had - NO JUDGEMENT. Your heart will swell with emotion and hope that maybe we are going to make it after all, you will be inspired to see the truth in yourself. It is perfection in every average way.
September 15, 2019
Here's the truth...when I read the subtitle, I inwardly groaned and thought "not another self-help book about finding your way in life through these easy steps." But, I knew a lot about the author's story, so I had hope that it would surprise me. And, indeed it did! As other people have mentioned, she's a really fun writer. And honestly, it's a refreshing perspective that needs to be heard in the land of so many other voices telling us to "find our passion!". I also read other reviews that said, "I laughed out loud and cried while reading this book", and again, inwardly groaned thinking how cliche! (I know, now it's clear that I'm quite a cynical person!) But I was one of those people who laughed and cried real tears! This book has changed me, and I find myself looking for miracles in the every day.
October 10, 2019
Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. Liz takes you on a journey of the up and downs of her and building her business, Sseko Designs. Her practical approach and candidness about building passion and other life/business lessons can be useful to any and all ages, professions and/or whatever stage in life your in. She makes you feel like your in the same room having a coffee or drinks, talking. Her side notes are delightful and humorous. A must read for those of us, like me, who don't have it all figured out and are still building a life of passion and purpose.
October 11, 2019
I heard the author speak at the Global Leadership Summit and was immediately moved to buy the book. How can we move forward in our dreams and hopes -- the answer is here in a grounded and down to earth book about how to find your inner Pluck, how to fail, and how to ultimately succeed.
October 6, 2019
I LOVE this company and was so excited to dive in to the book after hearing Liz speak at a leadership conference! There are SO MANY GOOD words, stories, and lessons in here. In particular, the first and last three chapters on owning your average, dreaming small, embracing curiosity over criticism, and not hiding from the shadows were refreshing. These were the chapters underlined in my highlighter pink pen. Can't wait to give this book to a friend!
August 30, 2024
With candid honesty and humor, Liz reminds us that a meaningful life includes "walking each other home." This is an author I would live to meet.
August 16, 2019
I don’t even know where to begin with how amazing this book was, but I’m going to give it a try. First, I am a graduate student, so for me to start reading a book that is not for school and actually stay awake and not want to put it down is HUGE. Second, I just launched my own personal business right as I received my copy, and Liz’s honest and bold words were exactly what I needed in my life at that time. Her words were motivating and lit the fire I needed to get me to embrace some of the failures along my journey and chase the next “yes.” I have met Liz in person since I am a Sseko Founding Fellow, and her writing is just filled with her personality and light. If you are seeking your own life of purpose and impact, and hoping to find your own inner pluck, this book is for you. Actually, wait, if you are a human, this book is for you!
September 10, 2019
Such an amazing book! Liz is hilarious, writing with such frankness that is utterly endearing. Her steps are clearly laid out and straightforward, easy to understand and read through. Her anecdotes are touching and the book brought me to tears many times. Perfect for anyone looking to find their inner pluckiness in work or life in general. I highly recommend this to anyone at any stage of their life!
August 18, 2019
I saw Liz speak at Ohio State a few years ago, and it totally changed my view of finding my “passion.” Her Sseko story is so engaging, funny, and down-to-earth. I found myself in tears several times while reading this book, feeling like Liz had spoken to me directly about building a life of purpose and impact. Her fourteen points are relatable and tangible goals that I will absolutely implement in my own life—as a recently graduated college student, I often worry about this elusive “future,” whether I have enough “expertise,” and how I can keep myself on a path of purpose. Through Liz’s words, I’ve discovered how much of a gift it is to be a beginner.
October 4, 2019
Liz gives practical ways that you can live your life in a purposeful way. She does so in a way that will make you laugh and yet challenge you. The way Liz shares her story encourages you to be faithful in the small things which feels so much more manageable than the typical “dream big” message. I would highly recommend it!
August 29, 2019
I heard @lizbohannon speak at @glnsummit and instantly grabbed her book (pub date: 10/1!) — it’s a FUN read, full of amazing advice for building a meaningful and impactful life, and written in her signature sassy, spunky, bold voice. I was a big fan! I will say, I think I loved this one even more because I had just heard her speak on some of the key points, but I think anyone (entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives especially) would find this engaging and inspiring. She’s done amazing things through her work with @ssekodesigns and I’m all about it.
September 29, 2019
If you read nothing else I write, read this: ADD THJS TO YOUR SHELF!!!!! Liz is an incredible speaker, so I was so excited to get my hands on her book. It is reads just as she speaks: witty, hilarious and most importantly, incredibly encouraging. She gives you a good dose of her personal stories and practical advice to take the plunge towards pursuing a purposeful life of impact. It was such a good read, I’m going to listen to the audio book (read by her!), because though I highlight and wrote a million notes on many pages, I know it’ll be one of those books that I’ll glean more from the next go around.
May 11, 2020
Part memoir, part self-help manual, this book is exuberant. It's like the most energetic TED talk speaker is hanging out with you. My only complaint was that my digital ARC had some glitches, but hopefully this will be corrected in the final version.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an unbiased review.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an unbiased review.
August 16, 2024
It’s with a mixture of tears and laughter that I put down this book, knowing full well that it was exactly what I needed in this season of my life where vocation and passion are still castles in the air. In her charming, brutally-honest way I think the author has both spurred me to action and left me in a state of wow-filled wonder.
August 30, 2019
It’s compelling. It’s eye-opening. It’s convicting. And it’s turn-your-world-upside-down fantastic. Read this if you need direction, mentorship, or reminders as to why you’re here on this earth.
October 1, 2019
During my time of being blessed by the opportunity to read this book before its release, I couldn't get enough. My heart was SO full of so much to share, but I could only share a little, bit by beautiful bit.
This is Liz's story to tell, and I am so glad that these fun (often hilarious), hard (and even heartbreaking), inspiring, encouraging, eye-opening, life-giving, and potentially life-changing words are now available to anyone who chooses to read them.
I felt like she was talking to me from the start - speaking directly to my heart, right here in my circumstances. I cried in awe of this even as I read the introduction.
I felt freedom, joy, and bursts of motivation as I read more and more about owning my average and dreaming small. A weight was lifted as Liz affirmed that these things are not only ok, but also completely necessary.
She helped me embrace curiosity and the potential for moments and miracles even more than I had already been doing, reminding me that the struggle is often exactly what is needed for a dream to finally find strength in its wings and begin to fly.
I felt ready to take on more challenges, push past the fears and the doubts, and to truly show up in every way in order to make the seemingly impossible...possible...one small, faithful step at a time.
My excitement and sense of awe over what could be was renewed and refreshed in ways that I didn't even realize my heart was thirsting for.
My gratitude for the beautiful global community that I am part of swelled within me and I couldn't help but want to thank Liz a million times in a million ways for making it possible for me to find, and be welcomed into, this place that feels like home.
Both during and after all of this (and so much more) I simply couldn't stay quiet about the amazingness of Liz's words and story and yet - even up to a day ago - I hadn't even read the last few chapters.
I have been learning about Lament, and how important it is, and yet feeling literally afraid to let myself get to that place, even though I know I need it.
Circumstances that most know nothing about have left me broken in so many ways, yet still pressing on through each day and rarely letting myself feel the weight of reality, let alone express the pain of it.
My body has paid the price and my health is not as it should be because of my determination to stay strong, keep fighting and not let others into this world that I have been living in - clinging to and celebrating all the beauty and joy, but hurting more deeply than I will even allow myself to recognize and feeling very alone as I continue to stay quiet and hide away.
Liz had said that while recording the audiobook, she cried through the last few chapters...and, not knowing exactly what that would mean for me, I held off on those ones until the last possible day, determined to finish the book before launch day, but not knowing that I was ready to face the emotions (or see it end!).
And so....on "Release-Day Eve", with a few smiles of joy, sweet gratitude and awe (and a little laughter, too, because Liz knows how to evoke all the feelings BEAUTIFULLY), I read those remaining chapters and became a drippy, sobbing mess.
I needed this far more than I could have ever known. I needed this far more than I could have even imagined just hours before beginning to read her words, once again.
I needed this. All of it. Deeply.
If I could hug Liz right now, she'd absolutely have to change her shirt afterwards because it would be tear-soaked and snotty, haha...but oh, how I still wish I could.
.......
This book is everything.
This book is for everyone.
The dreamer. The fear-filled. The broken. The hopeful and the (seemingly) hopeless. The lost. The alone. The silent. The outgoing. The entrepreneur. The stay-at-home-mom. The rejected. The embraced. The hidden. The well-known. The one who thinks life can't be better, and the one who wonders if it ever will be.
...and everyone before, beyond, and in between.
Please. Get this book. I want you to know why my heart beats so loudly for the beautiful mission and story that I am so blessed to be a part of, and I want YOU to know how much you matter and how the world needs your presence and your story....whatever that may be...just like I am finally more fully beginning to understand for myself.
.....
If you still aren't sure if you are someone who needs this book...if you aren't sure if you are capable of buiding your passion at this time in your life....if you aren't sure if you are someone who has the necessary Pluck (spirited and determined courage) to do the things and chase those dreams....
To all of that and more, I say "You Are..."
I invite you to join me in saying YES to this adventure. We can be Beginners, together.
This is Liz's story to tell, and I am so glad that these fun (often hilarious), hard (and even heartbreaking), inspiring, encouraging, eye-opening, life-giving, and potentially life-changing words are now available to anyone who chooses to read them.
I felt like she was talking to me from the start - speaking directly to my heart, right here in my circumstances. I cried in awe of this even as I read the introduction.
I felt freedom, joy, and bursts of motivation as I read more and more about owning my average and dreaming small. A weight was lifted as Liz affirmed that these things are not only ok, but also completely necessary.
She helped me embrace curiosity and the potential for moments and miracles even more than I had already been doing, reminding me that the struggle is often exactly what is needed for a dream to finally find strength in its wings and begin to fly.
I felt ready to take on more challenges, push past the fears and the doubts, and to truly show up in every way in order to make the seemingly impossible...possible...one small, faithful step at a time.
My excitement and sense of awe over what could be was renewed and refreshed in ways that I didn't even realize my heart was thirsting for.
My gratitude for the beautiful global community that I am part of swelled within me and I couldn't help but want to thank Liz a million times in a million ways for making it possible for me to find, and be welcomed into, this place that feels like home.
Both during and after all of this (and so much more) I simply couldn't stay quiet about the amazingness of Liz's words and story and yet - even up to a day ago - I hadn't even read the last few chapters.
I have been learning about Lament, and how important it is, and yet feeling literally afraid to let myself get to that place, even though I know I need it.
Circumstances that most know nothing about have left me broken in so many ways, yet still pressing on through each day and rarely letting myself feel the weight of reality, let alone express the pain of it.
My body has paid the price and my health is not as it should be because of my determination to stay strong, keep fighting and not let others into this world that I have been living in - clinging to and celebrating all the beauty and joy, but hurting more deeply than I will even allow myself to recognize and feeling very alone as I continue to stay quiet and hide away.
Liz had said that while recording the audiobook, she cried through the last few chapters...and, not knowing exactly what that would mean for me, I held off on those ones until the last possible day, determined to finish the book before launch day, but not knowing that I was ready to face the emotions (or see it end!).
And so....on "Release-Day Eve", with a few smiles of joy, sweet gratitude and awe (and a little laughter, too, because Liz knows how to evoke all the feelings BEAUTIFULLY), I read those remaining chapters and became a drippy, sobbing mess.
I needed this far more than I could have ever known. I needed this far more than I could have even imagined just hours before beginning to read her words, once again.
I needed this. All of it. Deeply.
If I could hug Liz right now, she'd absolutely have to change her shirt afterwards because it would be tear-soaked and snotty, haha...but oh, how I still wish I could.
.......
This book is everything.
This book is for everyone.
The dreamer. The fear-filled. The broken. The hopeful and the (seemingly) hopeless. The lost. The alone. The silent. The outgoing. The entrepreneur. The stay-at-home-mom. The rejected. The embraced. The hidden. The well-known. The one who thinks life can't be better, and the one who wonders if it ever will be.
...and everyone before, beyond, and in between.
Please. Get this book. I want you to know why my heart beats so loudly for the beautiful mission and story that I am so blessed to be a part of, and I want YOU to know how much you matter and how the world needs your presence and your story....whatever that may be...just like I am finally more fully beginning to understand for myself.
.....
If you still aren't sure if you are someone who needs this book...if you aren't sure if you are capable of buiding your passion at this time in your life....if you aren't sure if you are someone who has the necessary Pluck (spirited and determined courage) to do the things and chase those dreams....
To all of that and more, I say "You Are..."
I invite you to join me in saying YES to this adventure. We can be Beginners, together.
October 1, 2019
In Beginner’s Pluck, Liz empowers others to go after their dreams and be world changers by encouraging us that we don’t have to be perfect and have everything together to make a significant impact in the lives of others. In fact, what we don’t have can be an asset to catapulting us into discovering our passion and dreams. She shows how, with grit and hard work, obstacles can be overcome and problems solved one step at a time to build something significant that lasts. She emphasizes the importance of looking for practical solutions to everyday obstacles. One of the turning points in Liz’s story of finding and pursuing her dreams and passions came when she was able to put her undergraduate journalism degree to practical use in Uganda by looking for gaps and listening to discover needs locally rather than coming in with pre-prescribed solutions. Out of this process, she discovered that business could fill a gap in society and provide a solution for a social problem. For Liz, earnest humility and a willingness to listen without starting out with solutions allowed her to create something that is truly great: a social entrepreneurship venture that is providing education and income for women leaders in Uganda, continuing to grow in its reach and social impact.
Liz’s insights are refreshing, hopeful, and empowering for the average person who has dreams but may feel they are out of reach or unattainable. Her wisdom provides encouragement to start somewhere, and her experience shows that beginning with a small dream and working hard can result in creating something sizable and significant and truly beneficial to the well-being of others. Just because we don’t know our purpose and passion from the outset doesn’t mean we don’t have a purpose and weren’t made for something more.
One of the strongest points of Liz’s book is to not see problems as problems, but instead as opportunities for entrepreneurial solutions. She believes in empowering the next generation of women leaders in Uganda who will find their own solutions for their nation. Beyond the leadership advice given, Beginners Pluck is full of testimonials and moments of truth. Liz is an excellent storyteller who also happens to be hilariously witty. The book would not be the same without the footnotes, which are a must-read. Get your own copy to see how one social entrepreneurship venture is changing the lives of women and girls in Uganda and raising a future generation of leaders who are already making a bold impact on their nation. Be inspired, laugh, cry, and then go out and change the world.
Liz’s insights are refreshing, hopeful, and empowering for the average person who has dreams but may feel they are out of reach or unattainable. Her wisdom provides encouragement to start somewhere, and her experience shows that beginning with a small dream and working hard can result in creating something sizable and significant and truly beneficial to the well-being of others. Just because we don’t know our purpose and passion from the outset doesn’t mean we don’t have a purpose and weren’t made for something more.
One of the strongest points of Liz’s book is to not see problems as problems, but instead as opportunities for entrepreneurial solutions. She believes in empowering the next generation of women leaders in Uganda who will find their own solutions for their nation. Beyond the leadership advice given, Beginners Pluck is full of testimonials and moments of truth. Liz is an excellent storyteller who also happens to be hilariously witty. The book would not be the same without the footnotes, which are a must-read. Get your own copy to see how one social entrepreneurship venture is changing the lives of women and girls in Uganda and raising a future generation of leaders who are already making a bold impact on their nation. Be inspired, laugh, cry, and then go out and change the world.
October 19, 2019
What an interesting combination of memoir and encouragement to pursue purpose and impact. It's a fun book for millennials as Bohannon's writing style is right up their alley. She's bold, a little irreverent, has a wacky sense of humor, and certainly speaks her mind. I mean, who else would call Benjamin Franklin Benny Boo Bear?
Her principles for building an extraordinary life of passion, purpose and impact certainly turn lots of inspirational books on their heads. “Own your average,” she says. What? We are not supposed to think of ourselves as extraordinary? Rather, she suggests owning our average is freeing. We don't have to compare ourselves with achievers. We average people can build extraordinary lives, facing our average fears and insecurities. Another one is “dream small.” What? She suggests we dream so small we have no excuse for doing it.
I like her ideas about passion and purpose. They are not something we “discover.” “You don't find your passion and purpose. You build it.” (Loc 804/6236) That's good news for those of us waiting around for that epiphany and sudden insight for our meaning in life. She and her husband built their passion and purpose slowly and with intention. Success and impact didn't just happen. It took living out of their car for six months and lots more.
This is a good book for people wanting to know how their lives can matter to others. Bohannon suggests dream of bridging the gap between what is and what ought to be. Then take a small step. Then another and another.
Food for thought: “If you live your life trying to distance yourself from failure and protect yourself from rejection, you're going to also distance yourself from the life you are created to live, the impact you are made to make, and the unspeakably precious bonds you will create with those who join you.” (Loc 4738/6236)
More food for thought: “You have everything you need to go build an extraordinary life of purpose and impact.” (Loc 5600/6236)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Her principles for building an extraordinary life of passion, purpose and impact certainly turn lots of inspirational books on their heads. “Own your average,” she says. What? We are not supposed to think of ourselves as extraordinary? Rather, she suggests owning our average is freeing. We don't have to compare ourselves with achievers. We average people can build extraordinary lives, facing our average fears and insecurities. Another one is “dream small.” What? She suggests we dream so small we have no excuse for doing it.
I like her ideas about passion and purpose. They are not something we “discover.” “You don't find your passion and purpose. You build it.” (Loc 804/6236) That's good news for those of us waiting around for that epiphany and sudden insight for our meaning in life. She and her husband built their passion and purpose slowly and with intention. Success and impact didn't just happen. It took living out of their car for six months and lots more.
This is a good book for people wanting to know how their lives can matter to others. Bohannon suggests dream of bridging the gap between what is and what ought to be. Then take a small step. Then another and another.
Food for thought: “If you live your life trying to distance yourself from failure and protect yourself from rejection, you're going to also distance yourself from the life you are created to live, the impact you are made to make, and the unspeakably precious bonds you will create with those who join you.” (Loc 4738/6236)
More food for thought: “You have everything you need to go build an extraordinary life of purpose and impact.” (Loc 5600/6236)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 27, 2019
Liz Bohannon’s book Beginner’s Pluck*, Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now, is a book that I wish I had had when I was in my 20s (so if you are in your 20s and reading this go buy the book NOW). She speaks the truth so very candidly and with the perfect amount of gusto and humor. There is a wisdom in her words that I think is beyond her years but not beyond her experience. And that’s what makes this such a profound and frankly, useful, book. She has literally done what she is “preaching.”
Her words have weight because she isn’t talking theory, she’s talking hard reality. Unlike so many of the books out there right now telling us to envision our dream-landed future, make a mood board of our future desires, or whatever—not that these things are bad, it’s just they can’t stand on their own—Liz shares how to practically and realistically build a life of impact and purpose. Her words fly in the face of so many things many of us, I believe thought were the way to accomplish big things. She says stuff like dream SMALL, own your average, and stop trying to “find” your passion and actually build it!
Liz has put in the blood, sweat, and tears of building a life of purpose and impact and captured them in the “how’s” of this book. And to top it all off, she is HYSTERICAL. Like laugh out loud in quiet places where you really should keep your mouth shut, funny.
This book is a fantastic read (or listen) for any woman or man who wants to live life intentionally and with purpose. But I especially love it for my sisters—Liz is building strong shoulders for us to stand on ladies, grab the book and then thank her for her wisdom that we get to build off of.
“There is no one else who sees the world quite like you do. And where you are going, no one has ever been before. Because that’s the terror and the beauty of The Path, Traveler. It’s only made by walking. You’ve got t stop asking for directions to a place that doesn’t yet exist. There is no Right First Step. There are only the sacred steps that will make your path. But only if you walk it." -- Liz Bohannon
Her words have weight because she isn’t talking theory, she’s talking hard reality. Unlike so many of the books out there right now telling us to envision our dream-landed future, make a mood board of our future desires, or whatever—not that these things are bad, it’s just they can’t stand on their own—Liz shares how to practically and realistically build a life of impact and purpose. Her words fly in the face of so many things many of us, I believe thought were the way to accomplish big things. She says stuff like dream SMALL, own your average, and stop trying to “find” your passion and actually build it!
Liz has put in the blood, sweat, and tears of building a life of purpose and impact and captured them in the “how’s” of this book. And to top it all off, she is HYSTERICAL. Like laugh out loud in quiet places where you really should keep your mouth shut, funny.
This book is a fantastic read (or listen) for any woman or man who wants to live life intentionally and with purpose. But I especially love it for my sisters—Liz is building strong shoulders for us to stand on ladies, grab the book and then thank her for her wisdom that we get to build off of.
“There is no one else who sees the world quite like you do. And where you are going, no one has ever been before. Because that’s the terror and the beauty of The Path, Traveler. It’s only made by walking. You’ve got t stop asking for directions to a place that doesn’t yet exist. There is no Right First Step. There are only the sacred steps that will make your path. But only if you walk it." -- Liz Bohannon
October 3, 2019
In College my catch phrase could have been, "What's your passion?" I was passionate about passion. I wanted to know what inspired people, what set their hearts on fire, kept them awake at night, and spurred them on towards action.
I remained passionate about dreaming big and living my purpose, but then became too stress paralyzed to do it and lost my purpose along the way on the bumpy post-college road to adulthood. Liz's words were exactly what I needed to get started again.
Instead of lofty and vague slogans that don't move you any further than a few warm fuzzies, Liz breaks it down into smaller more tangible steps. "Dream Big" becomes "Dream Small" so that we don't get too overwhelmed for action... "Find Your Passion" turns into the much more realistic and tangible "Build your passion." Afterall, passion is not a singular soul mate resting on the fates of destiny, it is something we can all build and grasp.
Liz expertly weaves universally applicable concepts from her own very specific journey. While we may not all have the gumption to jump on a plane and go to a country where we know no one and have no job just to make a single friend. We can be inspired by her story, and learn so much from her tenacity, vulnerability, & best practices.
Whether you are looking to change career paths or improve your marriage, if you are an entrepreneur or a mother, there is gold in this book for you. Beginners of all fields can find inspiration to get started and dream a better future whether in business, family, marriage, or community. I would highly recommend this for graduates who are truly Beginners, and for the 30-somethings who believe "paying the bills" isn't enough, and for the 60 year old retirees who are ready to begin a new journey, for anyone who is tired of waiting for passion to find them and are ready to begin.
I remained passionate about dreaming big and living my purpose, but then became too stress paralyzed to do it and lost my purpose along the way on the bumpy post-college road to adulthood. Liz's words were exactly what I needed to get started again.
Instead of lofty and vague slogans that don't move you any further than a few warm fuzzies, Liz breaks it down into smaller more tangible steps. "Dream Big" becomes "Dream Small" so that we don't get too overwhelmed for action... "Find Your Passion" turns into the much more realistic and tangible "Build your passion." Afterall, passion is not a singular soul mate resting on the fates of destiny, it is something we can all build and grasp.
Liz expertly weaves universally applicable concepts from her own very specific journey. While we may not all have the gumption to jump on a plane and go to a country where we know no one and have no job just to make a single friend. We can be inspired by her story, and learn so much from her tenacity, vulnerability, & best practices.
Whether you are looking to change career paths or improve your marriage, if you are an entrepreneur or a mother, there is gold in this book for you. Beginners of all fields can find inspiration to get started and dream a better future whether in business, family, marriage, or community. I would highly recommend this for graduates who are truly Beginners, and for the 30-somethings who believe "paying the bills" isn't enough, and for the 60 year old retirees who are ready to begin a new journey, for anyone who is tired of waiting for passion to find them and are ready to begin.
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