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Believe in Yourself and Do What You Love
Author(s): Kate James ISBN: 9781925584165 Binding: Paperback Published: 2017-08-29 A little book with a huge heart, it's full of insights and exercises that will help you discover more about yourself and what will make you happy. It will boost your self-belief, get you motivated and help connect you with a more creative and inspired version of yourself.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
42 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
Kate James
8 books17 followersKate James is a coach and mindfulness teacher who draws on research from positive psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and self-compassion in her work with clients. She shares practical tips about how these philosophies can be used in everyday life to build self-belief, overcome imposter syndrome and clarify career and life direction.
Her clients are introverts, highly sensitive persons and creatives who work in leadership roles or want to start their own business.
Kate is the creator of The Confidence Course, a program that teaches women how to find their way to greater clarity, confidence and calm.
Listen to Kate's meditations for free: https://insighttimer.com/katejames
Follow Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/total_balance/
Her clients are introverts, highly sensitive persons and creatives who work in leadership roles or want to start their own business.
Kate is the creator of The Confidence Course, a program that teaches women how to find their way to greater clarity, confidence and calm.
Listen to Kate's meditations for free: https://insighttimer.com/katejames
Follow Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/total_balance/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 13, 2019
I think we all go through periods when we question what we are doing with our lives. This is the book you want to have at your side when that happens. Containing 50 tips, ideas and strategies to help with self-reflection - many of those combined with practical exercises to undertake - this book doesn't really contain anything new, but what it does offer is a beautifully presented all-in-one resource to help you move forward in those times. Kate James is the voice of that friend we could all do with; the one who is unfailingly sensible and wise and doesn't shy away from the truth.
#8 Who are you trying to please? - is one that resonated. It's so prevalent it's like a national pastime.
When we’re not being true to ourselves, we become increasingly uneasy, and try to cure that uneasiness with stuff. A few drinks, a new job, an old lover, a splurge on the credit card, designer shoes, a new European car . . . whatever it will take to quiet that nagging voice, the one that’s asking, “Who are you and what do you really want?”
The hardcover edition would make a lovely gift for a friend who is stressed, lost, or otherwise having a hard time. Or just for yourself of course!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review.
#8 Who are you trying to please? - is one that resonated. It's so prevalent it's like a national pastime.
When we’re not being true to ourselves, we become increasingly uneasy, and try to cure that uneasiness with stuff. A few drinks, a new job, an old lover, a splurge on the credit card, designer shoes, a new European car . . . whatever it will take to quiet that nagging voice, the one that’s asking, “Who are you and what do you really want?”
The hardcover edition would make a lovely gift for a friend who is stressed, lost, or otherwise having a hard time. Or just for yourself of course!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review.
February 12, 2021
A book by a mindfulness teacher is all I wanted right now. All the information is precise and well organized with maps and bullet points. No hefty paragraphs mentioning examples or research work.
July 19, 2017
Okay so I bought this book 6 hours ago, marked it as currently reading 1 hour ago, sat down to read maybe a few pages and ended up finishing the whole thing in one sitting. Oops?? (Killing the TBR game, let's be real)
This was fantastic. Definitely one I have highlighted, and yes, even written in! Must reread this very soon, maybe annually to see how much I change overtime!
Recommend if you love a good inspirational book, need a pick-me-up or simply want to get into more books like this!
This was fantastic. Definitely one I have highlighted, and yes, even written in! Must reread this very soon, maybe annually to see how much I change overtime!
Recommend if you love a good inspirational book, need a pick-me-up or simply want to get into more books like this!
September 8, 2019
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the first self help books I have ever read, and it was very interesting.
While much of the book felt quite cliche, 'just do it' type things- some was also useful.
It included practical ideas about what you can do to improve your life, and I highlighted some passages to refer to later.
Overall, an easily consumable and quick uplifting read that I would recommend!
This is one of the first self help books I have ever read, and it was very interesting.
While much of the book felt quite cliche, 'just do it' type things- some was also useful.
It included practical ideas about what you can do to improve your life, and I highlighted some passages to refer to later.
Overall, an easily consumable and quick uplifting read that I would recommend!
July 23, 2017
Actual rating: 4.5/5
Really enjoyed this one. This book had some fantastic tips on how to be more mindful, and increase that aspect of your mind.
Although, the only negative thing I have to say about all 3 of Kate James' books that I have now read, is that they are very repetitive and some even include the exact same wording of certain things.
But other than that, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books, and am taking a lot away from them to continue bettering myself!
Really enjoyed this one. This book had some fantastic tips on how to be more mindful, and increase that aspect of your mind.
Although, the only negative thing I have to say about all 3 of Kate James' books that I have now read, is that they are very repetitive and some even include the exact same wording of certain things.
But other than that, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books, and am taking a lot away from them to continue bettering myself!
January 7, 2017
This book was a quick read with some really helpful tips to help become more mindful in your life, something I want to focus a lot more on. I have been into a bit of non-fiction lately because I have been inspired to learn what I can while I can. Decent read that I will most likely reflect back on in time.
January 7, 2015
Let me begin with a disclaimer. I wasn’t going to review my friend/colleague/mentor/blog-challenge-buddy, Kate James’ new book, Believe In Yourself & Do What You Love. I thought I was too close to it to be objective. I’ve worked with Kate on-and-off for the last eight years and have discussed much of what’s included, plus I gave feedback on the manuscript. I also think Kate is a totally awesome human being. So there is just no way in the world I could be unbiased.
But yesterday afternoon I sat down with a cup of tea, read the finished book and came away thinking, “I have to share this”.
So here’s my review. Actually, no, it’s not a review. Here is my biased, subjective response to Believe In Yourself & Do What You Love.
...
I always approach a book with expectations – not only for what I might find within but also how I might respond or engage with the content. I was familiar with the content of Believe In Yourself already so I thought I’d give it a quick read-through, engage with it cerebrally and see how it all came together as a book.
The first thing that struck me when I received my copy was its design. Presented as a hardcover gift-edition, with design and illustrations by Karen van Wieringen, it is a beautiful object. It is a book that says “Treasure me”, “Find a nice spot for me on the bedside table” and “Give me to those you love”.
When flicking through for the first time, the book doesn’t come across as a serious or preachy self-help book but a light, playful and joyous engagement with some of the biggest questions we ask of ourselves in life – what is my purpose, what are my values, what am I passionate about, what’s makes my life worth living?
What surprised me as I began reading though, was I found myself drawn into the questions, the reflections and the suggestions for tiny changes that fill each of the 50 tips explored.
It was full of nudges. It made me … think.
The first “ohhh” came with the mention of being true to oneself. As Kate puts it, “If we’re not being true to ourselves we become increasingly uneasy, and try to cure the uneasiness with stuff”.
“Stuff” has re-entered my life this year – not in a big way but I’m aware that I use it as a distraction from life. However, when I saw the words “European car” I thought, “Oh dear, that is so me.”
And then Kate brings it back to those core questions:
“Who are you and what do you really want?”
I continued reading and started thinking again about my values, strengths, passions and beliefs – and was then nudged myself with a deal-breaker question, “How do you want to feel?”
Hmmm.
This is not another preachy, my-way-or-the-highway, motivational book. Believe In Yourself & Do What You Love is based on Kate’s 10+ years working with folks creating lives they love. Her “50 Tips” are sourced from the things that continually pop up as obstacles and each is addressed with little actions we can take to live happier, more meaningful and creative lives.
I love this book, not just because it’s Kate’s book, but also because it simply helps us engage with the powerful questions that help us live more fully. It’s helpful, beautiful and I can totally imagine giving it to friends who need a little encouragement to follow their hearts and dreams.
As Kate says:
“Create and pursue things that lift your spirits. Get in there. Participate.”
That’s what life’s about.
This review first appeared at westonculture
But yesterday afternoon I sat down with a cup of tea, read the finished book and came away thinking, “I have to share this”.
So here’s my review. Actually, no, it’s not a review. Here is my biased, subjective response to Believe In Yourself & Do What You Love.
...
I always approach a book with expectations – not only for what I might find within but also how I might respond or engage with the content. I was familiar with the content of Believe In Yourself already so I thought I’d give it a quick read-through, engage with it cerebrally and see how it all came together as a book.
The first thing that struck me when I received my copy was its design. Presented as a hardcover gift-edition, with design and illustrations by Karen van Wieringen, it is a beautiful object. It is a book that says “Treasure me”, “Find a nice spot for me on the bedside table” and “Give me to those you love”.
When flicking through for the first time, the book doesn’t come across as a serious or preachy self-help book but a light, playful and joyous engagement with some of the biggest questions we ask of ourselves in life – what is my purpose, what are my values, what am I passionate about, what’s makes my life worth living?
What surprised me as I began reading though, was I found myself drawn into the questions, the reflections and the suggestions for tiny changes that fill each of the 50 tips explored.
It was full of nudges. It made me … think.
The first “ohhh” came with the mention of being true to oneself. As Kate puts it, “If we’re not being true to ourselves we become increasingly uneasy, and try to cure the uneasiness with stuff”.
“Stuff” has re-entered my life this year – not in a big way but I’m aware that I use it as a distraction from life. However, when I saw the words “European car” I thought, “Oh dear, that is so me.”
And then Kate brings it back to those core questions:
“Who are you and what do you really want?”
I continued reading and started thinking again about my values, strengths, passions and beliefs – and was then nudged myself with a deal-breaker question, “How do you want to feel?”
Hmmm.
This is not another preachy, my-way-or-the-highway, motivational book. Believe In Yourself & Do What You Love is based on Kate’s 10+ years working with folks creating lives they love. Her “50 Tips” are sourced from the things that continually pop up as obstacles and each is addressed with little actions we can take to live happier, more meaningful and creative lives.
I love this book, not just because it’s Kate’s book, but also because it simply helps us engage with the powerful questions that help us live more fully. It’s helpful, beautiful and I can totally imagine giving it to friends who need a little encouragement to follow their hearts and dreams.
As Kate says:
“Create and pursue things that lift your spirits. Get in there. Participate.”
That’s what life’s about.
This review first appeared at westonculture
September 8, 2019
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the first self help books I have ever read, and it was very interesting.
While much of the book felt quite cliche, 'just do it' type things- some was also useful.
It included practical ideas about what you can do to improve your life, and I highlighted some passages to refer to later.
Overall, an easily consumable and quick uplifting read that I would recommend!
This is one of the first self help books I have ever read, and it was very interesting.
While much of the book felt quite cliche, 'just do it' type things- some was also useful.
It included practical ideas about what you can do to improve your life, and I highlighted some passages to refer to later.
Overall, an easily consumable and quick uplifting read that I would recommend!
January 29, 2021
This was better than I was expecting. I thought it might mainly consist of “fluff”, but I was actually quite inspired. It’s filled with 50 reminders on how to live a happy and fulfilled life. I liked how each piece of advice was straight to the point and offered great tidbits that I’ll have to revisit if feeling uninspired.
June 13, 2022
So many useful tips and tricks. An easy and simple to follow how to guide
June 10, 2015
A lovely little book with 50 inspirational ideas to help you find what you love, and achieve your goals.
July 3, 2015
A good book to have to give you tips to Believe In Yourself And Do What You Love.
March 19, 2016
Kate James, I praise you and your simplistic approach to self betterment. I truly love grabbing this book and opening it up and obtaining a little piece of inner peace.
April 5, 2020
This little handbook of Believing in yourself was an absolute breath of fresh air. Kate James a coach, mediation teacher, speaker and writer, definitely addresses what I think, many in life need to hear.
This little book speaks on many topics to help one gain insight to their self belief. James' uses tips on how to question yourself of self sabotage, or how to correct negative mindspeak to positive mindspeak. Through the many steps, she helps create small goals to help achieve positive self value and remember what is important to yourself to help you find what you love to do in life.
This book also has worthy mentions of many mentors, celebrities, artists, and influencers who have overcome their own battles to become a success. I felt like this little book was the right length to absorb and intake the life lessons James' creates; the right mindset to help others start to hear their own voice, to find their own passion and to start believing in themselves in a positive mannerism.
Unlike other books that touches on these topics, its not a short little pamphlet of a few pages. This is a decent size handbook, that has decent mentions of people who have strived for goals and gained success without being a tedious lenghty read. It keeps on point, looks cute with its design and would definitely be something you can revisit when needed.
There are mentions of sources of other titles that help with the topic on hand to help support information that it is provided.
After reading this little gem (which I only picked up from Kmart) in the tub for 20 mins, I feel inspired to create what I am passionate about and work towards a goal that resonates with me. I feel inspired to follow and research more of her work and even check out her coaching or meditations.
Overall I would recommend it. My only constructive criticism is that I would have loved to have more mentions of meditations, more deeper mentions of success stories or more resources to read to support it. Overall I think the idea was to keep it compact, easy to read, easy flow and on point to help someone find their inner belief but without being a complete self help book. It was well put together. I loved it and would feel happy to gift to someone who needs a little sparkle to see their inner love of themselves and their belief.
This little book speaks on many topics to help one gain insight to their self belief. James' uses tips on how to question yourself of self sabotage, or how to correct negative mindspeak to positive mindspeak. Through the many steps, she helps create small goals to help achieve positive self value and remember what is important to yourself to help you find what you love to do in life.
This book also has worthy mentions of many mentors, celebrities, artists, and influencers who have overcome their own battles to become a success. I felt like this little book was the right length to absorb and intake the life lessons James' creates; the right mindset to help others start to hear their own voice, to find their own passion and to start believing in themselves in a positive mannerism.
Unlike other books that touches on these topics, its not a short little pamphlet of a few pages. This is a decent size handbook, that has decent mentions of people who have strived for goals and gained success without being a tedious lenghty read. It keeps on point, looks cute with its design and would definitely be something you can revisit when needed.
There are mentions of sources of other titles that help with the topic on hand to help support information that it is provided.
After reading this little gem (which I only picked up from Kmart) in the tub for 20 mins, I feel inspired to create what I am passionate about and work towards a goal that resonates with me. I feel inspired to follow and research more of her work and even check out her coaching or meditations.
Overall I would recommend it. My only constructive criticism is that I would have loved to have more mentions of meditations, more deeper mentions of success stories or more resources to read to support it. Overall I think the idea was to keep it compact, easy to read, easy flow and on point to help someone find their inner belief but without being a complete self help book. It was well put together. I loved it and would feel happy to gift to someone who needs a little sparkle to see their inner love of themselves and their belief.
January 1, 2021
Pros:
1. The format of the book is simple. I like how it is organized. It doesn't contain paras after paras. Rather it is structured and organized in simple and impactful way. (applying her own advice)
2. A lot of people will benefit from this book. It contains advice that will help people in general to improve their life.
3. The book is short and precise. No over repeating of the same topic.
Cons:
The only con of the book is that I found many common and typical advice. Even though I am listing it as a con, it can act as a pro for many people. Because many people tend to forget or ignore the simple things. I will never put the advice put in the book as unnecessary. It's just I watch a lot of self-help gurus, so I already kind of knew alot. But as I said before, it acted as a good reminder.
1. The format of the book is simple. I like how it is organized. It doesn't contain paras after paras. Rather it is structured and organized in simple and impactful way. (applying her own advice)
2. A lot of people will benefit from this book. It contains advice that will help people in general to improve their life.
3. The book is short and precise. No over repeating of the same topic.
Cons:
The only con of the book is that I found many common and typical advice. Even though I am listing it as a con, it can act as a pro for many people. Because many people tend to forget or ignore the simple things. I will never put the advice put in the book as unnecessary. It's just I watch a lot of self-help gurus, so I already kind of knew alot. But as I said before, it acted as a good reminder.
January 24, 2021
In the troubled and challenging times we find ourselves in at the moment, we could probably all use a little more mindfulness and a focus on personal well-being. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in this practical and uncomplicated little book to help you consciously slow down and take
steps to improve your life.
The activities in the guide are simple to follow and allow you to approach a more mindful way of living, one thought or small change at a time.
I particularly liked the easy to follow action plans (i.e.: the Living Mindfully Maps) to help ease you into the practice without feeling overwhelmed with all the changed you feel you need to make.
Be Mindful and Simplify Your Life is the perfect guide to accompany any yoga, mindfulness or journaling practice and would be ideal to dip back into for further ideas and support along your path!
July 4, 2025
Believe in Yourself and Do What You Love. That is the ultimate dream. It was this title that drew me to this book, which I first encountered in a thrift shop. Along with its title, its color (light pink), fabric (canvas?), and design (of flowers) too provided me with the motivation to purchase this book. I believe I was not disappointed. The book provides many useful points and practice exercises for those who are in need of a push in the right direction of their lives. It is written in a kind, yet helpful tone. It is practical, but also encouraging in an ethereal way; I think this was the author’s touch. By the end of the book, you have a growing desire to be friends with the author.
This book was a neat find, and I will likely refer to it here and there to continue to absorb and reflect upon its contents.
This book was a neat find, and I will likely refer to it here and there to continue to absorb and reflect upon its contents.
December 31, 2019
I came across this book while killing time at an event that had a table of books for sale, including this one. I chose this book out of all the others. You can spend as much or as little time with this book as you want -- several of the 50 "tips" invite you to participate in exercises to encourage self-reflection. It's a good book to read as we are about to enter the new year 2020. If you're looking for some inspiration, check out this book.
June 4, 2023
This book is very cookie cutter. I prefer a self help book that focused on one thing rather than a book that doesn’t go into any depth of anything. This book felt very shallow and for that reason I wasn’t as encouraged or interested in it. Yes there was great surface advice telling you WHAT to do, but a book worth reading gives you the HOW & doesn’t jump from one thing to the next without reaching any real depth.
August 27, 2017
I can see this being a book I pick up and open randomly time and again. It's not particularly in depth, but that's exactly what makes it accessible and practical.
There are a lot of simple and useful ideas on how to get yourself out of a rut and moving towards whatever it is in life you want to change.
There are a lot of simple and useful ideas on how to get yourself out of a rut and moving towards whatever it is in life you want to change.
March 26, 2020
A book of prompts to help you work through what you should be doing with your life, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE helps you find a way within yourself to use your interests to your advantage. No one wants to work at a job that makes them miserable, but it's often hard to figure out what job you can love while still earning a livable wage. This helps you work through your blockades.
July 15, 2020
A great little guide written in 50 helpful tips for anyone interested in becoming more mindful and simplifying their life. An informative and thought provoking read. #katejames #bemindfulandsimplifyyourlife #tea_sipping_bookworm #bookstagram #goodreads #amazon#kindle #bookqueen #litsy #greatreads
January 18, 2021
the book where i can find my peace. feels like i read an article which heals my mood but this is a book. I thankful for Kate James to write this mindful book, i will try to slowly be mindful and simplify my life!! <333
February 25, 2021
I loved this book! It's written in a way you can read it from front to back, back to front or simply let yourself be guided to a page. I'll be holding onto this one for those days I need a little clarity
December 25, 2025
WOW! this was so lovely and inspiring I could not put it down!! very motivational prompts in here I will definitely be looking back to. this book has inspired me to finally start “the artists way” a course for rolling back into my creativity. this was just lovely ugh do what you love!!
January 14, 2019
50 simple and effective tips to improve your life and be able to achieve your dreams and aspirations.
August 21, 2020
Great book. I follow this in my journal.
March 14, 2021
Awesome read. Loved it. She words it all perfectly. Took me 4hrs to read so a very easy read as well.
September 9, 2021
This is a good reminder that we all should slow down and actually enjoy life sometimes.
November 1, 2021
The fact that there’s nothing earth-shattering here is exactly what I liked about it. It felt attainable, practical, and helpful. A book that I think almost anyone would find useful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews