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Conquer the Day: A Book of Affirmations
From the irreverent mind of Josh Mecouch, the artist behind the wildly popular Instagram (@pantspants) and Twitter account, @Pants, a collection of affirmations perfect for anyone ready to pass through the portal of self-improvement.
Conquer the Day is a collection of affirmations for all those on the long, winding road of personal development. Under the Twitter (@pants) and Instagram handle @PantsPants, Josh Mecouch has a large following who delight in his bizarre and unique illustrations. Now, Conquer the Day invites fans into the larger Pants universe, introducing new characters and never-before-seen art.
Pairing encouraging affirmations with emotive black-and-white illustrations—highlighted with the occasional splash of color—Josh takes us on a journey into the world of self-improvement. The contrast between the positive affirmations and the visceral style of the illustrations point to the tension between our hopes and aspirations and the reality of our day-to-day lives as we strive to realize our best selves.
Unlock the power of affirmations:
I exhale weakness and inhale confidence.
I am sexy and people want to be around me.
My path to sucess success is inevitable.
I focus on what I can control.
I organize my socks.
Conquer the Day is a collection of affirmations for all those on the long, winding road of personal development. Under the Twitter (@pants) and Instagram handle @PantsPants, Josh Mecouch has a large following who delight in his bizarre and unique illustrations. Now, Conquer the Day invites fans into the larger Pants universe, introducing new characters and never-before-seen art.
Pairing encouraging affirmations with emotive black-and-white illustrations—highlighted with the occasional splash of color—Josh takes us on a journey into the world of self-improvement. The contrast between the positive affirmations and the visceral style of the illustrations point to the tension between our hopes and aspirations and the reality of our day-to-day lives as we strive to realize our best selves.
Unlock the power of affirmations:
I exhale weakness and inhale confidence.
I am sexy and people want to be around me.
My path to sucess success is inevitable.
I focus on what I can control.
I organize my socks.
144 pages, ebook
Published April 27, 2021
6 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 22, 2021
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher (Harper Design) in exchange for an honest review.
This was a strange yet inspiring book!
Essentially, this is an illustrated cartoon style book of affirmations. It features classic affirmations such as “I attack the day with energy and conviction” alongside tongue-in-cheek pictures. That particular affirmation was paired with the cover photo, showing an unamused, not ready to get out of bed person. This contrast and duality made the book very fun and relatable. I find typical affirmation materials to be a little too upbeat and saccharine, so I appreciated this take on affirmations. My favorite one was a doodle of a man wearing headphones and listening to the affirmation, “I am sexy and people want to be around me.” That one was hilarious and also resonated with me.
I am not familiar with the author’s work (@PantsPants on Instagram and @Pants on Twitter if you want to check out his stuff), so this was my first exposure to it. I found the illustrations to be cute but also weird and sometimes disturbing (but not in a bad way). It’s unique to say the least, but it worked so well for this book.
Overall, this was an amusing little book and would make a great gift!
This was a strange yet inspiring book!
Essentially, this is an illustrated cartoon style book of affirmations. It features classic affirmations such as “I attack the day with energy and conviction” alongside tongue-in-cheek pictures. That particular affirmation was paired with the cover photo, showing an unamused, not ready to get out of bed person. This contrast and duality made the book very fun and relatable. I find typical affirmation materials to be a little too upbeat and saccharine, so I appreciated this take on affirmations. My favorite one was a doodle of a man wearing headphones and listening to the affirmation, “I am sexy and people want to be around me.” That one was hilarious and also resonated with me.
I am not familiar with the author’s work (@PantsPants on Instagram and @Pants on Twitter if you want to check out his stuff), so this was my first exposure to it. I found the illustrations to be cute but also weird and sometimes disturbing (but not in a bad way). It’s unique to say the least, but it worked so well for this book.
Overall, this was an amusing little book and would make a great gift!
June 3, 2021
So excited for this one!
I've been following the instagram account @pantspants for years and it's my favourite account for comics in the whole world. The weirdness just speaks to me, and this book of affirmations is just perfect!
His art manages to be cute and ugly and funny and weird at the same time - they're disturbing to show to someone for the first time, but they crack me up.
I particularly like this set of affirmations because they're not too unmanageable, in the sense that some affirmations can be a bit heavy if they include flawless and beautiful art. Having something weird and almost mundane alongside an affirmation feels more true to the essence of the affirmation, if that makes sense. Like, 'i focus on what i can control, i organize my socks' nails the meaning - finding power in something seemingly small, like doing your socks. It's just perfect.
It is very wholesome to me and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially a fan of Josh Mecouch - definitely worth it to have a bunch of his art in one!
I've been following the instagram account @pantspants for years and it's my favourite account for comics in the whole world. The weirdness just speaks to me, and this book of affirmations is just perfect!
His art manages to be cute and ugly and funny and weird at the same time - they're disturbing to show to someone for the first time, but they crack me up.
I particularly like this set of affirmations because they're not too unmanageable, in the sense that some affirmations can be a bit heavy if they include flawless and beautiful art. Having something weird and almost mundane alongside an affirmation feels more true to the essence of the affirmation, if that makes sense. Like, 'i focus on what i can control, i organize my socks' nails the meaning - finding power in something seemingly small, like doing your socks. It's just perfect.
It is very wholesome to me and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially a fan of Josh Mecouch - definitely worth it to have a bunch of his art in one!
May 9, 2021
So, this is a book of affirmations, but that's not what I like about it, and I suspect people who normally buy books of affirmations wouldn't necessarily love this.
This is ALSO a book of art, which is what I love, and why it's a easy 5. You can check out @pants on twitter to see the art for free, and see if you love it. His art is beautiful and terrible and horrible and twisted and I adore it. Placing it side by side with aspirations adds an ironic twist, which lead me to loud laughter a few times.
Anyways, go check this guys art out, and see if you love it enough to buy the book- I did.
This is ALSO a book of art, which is what I love, and why it's a easy 5. You can check out @pants on twitter to see the art for free, and see if you love it. His art is beautiful and terrible and horrible and twisted and I adore it. Placing it side by side with aspirations adds an ironic twist, which lead me to loud laughter a few times.
Anyways, go check this guys art out, and see if you love it enough to buy the book- I did.
December 28, 2023
This book combines humorous, ironically beautiful illustrations with motivational quotes that are refreshingly unique and not cliché. The endearing artwork adds to the charm, evoking both laughter and gratitude. It's a genius blend of humor and motivation that provides a genuine boost whenever you need a laugh.
November 7, 2023
Not my style, sometimes came off as sarcastic or disingenuous rather than cheeky or clever. The watercolors of the sun and tree were lovely, otherwise I didn’t much care for the overall aesthetic.
May 5, 2021
Do you remember the motivational posters of the 1990s? The ones with the black background, single bold photo and word like Leadership or Determination, and some pithy statement below? If 2020 and 2021 had “motivational” posters, they should feature the art of Josh Mecouch in his debut collection Conquer The Day.
Josh is known as @PantsPants on Instagram and Twitter where his weird and delightful work has charmed many. Conquer The Day is humorous, touching, and perfect for our current strange times.
“A darkly hilarious, refreshing take on the power of positive thinking, Conquer The Day humorously points to the tension between our hopes and aspirations and the reality of our day-to-day lives as we strive to realize our best selves, especially in our current moment.”
With its 6” by 6” size, this is a perfect ‘thinking of you’ gift for anyone who is struggling after the past year and could use some empathetic humor to brighten their day. Congratulations on your first book, Josh! Thank you to Harper Design for the review copy; all thoughts are my own.
Josh is known as @PantsPants on Instagram and Twitter where his weird and delightful work has charmed many. Conquer The Day is humorous, touching, and perfect for our current strange times.
“A darkly hilarious, refreshing take on the power of positive thinking, Conquer The Day humorously points to the tension between our hopes and aspirations and the reality of our day-to-day lives as we strive to realize our best selves, especially in our current moment.”
With its 6” by 6” size, this is a perfect ‘thinking of you’ gift for anyone who is struggling after the past year and could use some empathetic humor to brighten their day. Congratulations on your first book, Josh! Thank you to Harper Design for the review copy; all thoughts are my own.
April 7, 2021
The funniest book I've ever read. An absolute gem!
May 2, 2021
I love this artist. I ADORE this book.
June 10, 2021
i follow the artist on instagram and if you're a fan of the art this is a really fun little book.
April 27, 2021
A brilliant little book of affirmations by @pantspants that is sure to make you smile.
April 9, 2025
If I am being honest, at first, I thought to myself “this is just stupid”. But, as I realized that this book of affirmations never claimed to be positive affirmations, I had the creeping epiphany that this seemingly simplistic book is quite complex in its exploration of how we are the creators and catalysts of our own negativity and anxiety. At the halfway point, when I realized this book was acting as a mirror for many of my own self doubts and fears, I found myself just “getting it”. Almost like the work of Edward Gorey, Charles Addams, Shel Silverstein, or maybe more so the art of Tim Burton (this reminded me a bit of “The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy,” at least, stylistically), this creeped up on me, but I found myself laughing, distraught, and even a tad hopeful. By stripping that voice in our head down to simplistic, childlike language, with ironic, darkly humorous drawing, it allows the reader/viewer to explore their own strengths in the face of perceived fallibilities.
March 20, 2024
This book has helped me on numerous occasions. Bad breakup? Read this book. Too depressed to get out of bed? Read this book. Can’t imagine ever taking a shower again because it hurts too much? Read this book. Whenever I feel blue, or down, or like a stick stuck in mud, I open these pages and I read until I feel better. Each piece of humor, and each sketch, helps to bring me out of that mud. For anyone who has anxiety, depression, or just needs a pick-me-up, I hope you find this book helps you, too.
May 19, 2021
It is so simple but so meaningful. I’ve been going through a lot recently and a friend got me the book. It’s so simple but if you just read it it’s a cute way to rationalize situations or behaviors that have been contributing to a negative self image. This book isn’t going to tell you how to get better and solve all your problems but can help you from doing a spiral downwards about yourself. I definitely recommend this book and hope people enjoy it.
September 18, 2024
Beautiful
Small, but impactful.
For the people that sometimes feel lost. For the people that doubt themselves. For the people that need to learn to appreciate the small things in life. For the people who need to hear that they are good enough. For the people who some times let their demons take control. For the people who just need to hear that they are good enough. This book is for us!
Small, but impactful.
For the people that sometimes feel lost. For the people that doubt themselves. For the people that need to learn to appreciate the small things in life. For the people who need to hear that they are good enough. For the people who some times let their demons take control. For the people who just need to hear that they are good enough. This book is for us!
June 22, 2021
Deeply strange and oddly moving little book. I have followed @pantspants for a while, so I knew what I was getting into. Deliberately messy line drawings and sparse color are accompanied by peculiar text in the form of affirmations. Some of these drawings will make you laugh, some will disturb you, and some may actually inspire you to be kinder to yourself or try something new.
October 4, 2024
treasure
Don’t let appearances deceive you. This is a book that’s very deceiving as one would think it’s a children’s book. It has pearls of wisdom on words that pop off the page and make you think about what you’re not only reading but reacting to.
Don’t let appearances deceive you. This is a book that’s very deceiving as one would think it’s a children’s book. It has pearls of wisdom on words that pop off the page and make you think about what you’re not only reading but reacting to.
April 26, 2021
Love this small book of affirmations! And love Josh Mecouch's art! So humorous and inspiring and sweet.
April 28, 2021
Excellent.
May 1, 2021
Inspirationally hilarious
May 5, 2021
Pants is just marvellous.
May 7, 2021
What to call this....an antidote to every "inspirational" book before it?
All the stars.
All the stars.
May 17, 2021
So sweet, beautiful, funny, and just fun to read front to back. Love the Pants comics & im so glad I bought this little book!
May 21, 2021
It is ugly and horrible and affirming a d beautiful all at once.
August 16, 2021
With maniacal drawings that make these ordinary affirmations feel sarcastic, this is the kind of self-help I can get behind.
August 25, 2021
Hilarious book of affirmations for people who can't stand those motivational posters. Creative and relatable comics with them and self-deprecating humor. Very quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2021
Interesting drawings and brief comments that says a lot without using many words. Humorous and fun as well as being instructive.
October 27, 2021
this little book brought me BIG joy.
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December 10, 2021Wonderful affirmations, quirky and fun art. Loved it and plan to keep it on my desk to read often.
December 29, 2021
Charming book with quirky illustrations.
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February 28, 2022The combination of positive affirmations and strange illustrations make for a unique book that will always offer a bit of somewhat awkward advice when you're not feeling yourself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews