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Winging It: Stop Thinking, Start Doing: Why Action Beats Planning Every Time

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A call for women everywhere to forget perfectionism and start winging it. Emma Isaacs forgot to draw up her life plan. She doesn’t have a list of five-year goals, and she doesn’t believe in work-life balance. Yet somehow she’s managed to found a multimillion-dollar global organization, become a highly sought-after speaker and media commentator, and be recognized as a prominent voice in women’s leadership—all while raising six young children.So how does she do it all? She dives in headfirst and wings it.Women are notorious over-preparers and underestimators when it comes to their own readiness to try something new. But as Emma teaches, what most often holds us back are our own fears, excuses, and doubts. With her revolutionary manifesto, Winging It, Emma has written a rallying cry for all women to “do the things that scare you, build your wealth, make an impact, fail lots, and get up and try again.”Through hilarious stories, targeted prompts, and timeless advice, Emma will inspire you to get clear on what really matters and go after your dreams, one messy step at a time. Get ready to stop hiding behind the safe option or the perfect plan—and start winging it. 

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2020

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Emma Isaacs

9 books16 followers

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5 stars
43 (34%)
4 stars
40 (32%)
3 stars
26 (21%)
2 stars
9 (7%)
1 star
5 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Emma | emmasbookishself.
638 reviews24 followers
March 28, 2022
This was such an ideal read for me as I approach my one year business anniversary. I wanted this year to be full of manifesting, and achieving my goals- this book also taught me to just for it.

If you’re told no, that doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Try again. Keep going.
Profile Image for Meaghan Vogt.
Author 1 book18 followers
May 26, 2022
When you take that giant leap of faith, the only challenging thing will be temporary discomfort

By allowing ourselves to journey into uncharted territory, you find growth

To get wherever it is you’re going, you’re going to need to wing it

Say yes to unexpected invitations and opportunities

Imagine your life as a four-burner stove, each burner represents friends, family, health and work. It’s been said that if you want to be successful, you have to turn off at least one of your burners. And if you want to be super-successful, you need to turn off two burners. Consider that!

There is magic is these two caveats; you must start somewhere, and you’re the only one who can make it happen. So what are you really waiting for!?
5 reviews
April 16, 2025
ehhh no. I was mislead by thinking this would dive into perfectionism and planning vs diving into something and taking action. this was a pretty surface level read, her advice is mostly generic (which is the bane of my existence). I did appreciate the financial chapter though! I think this would be nice for someone who is a manager at a franchise as she gives a lot of advice about being a leader, managing people and even talks about customer service several times. she ends the book on one final generic inspirational bang about women uplifting women. there was nothing insightful or useful about it, just kumbayah shit. I had to roll my eyes. as someone who struggles with perfectionism this didn't inspire me at all to take action lol.
Profile Image for Hannah Austin.
13 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2021
This book was full of inspiring stories and realistic tips for winging it in life and business. I love reading about successful women and how they’ve done it. My one caveat is that a lot of the book felt like your typical workaholic “just do more, all the time” advice. While some people are geared that way, a lot of people aren’t and I don’t think it prevents them from being successful business owners. I appreciate the hustle, but I’m tired of us acting like it’s how everyone needs to be.
1 review
September 17, 2020
I was halfway through this book and already went online to buy copies for my friends, this book has completely changed the way I think about taking on huge scary (but exciting!) projects and has sparked a new joy and zest for my career and life. Emma's enthusiasm is contagious and this book is a must read!
2 reviews
September 17, 2020
"Winging It" has to be one of my most high-lighted books on my kindle... so many nuggets of wisdom within this gorgeous book! Emma gives practical advice regarding career, building a business and/or a community, entrepreneurship, networking and general life and also provides a few "Ah-ha!"'s and a few amusing anecdotes! You'll power through this book and be wiser for it!
1 review4 followers
October 6, 2020
A Must Read!!

Absolutely loved this book! Arrived a couple of weeks ago and I have read it through twice, with post-it's all throughout which I know I'll be referencing for years to come.

Winging It
1 review
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October 6, 2020
A friend recommended this book as a must read for 2020 and she wasn't wrong about how great it is! I promptly dashed out to get a copy and I got so immersed, I ended up reading the whole book in two days. If you're a little stuck and need something to get you going, then do yourself a favour and get yourself a copy! You'll be so glad you did.
1 review11 followers
September 18, 2020
A MUST read. This book came at the perfect time for me, if you're also stuck thinking you need to have every detail worked out before you can take action, this book is for you - sometimes you need to dive in the deep end and just Wing It! Easy read with lots of laugh out loud moments.
2 reviews
September 30, 2020
Just loved it! I was given this book through work and knew nothing of the author, but I loved the read and feel so motivated now. Highly recommend if you're feeling a little sluggish and need a boost.
1 review
October 12, 2020
Ready to change your life? Feeling like you're holding back...? READ THIS BOOK! Emma has changed my perspective in both my personal and professional life. I have never felt more inspired! If your book club is looking for a book to read, make sure this is your next!!
1 review
September 17, 2020
This book completely flipped my perspective on my personal goals! I’m a student and currently feeling the pressure to figure out my life plan. I finished the book feeling so energized for my future!
1 review
October 6, 2020
You must grab a copy of this book! It completely inspired me to take action now and to stop over-thinking things!
1 review
October 8, 2020
I'm only four chapters in but I can't put it down. Already I've thought of two new goals I want to kick off and am finding it a thoroughly inspiring and motivating read.
3 reviews
October 8, 2020
LOVE. THIS. BOOK.
2020 delivered something good after all!

Such a fun read with so many useful tips that have already made a huge impact on the way I approach life.
2 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2020
A class of its own. Solid case studies and great stories. Really recommend.
1 review
October 13, 2020
This book is BRILLIANT! Insightful, funny, engaging, powerful, relatable - thank you Emma! I'll be passing this one onto friends & family
53 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2021
I don't like not finishing books - but I just could not finish this book.
Profile Image for Analiese Pappas.
15 reviews41 followers
August 22, 2021
This book was just what I needed to read as I approached the next crossroads in my life. As someone who struggles in making decisions and feels like there always is more out there to explore and enjoy, this book provided me with encouragement and inspiration to go forward into the world and work towards my goals.

Emma Isaacs is an engaging writer, and her personal anecdotes were meaningful and relatable. She gives excellent advice for anyone who is starting a new chapter in their life (whether it be a new school, job, starting a business, etc.) and for people who are feeling a bit lost in life’s stresses and craziness. Isaacs encourages us to take advantage of all the experiences that life has to offer, and not to shy away from something we want to do out of fear or other excuses. This book is about being a go-getter and mustering up the courage to put yourself out there and do the things you’ve always wanted to do and the things that spark even the slightest bit of interest in you, because you never know what connections, success, and learning experiences might come from them. Most importantly, the book encourages us to learn and grow from our inevitable failures and challenges, which can sometimes provide more guidance and growth than our successes.

I just recommended this book to my mom, who is working on building her own business, and I plan to keep it with me as I continue working towards my graduate degree and beyond!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews