Be a Work in Progress: And Other Things I'd Like to Tell My Younger Self

by John Cena, Valeria Petrone (Illustrator)

A beautifully illustrated book of inspiration from the beloved entertainer and #1 New York Times bestselling author John Cena

Be brave enough to embrace humility. The reward will be confidence.

For years, John Cena has been using his popular Twitter feed to uplift his followers with his unique brand of positivity. Now, he collects his favorite words of wisdom on the benefits of being bold and open-minded, embracing discomfort, and making the most of every opportunity.

Heartfelt and hopeful, Be a Work in Progress is the pick-me-up readers will turn to again and again to reap the benefit of Cena's values.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Inspirational, Poetry, Leadership, Collections

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 2021

About the author

John Felix Anthony Cena Jr. is an American professional wrestler, actor, rapper, author and television host.

Reviews

[Sheryl Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up because I was intrigued that John Cena wrote a book as I only know him as a WWF wrestler. It turns out he's been posting positive and uplifting tweets for years. Lots of great words of wisdom, thoughts and ideas wrapped up into a quick read, that you kinda just want to have on your shelf to pull out and be able to flip to any random page for a bit of encouragement. We all can use a quick pick me up now and again. This is full of them.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this book on a whim and I am so glad I did! It's a little motivational book filled with short inspirational phrases and is filled with amazing accompanying illustrations. A few of the phrases are mash up of familiar quotes but on the whole these are fun and fresh. I can hardly believe that big beefcake Cena wrote them (I shouldn't be surprised he has kids books out as well). I like this book so much that after I return it to the library I'm going to buy my own personal copy. It's fun to flip through and perfect to have on the coffee table to use as a conversation starter or as inspiration. The illustrations are whimsical and fun and the book is very motivational. Very pleasantly surprised by this!!

[Elizabeth Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like a series of motivational Instagram posts. Each page was something I want to remember, be and do. Be A Work In Progress was simple and a refreshing reminder of everything I already know to be true, including
"Life is about the ride, not the vehicle you show up in."
"Attraction is what brings us together. Connection keeps us together. Find someone you are strongly attracted to, then be brave enough to allow connection and communication. The result will be an unbreakable bond."
"Don't take someone else's word on what you can accomplishment."

[Kathleen Brunnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was hoping for a bit more insight, but the short and quick nuggets of wisdom did make me think. I really enjoyed the illustrations that accompanied the advice.

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love John Cena. I still don't know what he looks like, but he seems like an all-around Good Guy. #hustle #loyalty #respect

Also, the illustrations are very cute and clever.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need a quote, need words to pick you or someone else up? This is the book!!

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations in this book, so beautiful!

[Nadina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough book of quotes. Easy to flip through. Cute illustrations. Nothing really special though.

[Sarah (Wondermajica) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a former fan of professional wrestling and have followed the career of John Cena since I was a kid. While browsing the new releases at my local library I noticed this book and just had to check it out. Be A Work In Progress is a book of inspirational messages and advice on life. While a good amount of the advice given by Cena comes off a bit cliche and is mostly stuff worded differently by others, the messages are still extremely relevant. What truly makes this book shine are the illustrations by Valeria Petrone. The color scheme of yellow and black and images that pair up nicely with the advice given by Cena are a wonderful touch. I also really love how some of the illustrations are visible as a subtle background to some of the messages. Additionally, I really liked the font in this book. It was super easy to read and just fit perfectly with the format. This is definitely the type of book you want to just keep nearby for when you are feeling down and need a little pick-me-up.

[Zulfiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course, it did not take me too long to finish the book as I specially chose it to get me out of reading slump. I am doing quite well with my audiobooks, but I have been struggling with the true eyeballs-on-the-page experience most recently. Thus, the choice of the book, and thus, the rating.
It is a certain self-help motivational book that consists of life-affirming statements, and most of them, to be honest, are somewhat trite and quite predictable. Again, there is only so much self-motivational meaning you can put into those catch-phrases.
On the other hand, there were a couple that made me pause and think and reflect on my behavior or whether these statements were accurate for me.

I particularly enjoyed the illustrations in the book and the intro as it was the meatiest part of the book.
Overall, an OK book to pick me out of my actual reading "reading" slump and a good one to keep on the coffee table.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations in this book. I'm going to try to find other books Valeria Petrone has done. This was a short, simple book of motivating quotes. Most of them were pretty fluffy, not meaning that in a negative way, but just basic things that you kind of already know, but its good to hear again. But there were a handful that really made me think.

"Searching for and having friends who blindly agree with your opinions no matter what won't help you grow. Surround yourself with honest people who challenge your choices, and who can openly speak about their values and beliefs. There is little to learn in always being right."

[Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and accurate coffee book. Little snipits of advice from John Cena that I really agree with. One of those coffee books you can open up to any page and get some encouraging words of wisdom. The illustrations are very pleasing too.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew John Cena would have such amazing advice and inspiration? I liked a lot of his words and will return to them for motivation.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little book filled with positivity and hope and wisdom and ideas to take to heart. It’s something I will want to read every few months.

[Ezgi ☕️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Never be afraid to establish boundaries. Doing so allows you to give, and to remain you”

“ When called upon, do your best. That is all anyone can ask”

“ Love that lasts takes work. Tremendous work. Anyone who thinks differently has a little perspective on the timeline and totality of existence. Don’t fear love, but do not ignorantly proceed into thinking it comes without effort”

“ Make sure you are more of a person than a persona”

“ Let them see you sweat, hurt, fall, fail, cry, bleed, crack, falter, suffer, struggle, persist, rise, fight, grow, improve, gain, and triumph, and, above all, let them see your joy. But never let them see you give up”

“ Shame is among the toughest, if not the toughest, opponents we will ever face. But because shame is so difficult to beat, the rewards yielded by being brave enough to fight can be life changing”

“ Be who you say you are. This sounds easy, but how many people do you know who project one life, then live another?”

“ Attraction is what brings us together. Connection keeps us together. Find someone you are strongly attracted to, then be brave enough to allow connection and communication. The result will be an unbreakable bond”

“ Many of us fear rejection. Rejection is simply a difference of opinion. Next time you get rejected, instead of feeling embarrassed or afraid, ask, “why?” It is amazing what you can learn about yourself and others”

“ For those out there who find themselves saying, “I just want to be happy“ remember to ask yourself what is it that makes you happy. Many have no idea; they just want “happiness”. Do your best to define what this means for you then make choices to work toward it”

“If you have trouble trusting others, start by asking how well you trust yourself”

[Mirranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might be biased because I love John Cena with all my heart but for what it is, its a worthwhile read with short motivational messages that are similar to his tweets.

The illustrations are super cute throughout so I feel like it'd definitely be a good thing to have on a bookshelf and revisit.

Some of my fav quotes:
'Beware of those who think you owe them happiness at the expense of your own well-being'

'If you wait to act until everything is "perfect," you will be a lifelong spectator'

'For those out there who find themselves saying, "I just want to be happy," remember to ask yourself what it is that makes you happy. Many have no idea; they just want "happiness." Do your best to define what this means for you, then make choices to work toward it'

'The only person you need to prove yourself to is you'

[Mileena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be a Work In Progress
4/5 stars

This is a cute little book that had inspirational tidbits and this aesthetically pleasing drawings. John Cena said that it was the book he wishes he had when he was a teenager and I think it is very true to his sweet and pure personality that he in turn wanted to give to the world.

I would love now to read a full fledged memoir in his unique voice.

But I will say most of these ate very basic and although I tabbed a lot of these pages I dont feel like this is one of the books that changed my life which is why I think it sits well at 4 stars.

[lily ✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

i was expecting short platitudes, but what i got was a book full of genuinely deep insights that made you stop and think. also, who knew that john cena was putting so much effort into spreading kindness and compassion and making the world a better place??

[Meagan (she/her) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tiny book is packed full of common sense quotes on living a good life. And, let’s be honest, we all need reminders like these sometimes. This is a great gift book, especially for someone having a rough go in life. Highly recommend.

[jilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book as a gift from my uncle. I’m grateful, this was inspiring and motivational. Felt like I was visually being given advice to with the illustrations along with the texts. Much thanks, John Cena 🫡

[Red The Book Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good tips. Everyone needs to read one tip at least once a day... I need help staying positive these days.

[Kari Napier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice! Pretty simple but wise.

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Beware of those who think you owe them happiness at the expense of your own well-being.”

[Drake Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little read that was a much needed reminder of practices I should continue to try and employ on a daily basis that I can forget when I get down.

Authentic positivity with no real bias. I recommend this work!

[janessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

i just read it bc i have to read it for something, but it was rlly short

[Dre J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book in dollar tree today. I’m a Life long WWE fan and John Cena was around most of my childhood/teenage years watching. I’m not sure if these are tweets he published or what, but some are actually insightful. Of course short and you are just reading and looking at illustration, but some of the tidbits make you think about it. Like him, hate him, if you can see him or not, John really has a talent for positivity and bringing light

[Patty Mapes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book of quotes to ponder. Illustrations are whimsical.

[L]

Very cute.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little book full of encouraging thoughts. And I do mean little. There were no excessive sentences or explanations. I liked the interesting illustrations that were on almost every page.

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you follow John Cena on Twitter you’ve probably already read this book. I wrongly assumed it would be more of a biography and less of just random uplifting quotes thrown in together. There’s nothing wrong with either the premise or the actual quotes, the imagery is pretty cute and complements the quotes nicely as well.

I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a pick-me-up, or just some advice.