Smart Girls Handbook: How to Silence Self-doubt, Find Your Purpose and Redefine the Impossible

by Scarlett.V. Clark

Using her own story alongside the most popular questions that Scarlett is asked at the many events she runs in schools and colleges, The Smart Girl's Handbook will show you how

Discover your talent and find your passion. Learn how to deal with fear of failure. Cope with anxiety and start speaking your truth. Build a strong group of true friends and slay the naysayers. Be confident and love yourself. Each chapter follows the themes above and uses examples from Scarlett's own life to explore the central idea. Included are tools, tips and exercises to work through, as well as interviews with other 'Smart Girls'. This is a handbook for any girl who wants to push boundaries and go for what they want.

Genres: Nonfiction, Contemporary

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really quick read but super great! It was so uplifting and made me feel a lot more ambitious. I'm definitely going to do some of the recommended activities!

[Charlotte Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great feminist book by someone it is clear to tell has a lot of passion. Some parts of this I was like wow this all sounds a bit much and a bit intense, but I get that is what would need to be done if you really want to go out there and work it and be your best self. I definitely feel inspired to try some of the exercises listed and will remember some of the quotes throughout for sure, 'Have the Audacity to dream Big.'

[Indi Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This handbook was just brilliant! This is the type of book that I wish 15 year old me owned but even as an adult I felt empowered and motivated. I would recommend this book to everyone. I definitely think teenaged girls and girl moms would benefit hugely from reading this book!

Thank you Scarlett and Trigger for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ❤️

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really was inspired by this, the author doesn’t sugarcoat everything and she doesn't hide the negativity that is received in life. I definitely recommend this to younger women to learn earlier than me as a maturer adult, but even as a maturer woman it still motivates. I think all women need to read this


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This self-help book is designed to empower and inspire readers to take charge of their life and get the most out of it. There are helpful mantras, tips, exercises and challenges to stimulate your own personal power to achieve success and live a loving life. A life designed for you and your happiness.

I am so happy to have received this book as not only have I heard amazing things but I am also incredibly excited to own a gorgeous pink book to brighten my bookshelf. I am certain this will be making appearances in future book stack challenges. And just like the cover, the message of the novel is stunning. Clark boosted my self-belief just after reading a few pages. The Smart Girl Tribe offers an important outlet for ladies of all ages to reflect and assess how to find a purpose, let go of negativity and effectively learn to love yourself and life. I am glad to have read this book right now and during this time of my life because it is most necessary to learn how important your self worth is. During a pandemic with limited opportunities and interactions can cause for your passion to go, your motivation and drive. I personally have experienced this and struggled to find a way to get out of this negative mindset, so this book has come at a perfect time. It was the reminder I needed that you are so important.

Clark powerfully uses first person narration with direct address to fully captivate the reader. I feel as though Clark is there in my head and talking to me personally. The personal anecdotes included support Clark’s points and provide an intimate and honest account. I feel that the examples used provide perfect evidence and encouragement as a lot are relatable. I particularly enjoyed reading how the Smart Girl Tribe was born and after I read this, I knew I had to follow Clark and the Tribe on all social media platforms to learn more. I couldn’t get enough of Clark’s inspiring writing. I often find that a lot of inspirational speakers provide short term inspiration. A classic case of feeling in the moment but then not taking any action afterwards, creating a full cycle of seeking help, feeling motivated but then forgetting to act. I can confidently say that Clark has provided much more than short term relief. With the ‘Smart Girl Promises’ and regular activities alongside ‘Smart Girl Actions’ in each chapter, allows for immediate change and exploration into what Clark offers. This helps avoid the inevitable inaction and Clark even acknowledges this proving to be a reliable narrator. It is clear that Clark truly knows what she is saying and is worth listening to. I feel thankful that we have the opportunity to learn from Clark and her examples.

I could quote loads of useful messages included in the book – I’d pretty much be rewriting it then – but the one message that has had a considerable impact on me is this:

Your life will unfold as it is meant to.

Scarlett V Clark, The Smart Girls Handbook, page.40
I am guilty of what Clark describes – having a checklist based on what I am supposed to achieve at what age – and quite frankly it is scary. But here is my own example of adopting what I have learnt from Clark. I have learnt to scrap these mental checklists and enjoy life as it comes, remembering that quote all the time. It can become overwhelming when listing all the things you believe you should be achieving, yet the basis of such isn’t a universal experience. I have come to learn that there is nothing better than being actively involved in the present. The chapter dealing with anxiety and inner voice has massively proved beneficial. I will definitely be using some of the actions listed to improve my stresses. There are so many more examples that I could delve into where Clark has changed my perspective but then I fear this review will be terribly long. If you would like to hear more, or would like to discuss your own experiences then please send me a message. I would be delighted to engage in such conversation with you.

I really enjoyed how Clark quoted famous figures to match a chapter. Reading quotes is often a great escape and provide new outlooks, so having that and the whole narration of Clark provided an incredible impact to me as a reader. At each point, Clark breaks down how to achieve the promise outlined. She describes a real life situation where it was applied and offers ways to incorporate it in your own life. I appreciate the way how Clark acknowledges that doing so can be difficult so she breaks down the potential obstacles. Asking thoughtful questions, which are most relatable, and offers solutions as well as steps to achieve with the ‘Smart Girl Actions’. I found this immensely useful as not only was I able to fully understand the promise but also how I can ensure it is achieved.

Overall, this is a powerful and helpful handbook. As Clark herself rightly professes, I will be rereading this. The Smart Girls Handbook will definitely have found its new position as a permanent book in my bag, so I will always have it with me. Undeniably, I rate this book 5 stars.

[Bethany Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is refreshing although this comes across the same as any other female handbook with her experiences sprinkled into the book. although there are some parts that are helpful in encouraging and empowering females in their adventures.
Some nice quotes and concepts about females and making your dreams and love and make it your job.
I like that she says about the association with failure to females and how that can hold you back and you are not always ready for the tasks but accept that you deserve more from the world you can play the victim or use it as a way to improve your life and get a step forward.
Accepting that you are human and how everyone gets embarrassed and not be ashamed that's what made you who you are.
Everyone else cannot tell you how to live and the best path for you as that is up to you, do not live for others live for yourself.
she states that avoiding or changing a situation that causes anxiety is best as well as doing exercise although this cannot always apply, I think taking on a situation and exposure to a situation can minimise anxiety through experience and exposure to the stimuli.
I liked her talking about her experiences that it is a great way to support what she is trying to say.

[Miriam Morgans · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠
By Scarlett V Clark @smartgirltribe

This is a book to help you to silence self-doubt, Find your purpose and redefine the impossible.

Scarlett is the founder of Smart Girl Tribe, she shares her journey to success along with practical advise and exercises to help design a life you love.

Focusing on your passions
Dealing with failure
Coping with anxiety
Building a strong tribe of true friends
Being confident and to love yourself
Embracing self Care
And finally how you can help change the world.

There were some lovely tips throughout the book, I especially liked the 5-5-5 method.
I also really appreciated reading about self-doubt and how the biggest voice that puts you down is often your own. This is true for many of us.

It is a positive book which can only help you to be the best you can be.

There are some very good mental health support links at the back of the book too.

[Halle Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very motivational!
Here are some of my fav quotes:

“I choose friends who share similar values and common goals. I call them purpose partners.”

“Simple habits such as good posture, a strong speaking voice and making eye contact are all actions that deter mean girls”

“When your passion and purpose are aligned, that is when you will truly perform as your best self.”

“There is no escalator to success, it is a stairway.”

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. It is a must-read for any woman in her 20s or 30s. The author goes through the main challenges we face like having anxiety, setting boundaries, finding friends as an adult, finding your passion etc and gives tangible ways to navigate through them. It is full of exercises I hadn't heard of before (but have been practising since) and stories that are both funny and vulnerable!

[yasmineiratni · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book but sometimes it’s too « « fake » »

[Sophie Infanti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is filled with uplifting, motivational and inspiring chapters.

[Laura Torngaard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read that strengthens motivation and self-confidence overall. At times, however, it felt as if the author highlighted her own success in an unnecessary way, almost creating the feeling that her career way is the "right" or "optimal" career. The small exercises and overall attitude toward life were great though. Definitely made me rethink my approach to socializing and overcoming obstacles in my life.