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The Awesome Human Project: Break Free from Daily Burnout, Struggle Less, and Thrive More in Work and Life
Stop struggling and start living your best life―with the inspiring, proven program that's transformed over a million people.
We are all experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. Exhaustion is at an all-time high. Leaders are depleted, employees are burning out at an alarming rate, and parents met their breaking point long ago. We are struggling and in desperate need of a new path forward.
In The Awesome Human Project , Nataly Kogan, emotional fitness and leadership expert and author of Happier Now, shows us the way. She makes the compelling case that while challenge in life is constant, struggle is optional . Here, she shares an accessible, super-practical, and unboring guide for reducing daily struggle and burnout―so you can live, work, and lead with more energy, joy, and meaning, even during difficult times.
Nataly wrote The Awesome Human Project in response to her own journey. A refugee who achieved tremendous success, she had come to see struggle as a way of life. But her burnout taught her a powerful you can’t give what you don’t have. She writes, “Strengthening your emotional fitness is an essential investment in your success and leadership, and an act of love to everyone you care about.”
Filled with simple, science-backed practices and Nataly’s contagious energy, The Awesome Human Project will teach you how to strengthen your emotional fitness skills, create a more supportive relationship with yourself as well as your thoughts and emotions, reduce self-doubt, and cultivate more honest and meaningful connections with others.
The Awesome Human Project is a book that you do ―not just a book that you read. It
• Nataly’s proven, science-backed, five-week program to boost your emotional fitness
• Bite-sized neuroscience lessons so that you can learn to be the boss of your brain
• What awesome leaders do differently and why it matters
• Ways to get rid of guilt around self-care for good
• An “SOS” section to get you unstuck right now
• Nataly’s wildly popular “Notes to Self,” with inspiration to support your progress
• Awesome Human Awards!
There is an Awesome Human within every single one of us. The Awesome Human Project is the essential guidebook to help you embrace your Awesome Human and become the best version of yourself―with courage and compassion.
We are all experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. Exhaustion is at an all-time high. Leaders are depleted, employees are burning out at an alarming rate, and parents met their breaking point long ago. We are struggling and in desperate need of a new path forward.
In The Awesome Human Project , Nataly Kogan, emotional fitness and leadership expert and author of Happier Now, shows us the way. She makes the compelling case that while challenge in life is constant, struggle is optional . Here, she shares an accessible, super-practical, and unboring guide for reducing daily struggle and burnout―so you can live, work, and lead with more energy, joy, and meaning, even during difficult times.
Nataly wrote The Awesome Human Project in response to her own journey. A refugee who achieved tremendous success, she had come to see struggle as a way of life. But her burnout taught her a powerful you can’t give what you don’t have. She writes, “Strengthening your emotional fitness is an essential investment in your success and leadership, and an act of love to everyone you care about.”
Filled with simple, science-backed practices and Nataly’s contagious energy, The Awesome Human Project will teach you how to strengthen your emotional fitness skills, create a more supportive relationship with yourself as well as your thoughts and emotions, reduce self-doubt, and cultivate more honest and meaningful connections with others.
The Awesome Human Project is a book that you do ―not just a book that you read. It
• Nataly’s proven, science-backed, five-week program to boost your emotional fitness
• Bite-sized neuroscience lessons so that you can learn to be the boss of your brain
• What awesome leaders do differently and why it matters
• Ways to get rid of guilt around self-care for good
• An “SOS” section to get you unstuck right now
• Nataly’s wildly popular “Notes to Self,” with inspiration to support your progress
• Awesome Human Awards!
There is an Awesome Human within every single one of us. The Awesome Human Project is the essential guidebook to help you embrace your Awesome Human and become the best version of yourself―with courage and compassion.
312 pages, Hardcover
Published February 8, 2022
88 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 21, 2022
Let's start this review by recognizing I'm not the intended audience. This book is more about cognitive behviour therapy than it is about your classic work related burnout. In fact it really doesn't get into anything clinical about burnout.
The awesome human project's premise is that burnout is an individual failing to deal with, and challenge, negative self talk and distorted thinking (she never calls anyone a failure, she's kind/cheery and optimistic about people, I'm not saying she blames us, so much as it's an under current). In my opinion the counter point to this is systemic failures in our work environments and organizations lead to burnout more than our own negativity. And don't get me wrong, all that negativity directed at yourself would be exhausting, and you'll need to get help with that. BUT if that's not what's happened to you, than this book won't give you much insight.
At a high level this is a book for folks who participate in a lot of negative self talk and negative self beliefs. A book for the people who have distorted thoughts around their self worth. The classic Type A perfectionists where if it's not 100 or 110% than they must be failures. This isn't me. But it's a shit tonne of people in my life. So I can see the appeal of this book, and truly I hope it does help folks seek out help or see what they're doing to themselves and others and work to change.
That being said there is some really wonky messaging in the beginning of this book. The author starts out by describing how she burnt herself out. But it really reads like a flex, like if I'm already talking to myself and saying things like I'm a failure, is it really helpful for this lady to describe all the things she achieved before the age of 35 (5 startups with varying degrees of success and working at a successful venture capital firm, marriage, kid etc.). Don't get me wrong I can see how that would burn a person out. But if you're picking up this book because you're super negative with yourself than I can almost guarantee that you also spend a lot of time comparing yourself to other people and finding yourself coming up short. And that's one of my sticking points with this book, it didn't bring up how comparison with others and focusing on what other people are doing and achieving is dangerous for our well being. And I have to think that was intentional because otherwise you'd have to take out all the flexing.
But maybe (hopefully) I'm woefully wrong about this. And I will happily concede that I really do think this book could be helpful for other people. Especially the folks that haven't tried CBT with a professional, or have but couldn't get through to the other side. Maybe this book could help open some eyes and help folks be kinder to themselves. And that would be a major win for those people and for society on a whole.
So if you say shitty stuff to yourself on a regular basis, if you feel you're never good enough, working hard enough, achieving enough, grab this book. Don't compare yourself to the author, her life experience is literally on a different planet for most of us, but know that there are helpful prompts to deal with your distorted thoughts if you're willing to try. You got this, you're a better human than you give yourself credit for!
PS. for extra credit listen to the song Winner by cheeseburger, and make it your theme song.
The awesome human project's premise is that burnout is an individual failing to deal with, and challenge, negative self talk and distorted thinking (she never calls anyone a failure, she's kind/cheery and optimistic about people, I'm not saying she blames us, so much as it's an under current). In my opinion the counter point to this is systemic failures in our work environments and organizations lead to burnout more than our own negativity. And don't get me wrong, all that negativity directed at yourself would be exhausting, and you'll need to get help with that. BUT if that's not what's happened to you, than this book won't give you much insight.
At a high level this is a book for folks who participate in a lot of negative self talk and negative self beliefs. A book for the people who have distorted thoughts around their self worth. The classic Type A perfectionists where if it's not 100 or 110% than they must be failures. This isn't me. But it's a shit tonne of people in my life. So I can see the appeal of this book, and truly I hope it does help folks seek out help or see what they're doing to themselves and others and work to change.
That being said there is some really wonky messaging in the beginning of this book. The author starts out by describing how she burnt herself out. But it really reads like a flex, like if I'm already talking to myself and saying things like I'm a failure, is it really helpful for this lady to describe all the things she achieved before the age of 35 (5 startups with varying degrees of success and working at a successful venture capital firm, marriage, kid etc.). Don't get me wrong I can see how that would burn a person out. But if you're picking up this book because you're super negative with yourself than I can almost guarantee that you also spend a lot of time comparing yourself to other people and finding yourself coming up short. And that's one of my sticking points with this book, it didn't bring up how comparison with others and focusing on what other people are doing and achieving is dangerous for our well being. And I have to think that was intentional because otherwise you'd have to take out all the flexing.
But maybe (hopefully) I'm woefully wrong about this. And I will happily concede that I really do think this book could be helpful for other people. Especially the folks that haven't tried CBT with a professional, or have but couldn't get through to the other side. Maybe this book could help open some eyes and help folks be kinder to themselves. And that would be a major win for those people and for society on a whole.
So if you say shitty stuff to yourself on a regular basis, if you feel you're never good enough, working hard enough, achieving enough, grab this book. Don't compare yourself to the author, her life experience is literally on a different planet for most of us, but know that there are helpful prompts to deal with your distorted thoughts if you're willing to try. You got this, you're a better human than you give yourself credit for!
PS. for extra credit listen to the song Winner by cheeseburger, and make it your theme song.
January 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. If you have little experience with self-help books and are looking for something to help you deal with the high stress and guilt that comes from trying to have it all, this book is for you. Years of running towards burnout are not easy to deal with, but I think this book makes for a great first step. As someone who enjoys self-help books and is quite familiar with many of the messages in this book, I didn’t find it as useful as some other people might. I also thought it was a bit too long at times, but the author does mention that she’s a wordy person, so I guess that’s to be expected. All that being said, I still think this book is a good resource.
I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2022
This is a a kind and enthusiastic woman talking about self care and using the world awesome a lot. I find that I quite like self care books because they are a sort cut to the same headspace I get to with meditation - like a metaverse - and this one was much more cheerful than most. Unfortunately, for me that grates.
January 19, 2025
The word 'Awesome' has lost all meaning to me 🙄
But in all seriousness, this book has some great tools to dig yourself out of the valley of struggle. I wouldn't recommend the audiobook, there's a lot of tools and practices that don't lend well to the audio format.
But in all seriousness, this book has some great tools to dig yourself out of the valley of struggle. I wouldn't recommend the audiobook, there's a lot of tools and practices that don't lend well to the audio format.
Read
April 10, 2022DNF.
December 14, 2022
Her advice is sound, but from my perspective it seems quite basic.
March 17, 2022
Have more energy, joy, and meaning in your life
I picked this book up because of the title and cover, not knowing anything about it or Nataly Kogan. I like her enthusiasm and friendly, cheerful writing style. She has some very helpful ideas. Some of them were new to me and others were things I already knew that she put into words. This isn’t just a book to read, though you can do that, there are also practices to do in each chapter.
One of the main themes is “Challenges in life are constant but struggle is optional.” I liked the “emotional whiteboard” from chapter 6 which says everyone you see knows how you’re feeling, whether you acknowledge it or not, and begins to feel the same way. I also liked her note from chapter 9, “The story you tell yourself about your day impacts how you feel. Edit your story.”
Some other things that stood out to me, “Gratitude is the skill of actively appreciating the small, positive moments in everyday life – even when times are challenging – and sharing your appreciation for other people with them.” Be genuine and specific. (ch 10) “Rest is the opposite of doing nothing.” (ch 11) And, “The most meaningful happiness comes from being kind and helpful to someone else.” (ch 12)
I found her suggestion helpful to look at the items on your to-do list that you keep putting off and think of who it will help or how it contributes to something in a positive way. Also, “you get to choose your attitude towards any challenge.” (ch 13) Think about what drains your energy and make a plan for a way to do less of it tomorrow, such as putting phone away by 9pm. Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC (or temporary digital copy) to use for my review.
I picked this book up because of the title and cover, not knowing anything about it or Nataly Kogan. I like her enthusiasm and friendly, cheerful writing style. She has some very helpful ideas. Some of them were new to me and others were things I already knew that she put into words. This isn’t just a book to read, though you can do that, there are also practices to do in each chapter.
One of the main themes is “Challenges in life are constant but struggle is optional.” I liked the “emotional whiteboard” from chapter 6 which says everyone you see knows how you’re feeling, whether you acknowledge it or not, and begins to feel the same way. I also liked her note from chapter 9, “The story you tell yourself about your day impacts how you feel. Edit your story.”
Some other things that stood out to me, “Gratitude is the skill of actively appreciating the small, positive moments in everyday life – even when times are challenging – and sharing your appreciation for other people with them.” Be genuine and specific. (ch 10) “Rest is the opposite of doing nothing.” (ch 11) And, “The most meaningful happiness comes from being kind and helpful to someone else.” (ch 12)
I found her suggestion helpful to look at the items on your to-do list that you keep putting off and think of who it will help or how it contributes to something in a positive way. Also, “you get to choose your attitude towards any challenge.” (ch 13) Think about what drains your energy and make a plan for a way to do less of it tomorrow, such as putting phone away by 9pm. Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC (or temporary digital copy) to use for my review.
February 20, 2022
Challenges in life are constant. But struggle is optional.
Refuel your energy reserve.
You don't need to choose between emotional well-being and success.
Small changes = big impact.
We don't see things as they are but as we believe them to be.
You are the editor of your own thoughts.
Do something that scares you and your courage will grow bigger than your fear.
Say often rather than always.
Say I will rather than I must.
Say I could rather than I should.
Say most of the time rather than all of the time.
One of the most amazing things that you can do for your mental health is to stop pressuring yourself to feel good all the time.
Appreciate the small positive moments in your life.
Practicing self care means saying no so that you have energy to do what is most meaningful to you.
Rest is the opposite of doing nothing.
Your meaning and purpose aren't somewhere out there but right here, within your life as it is, right now.
You get to choose your attitude toward any challenge.
Refuel your energy reserve.
You don't need to choose between emotional well-being and success.
Small changes = big impact.
We don't see things as they are but as we believe them to be.
You are the editor of your own thoughts.
Do something that scares you and your courage will grow bigger than your fear.
Say often rather than always.
Say I will rather than I must.
Say I could rather than I should.
Say most of the time rather than all of the time.
One of the most amazing things that you can do for your mental health is to stop pressuring yourself to feel good all the time.
Appreciate the small positive moments in your life.
Practicing self care means saying no so that you have energy to do what is most meaningful to you.
Rest is the opposite of doing nothing.
Your meaning and purpose aren't somewhere out there but right here, within your life as it is, right now.
You get to choose your attitude toward any challenge.
May 9, 2022
I listened to this book on Hoopla. It took me a while to get in to it and I had to renew from the library several times. The beginning read too much like other self-help books and felt touchy feely instead of evidence based. I did like the six week portion though and the focus on small celebrations and practical exercises. I listened to the book on 1.5 speed which gave it a certain energy. When I accidentally listened on normal speed for a while, it was awful and I'm certain would've caused me to stop listening after only a few minutes.
February 9, 2022
I can't even begin to describe how badly I want everyone on the planet to read this book!!! This book was a reminder and revelation. It was written beautifully and was deeply personal and relatable. The author's personality and energy was constant and warm throughout the entire book. I'm pretty sure this book changed my life - I'll know for sure once I stop reeling from its awesomeness. Beautiful stories, science, self love - it's all in here! Truly one of the best, most positive, most life-changing books I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. I am an awesome human! You are an awesome human! If you don't agree, read this book. If you already know you're awesome, still read this book - I guarantee you will learn something new that will be beneficial in your life. This book screams "Seize control of your life!" - struggling is optional! Loved it. So good. Go read it.
December 8, 2021
I"m old enough to pause at most uses of "awesome" but there are some solid ideas here. Like all self-help, there are very few new ideas, it's about how the info is presented and maybe combined. This is a worthy entry in the genre, and will help lots of readers of all ages (even if they just become better).
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
September 20, 2022
I didn’t always like self-help books, but have started to slowly read a few that seem made for me and this was a good fit. My inner critic is strong and I now have some very specific strategies for turning that inner voice into an ally/coach.
I’ve been reading up on Enneageam and am a type 1. If you’re a 1, this book might be designed for you, too.
I’ve been reading up on Enneageam and am a type 1. If you’re a 1, this book might be designed for you, too.
May 24, 2023
Y'all - ignore the cheesy title. I read this as an audiobook - twice! back to back! while jogging - it was that great and gives some very useful (CBT-based) tools to talk back to your annoying, always critical inner voice. And managed to do so in a decidedly not annoying way (well, except maybe for the first chapter, but read it - once she stops talking about her story, it gets really good).
June 2, 2022
I have a feeling this book is going to change my life. Listened to the audio, but now I'm buying the physical book so I can give the exercises the attention they deserve. Will update as the process of trying to un-fuck myself progresses.
June 26, 2023
I wasn't a fan of self-help until I read this. But listening to Nataly Kogan and seeing her speak in person solidified that perhaps this is a great place to start taking care of myself and working on being an awesome human.
October 21, 2023
This book would be a cute gift. It’s bright and fun to look at. I like the message but overall it seems a bit chaotic and hard to figure out if go forward or back. It reminds me of like preschool homework. You are awesome today because …….
Participation trophy for all.
Participation trophy for all.
March 13, 2024
I enjoyed the author and the stories that she told about herself. This book just felt unnecessarily long and a little repetitive. However, this is kinda what I needed after feeling SO burnt out for so long.
August 12, 2024
This book is a reminder that life is what we make it. No, life is not fair, but our attitude impacts everything we do. The author shares this perspective with her personal experiences, graphic reminders, and practice exercises. I enjoyed skimming through it and will put it back in the Little Library tomorrow so someone else can be reminded that our mindset can impact all we do.
September 23, 2024
I was iffy going into this self help book, for of late they haven't been hitting my mark. I fully enjoyed this one and am doing the six weeks with the celebrations and exercises. I liked Ms. Kogan's writing style and found once it got going the flow worked, but you need to give it a try.
February 17, 2025
A book that humanizes the emotions and feelings attached to burnout + self expectations. The book has activities and summaries after each chapter to help sum up points and remind yourself on a daily basis what to refocus on.
March 21, 2022
Cute. Nothing really new or ground breaking in this quick read. I did like her little post it note affirmations at the end.
August 16, 2022
About CBT - good reference.
August 19, 2022
Great book that will help everyone in the Valley of Struggle.
August 21, 2022
A lot of common sense/basic advice in this book. However, I enjoyed her positive outlook and overall tone as well as the exercises and practices at the end of each chapter.
March 12, 2023
Helpful ideas and exercises to become an awesome human!
December 30, 2023
The advice is pretty basic, but the feel of it is warm and real. I felt good while reading it.
February 1, 2024
I wish I would have had this book in my late 20s to mid 30s. I think it is a such a great book especially for those moms (or dads) trying to "do it all."
February 7, 2025
Such an easy way to learn how to work on your emotional fitness! Great tips and it’s written so well. Very fun read.
February 11, 2025
It's cute & useful
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews