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You Deserve This Sh!t: Get Unstuck, Find Your Path, and Become the Best Version of Yourself

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Do you feel lost, stuck, or confused? You may need a roadmap for the journey from where you are now to becoming the best version of yourself.

In this authentic self-help book, Jordan Tarver, introspective author and world traveler, guides you on a journey of self-discovery. A near-death experience in 2013 and a soul-searching solo backpacking trip taught Jordan how to live. Since then, he's dedicated himself to living a life infused with meaning and empowering others to do the same.

He uses inspiring stories, workable tactics, understandable action steps, and simple language that help you:

① Get unstuck

② Find your path

③ Become the best version of yourself

As you progress through its pages, you’ll learn how to create positive change in your life NOW to live the life of your dreams FOREVER.

By the end of You Deserve This Sh!t, you’ll have a newfound awareness of yourself and the world around you, the courage to always go outside your comfort zone, and the passion for living an intentional life. You will feel empowered to make choices that align with your goals and feel deserving of the exact life you want to live.

Let your journey begin. This book is your nudge.

◆◆◆

BONUS: Enjoy free content at the end of the book to continue your journey of becoming the best version of yourself.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2021

488 people are currently reading
6834 people want to read

About the author

Jordan Tarver

8 books16 followers
Jordan Tarver is an author, photographer, and editor at Forbes. A near-death experience in 2013 and a soul-searching solo backpacking trip taught him how to live. Since then, he's dedicated himself to living a life infused with meaning and empowering others to do the same.

His work is a result of years of tireless creative self-work he did to discover his purpose and become the best version of himself.

He knows what it's like to not know who you are, to feel a lack of self-confidence and uncertainty about your identity. He's been there. He's dealt with those struggles. But he also knows that the light at the end of the tunnel is a real thing.

He's experienced the powerful transformation that happens when you dedicate a part of your life to understanding your soul, and so can you.

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5 stars
224 (24%)
4 stars
226 (24%)
3 stars
292 (31%)
2 stars
116 (12%)
1 star
56 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Joshua Roach.
101 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2022
Very immature writing with an undertone of privilege that was quite off-putting. Also, laboriously repetitive.
Profile Image for Candice Dennis.
9 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2022
If you are just getting into the personal growth genre, then you might enjoy it. If you are already 10 books in, most likely you have read this one too. It was extremely repetitive even with the same chapters. So if you need the repetition to help drill it home, check it out. Otherwise, I’d pick up something else.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Royer.
21 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2024
First off, this book is such basic information. I don’t need to read about creating a routine and getting out of my comfort zone.. maybe some do.. but I feel this is common sense in changing for the better. If you need to be told stuff in this book, that’s a whole other conversation. Secondly, I need a self help book that is realistic to everyday life. I’m tired of picking up self help books where the author basically quit life for 3 months to figure out who they are as a person and went backpacking in Europe for 3 months solo. Sorry, but I don’t know many people that can just “quit” life to figure out their life.
Profile Image for River.
6 reviews
March 9, 2023
I don’t think this book was written for me. I came to this conclusion by the end of reading it. The thoughts presented to us were just the surface of what could be, and are, much larger pre-existing ideas. The writing failed to recognize that within these systems of oppression that we currently exist under, we can’t just positive think our way into what we deserve. There’s much larger topics that we can address to achieve a world where we all can have our rights and needs met, not just individually but through organizing and community. I think the repetitive nature of the book made me feel like I was being brainwashed haha but I understand that the intent was to be able to open the book at any page and bounce all over as you please.

All this said, I do think for someone who hasn’t begun any self work, maybe they’re at the very start of their journey, and maybe they resonate with the authors tone, maybe, maybe this book is written for them, people like the author. People who think like him, and come from the same background as him.

This wasn’t for me, I felt uncomfortable with his comfortable use of the word “bitch” and the general tone of attempting to attach our value to our productivity and how there’s an idea of a future self who has it all figured out while simultaneously telling us to drop perfection? So much was contradictory in the writing, and I feel like like I’m further along on my journey of self love, acceptance, realization. Whatever you call it. I’m showing up for me as best I can every day, and the book didn’t add anything to my experience except a reminder that some people think the way the author does.

I loved his gratitude for the people in his life, I wish him well on his continued journey, I don’t think he should teach people, not yet. Maybe sit back and listen a little more. It’s giving Christian preacher takes on eastern philosophy and claims he made it all up. It’s giving youth pastor. It’s giving “this is literally someone’s journal isn’t it”?

With love, I invite you to dig deeper.
Profile Image for Nacia Jackson.
226 reviews33 followers
November 18, 2024
Okay, people are dragging this book here, and honestly? I don’t get it. I didn’t go into it expecting some earth-shattering, life-altering epiphany. I read it for what it is, and I enjoyed the ride.

For me, the concepts weren’t groundbreaking—more like a solid refresher and a reminder of things I already knew. Sometimes, that’s all you need, you know? A little “hey, you’ve got this, let’s get back on track” moment. Plus, there’s a summary section at the end of every chapter that ties everything together. I can see why some people might call it repetitive, but honestly, I didn’t mind. I’ve read self-help books before that were so dry and redundant I had to DNF them, but this one? It kept my attention.

The writing is simple and straightforward, which I actually appreciated. It’s not trying to be overly intellectual or fancy—it’s like having a chat with your mentor, therapist, or that friend who says, “You already know what to do. Did you forget? You’ve got this, and here’s how to make it happen.”

It’s a quick, refreshing read that gets you out of your slump. I don’t know what others were expecting, but if you’re just looking for a light pick-me-up to nudge you in the right direction, this is it. I genuinely enjoyed it. Give it a shot if you need a little boost!
Profile Image for The Duchess of Hollywood.
217 reviews
December 19, 2022
3⭐️
I follow Jordan on TikTok and I was really excited to read his writing because his videos have definitely helped me. Unfortunately I didn’t find much help with his writing. It was somewhat repetitive and lacked the depth that I was expecting.
Definitely a very good starter self help book but I found my self zoning out as I began reading. I didn’t feel inspired after reading, it felt more like a chore at one point.
I’m somewhat disappointed because I was really expecting to love this based on what he shows in his videos.
Profile Image for Tawny De Nio.
20 reviews
January 8, 2025
Yikes, that’s what I get for trying to read a self help book 😂 so bad
Profile Image for Emily Ethington.
63 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2022
Such a great book that I needed to really guide me into the new year✨💛 With this book, I have a plan and I’m really excited about it!!☀️
1 review
June 30, 2025
Good entry level book into self-help. There are better options but this could be many people’s first
Profile Image for Alex P.
4 reviews
March 9, 2025
I read this because I felt that I really needed some basic self help content in my life and while this delivered on that front, it was dreadful to get through.

Reading this feels like talking to a privileged high school friend who’s become an influencer and films themself backpacking across the country. You recognized each other somewhere, decided to catch up and now you’re deeply regretting talking to him because he’s pummeling you with his wisdom and advice.

I think you can glean some helpful, positive reminders about not being too hard on yourself from this book if you’re feeling really down… but that’s about all the substance it has. I guess it can make you laugh, too - make a game out of your reading experience and count how many times he mentions his solo backpacking trip across Europe or tells you “you deserve this shit”. No, I don’t deserve this shit - I deserve a better self help book!
Profile Image for Georgia Walley.
19 reviews
June 8, 2025
It was ok. That’s about it, it was repetitive and nothing really new in terms of ideas or concepts. It did make me pick up journaling again though. I listened to it on audiobook, doubt I would have finished had I read it in paperback.
Profile Image for Aman Rana.
36 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2025
How do you manage your day-to-day life?

The book serves as a guide for everyone on how to navigate everyday life while staying connected to their deeper selves. In our fast-paced modern world, many of us have lost touch with this essential part of ourselves.

Furthermore, the younger generation often struggles to align with their true desires, frequently making decisions influenced by external pressures rather than their authentic intentions.

In the first part of the book, the author takes time to articulate ideas that help the reader become more aware of life. He discusses the importance of practising gratitude and mindful living, sharing his methods for incorporating both into his daily routine. This chapter also encourages honest questioning, which, in my opinion, is becoming increasingly rare these days.

In the next two parts of the book, the author takes a step further by addressing how to break free from the trap of comfort and learn to embrace the discomfort that life presents.

The book primarily focuses on developing the right habits and routines. It emphasizes the practice of gratitude, mindfulness, and meditation in daily life. Each chapter includes guided points to help beginners understand where to start.

The language is simple, and I finished the book in less than a day, so I believe anyone new to reading or anyone struggling to focus on reading should get this book. It is an easy and helpful resource for anyone embarking on their journey of personal growth.
77 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2025
Did you ever randomly pick a book and ended up feeling like a completely different person? Well, I did. "You Deserve This Shit" by Jordan Tarver is that book. I was attracted to it because of its catchy title and thought it would be a motivating book, which it is. But not just that, this book is full of tips and tricks to change your current ways and make them what will help you attain your lifetime goals. As magical as this may sound, the reader needs to commit to what the author is talking about to actually see the results. Nothing is achieved without a little hard work.
This book can either be your much awaited companion in your journey to success or that push you needed to get out of your stuck life. It is your call whether you want to read and bring to life your better version.
I recommend this book to everyone. Be it a teen or an adult, it is capable of helping people across age-groups and mindsets. This varied approach of the book makes it an easy read and helps readers connect with it better.
Profile Image for Rashmi Shetty.
88 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2025
Are you struggling to break out of your daily life patterns? Do you think you're stuck and unable to grow? If yes, then I have the perfect book recommendation for you. "You Deserve This Shit" by Jordan Tarver has got to be your next pick. For anything that is happening in your life, this book seems to have the answer to that. It is divided into three parts namely, awareness, comfort zones, and intentional living; this book helps you with every phase of your 24 hour day. I am a very picky reader and trust me when I say that the chapters in this book can make you stare at the walls and think what you did and thought up to the day could be so different from the reality.
Not just your daily life but it also helps you achieve your goals. Even if they are personality goals, financial goals, or your daily small steps, this book has got it all.
I read this book on a recommendation from a friend and ended up thanking him, now it's my turn to share this with all of you. So, you need to get on it right now!
441 reviews14 followers
January 29, 2025
I have always struggled with some of the things in life like- openly talking to someone, being a leader of a group at school, present an opinion in a group of people, and things like that. It isn't easy when you see others do the things you want and be unable to get them.
A few days ago my friend sent me this book just because she had just finished reading it and thought of sharing it with me. "You Deserve This Shit" by Jordan Tarver is a very powerful and thought-provoking book. It didn't only help me understand myself but it's the reason why I am writing this review right now. It's my first ever. I have been a reader since childhood but never discussed my reading with any more than my two friends, But this book changed something in me and I think that is why you are seeing this today.
There are some specific parts in this book that I resonated and leaned most from. The section called "comfort zones" sort of shook me out of sleep, out of my comfort zone of introvertedness and brought me in the light of something new and bold.
I am scared to publish this but here goes nothing.
Profile Image for Gregor.
1 review
December 8, 2025
This book started off with some decent potential, but went downhill very fast.

The content is unbearably repetitive, most things are very basic and I feel like I got almost zero new ideas from the authors perspective. Felt like reading those memes about how to become a CEO (wake up early, workout, routine, network = net worth).

The author comes off very pretentious and it is obvious that he has lived a privileged life. I lost count of how many times he mentioned his life-changing solo backpacking trip in Europe for 3 months. Not everyone can afford to take a gap year and do some soul searching while coasting. Most people have to work to live.

The book was in my opinion very much about "me, me, me" and then trying to sell it as trying to help the reader. It honestly made me cringe a bit.

Most of the 4/5 stars reviews seem to be paid for or written by the author itself? Very generic and AI-like texts with similarly verbose structures.

Two stars only because I liked the parts about gratitude and how to use it to engrain positive thinking.



Profile Image for Dipak  Pal.
454 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2025
I'm blown away by this book! Its concise yet comprehensive approach makes it a game-changer.

Each chapter is packed with actionable advice, presented in a way that's both relatable and memorable. The author's humor and writing style are infectious, making you feel like you're having a conversation with a close friend.

What resonates most is the author's empathetic approach, acknowledging that personal growth is a journey we're all on. He avoids using jargon or condescending language, instead offering reassurance and support. A wonderful bonus is the author's texting community, where you can receive daily inspiration and even engage in conversations with him directly.

This book has been a turning point for me, providing invaluable tools to help me discover my purpose. I'm still on my journey, but I feel more confident and equipped than ever. If you're seeking a transformative read, look no further!
249 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2025
As you dive into this book, you'll be struck by its unique blend of concise wisdom and comprehensive guidance. Each chapter is packed with actionable advice, presented in a way that's both relatable and memorable. You'll love the author's humor and writing style, which makes you feel like you're having a conversation with a close friend.

What you'll appreciate most is the author's empathetic approach, acknowledging that personal growth is a journey we're all on. You'll never feel talked down to or overwhelmed by jargon. Instead, you'll receive reassurance and support every step of the way. And as a bonus, you can even join the author's texting community to receive daily inspiration and connect with him directly.

As you read this book, you'll feel a sense of transformation taking place. You'll gain invaluable tools to help you discover your purpose and unlock your full potential. So, get ready to embark on a journey of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment!
20 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2025
I have read several self-help books in my life and if there is something I love in a self-help book is the communication with the writer through their words. This book that Recently finished reading, is called "You Deserve This Shit" and is written by Jordan Tarver. Reading it felt like someone was politely talking to me and bringing to the fore all the factors of my life that need to be put to check. Moreover, I was in a place that felt hard to talk to any person. This book helped me a lot.
The part that I liked most about it was "Your Life Will Be As Big As Your Aspirations." This chapter is something that made me feel the freedom of being and doing whatever I wanted to do. Depth of human behaviours and actions has been researched very well by the author which brings depth in the book as well.
For anyone who is interested in reading a good self-help book should not miss out on this. With Jordan Tarver you can turn into a completely new person.
Profile Image for readerkd .
367 reviews11 followers
January 29, 2025
Jordan Tarver’s "You Deserve This Shit" is an empowering guide to self-discovery and personal growth. Through relatable stories, actionable steps, and straightforward language, the book breaks down the journey into three transformative pillars: awareness, stepping out of your comfort zone, and living intentionally. Tarver’s approach is refreshingly practical, making complex ideas accessible to readers at any stage of their self-improvement journey.

The structure—divided into awareness, comfort zones, and intentional living—allows for easy navigation and application of its lessons. The anecdotes inspire without being overly preachy, while the exercises challenge readers to confront their fears and embrace change.

Perfect for anyone seeking clarity or motivation, this book feels like a compassionate push toward living a more meaningful life. Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking a reset, You Deserve This Shit is a motivational companion that delivers both insight and inspiration.
Profile Image for Dr. Devanshi Joshi.
334 reviews13 followers
January 30, 2025
I am a professional book reviewer. So, when I say a book is a must read, it's because it's different from the many books we usually read. "You Deserve This Shit" by Jordan Tarver is one such book that deserves that sort of attention. Why? You may ask.
With its three part division into- awareness (where the reader learns about themselves and their surroundings), comfort zones (highlighting everything you thought would help but ended up restraining you), and intentional life (finally becoming what you always dream of); this book not only offers top-notch ways of living life to its fullest but also changes your mindset on the whole. With a life that becomes too much to handle sometimes, it's good that you have a friend by your side. I see a friend and a guide in this book. If you've ever had a book that made you feel at home, you know what I am talking about.
So, what are you waiting for? "You Deserve This Shit" by Jordan Tarver is your way to achieving great things in life!
10 reviews
February 1, 2025
Ever feel like you’re capable of more but don’t know where to start? You Deserve That Shit by Jordan Traver is the ultimate one-stop shop for anyone—regardless of age—who wants to break free from autopilot and start living with purpose. The book is divided into three key sections: Awareness (understanding yourself and your surroundings), Comfort Zones (pushing past fear and limitations), and Intentional Living (creating a life that actually excites you). Traver’s writing is refreshingly real—no complicated jargon, no over-the-top motivational fluff, just straight-up, actionable advice that anyone can apply. Whether you’re a student figuring out life, a working professional feeling stuck, or someone simply looking for a mindset shift, this book has something for you. It’s relatable, easy to read, and packed with insights that hit home. If you want a self-help book that actually helps, this is the one.
20 reviews
February 2, 2025
If you’ve ever felt like you’re drifting through life without direction, You Deserve This Sh!t is exactly what you need.
Jordan Tarver does an incredible job of breaking down the journey of self-discovery into manageable steps, making it feel less overwhelming.
His honest and relatable writing style makes it easy to connect with his message, and the practical exercises at the end of each chapter helped me turn inspiration into real action. Instead of just reading about personal growth, I found myself actively participating in it.
The book encourages you to step outside your comfort zone, embrace change, and build the confidence needed to create the life you truly want.
It’s a refreshing take on self-help that feels more like a trusted mentor guiding you rather than just another motivational book.
If you're struggling with self-doubt or uncertainty, this book will give you the clarity and motivation to take control of your path.
20 reviews
January 28, 2025
"You Deserve This Sh!t" written by Author Jordan Tarver.In this book , through stepping outside familiar comfort zones Jordan Tarver reveals what great personal development truly looks like. Through his writing he teaches useful methods for confronting anxieties together with guidance on experience exploration along with boundary pushing. Tarver shares relatable personal stories which show readers that discomfort leads to important discoveries about themselves. The chapters drive readers toward action because stagnation actively restricts potential growth. Through his guidance Tarver helps people directly face their fears so they can open new pathways toward transformation. This concept promises to inspire people to step outside their comfort zones and interrupt the unknown in their pursuit of comfortable life dreams
22 reviews
January 28, 2025

I was immediately drawn to this book by its bold and attention-grabbing title, 'You Deserve This Sh!t'.

As I delved into its pages, I discovered why it's so fitting - we all share a common desire to become the best version of ourselves.

What sets this book apart is Jordan's exceptional ability to connect with readers and break down complex concepts into manageable, step-by-step guides. Unlike other self-help books that often jump straight into examples or conclusions, Jordan's approach is refreshingly accessible and easy to follow.

I'm excited to revisit this book over the coming months as I work towards achieving long-postponed goals. Jordan's inspiring guidance and practical advice have given me the motivation I needed to take action. If you're seeking a relatable and effective self-help book, look no further!
Profile Image for Book Reviews.
69 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2025
If you’ve ever wanted to read a self-help book but didn’t know where to start, You Deserve That Shit by Jordan Traver is the one. It’s not preachy, it’s not overloaded with complicated theories—it’s just straight-up, real advice that actually makes sense. Broken into three sections—Awareness, Comfort Zones, and Intentional Living—this book meets you exactly where you are and gives you the push you need to level up. Whether you’re feeling lost, unmotivated, or just stuck in the same routine, Traver keeps it relatable with personal stories, easy-to-follow action steps, and a writing style that feels more like a pep talk from a good friend than a lecture. It’s the perfect balance of inspiration and practicality, making it ideal for anyone looking to create positive change in their life. If you read one self-help book, make it this one. You seriously won’t regret it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews

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