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You're Already Awesome: How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Step into Greatness – Twelve Powerful Shifts with Personal Stories to Transform Self-Doubt
“This is the book that will help you finally put your self-doubt to rest and awaken you to your brilliance.” — Nakeia Homer, author of I Hope This Helps Everywhere we look, we’re bombarded with millions of ways we can transform ourselves. But while often a worthwhile goal, this drive to be our best selves can also be overwhelming and stressful. Alison Faulkner has been there, and is here to remind us that nothing external can give us worth or value-- we’re already awesome , what we need to do is learn how to recognize our inherent awesomeness and then step into our true power. In You’re Already Awesome , Alison shares with honesty, vulnerability, and a whole lot of humor, personal stories and twelve powerful shifts that help us shift back into an awareness of our awesomeness. The tools in each chapter are tried and true methods that she has used herself and with countless clients to build successful businesses and step into the life of their dreams.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published August 16, 2022
34 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 19, 2022
I’m so happy for Alison making her dream come true and writing her book! It was worth writing, and worth reading. I’ve followed Alison for years, listening to her podcast, tuning in on Instagram, and even being a part of her coaching group, Awesome on Demand, for a little over a year. I even once got to have a one-on-one heart chat with her and she is incredible at giving people exactly what they need. She is a gift.
So obviously I love Alison, and am very familiar with her style, so I was surprised when it actually took me a while to get into her book. Not sure if it was my mental state or what. But by those last few chapters, I was in and drinking her Koolaid. I’m actually going to immediately re-read this to make sure those first “shifts” really sink in. This has been the perfect read at the end of this pregnancy, when I’m not able to do much. It doesn’t matter, because I’m already awesome!
So obviously I love Alison, and am very familiar with her style, so I was surprised when it actually took me a while to get into her book. Not sure if it was my mental state or what. But by those last few chapters, I was in and drinking her Koolaid. I’m actually going to immediately re-read this to make sure those first “shifts” really sink in. This has been the perfect read at the end of this pregnancy, when I’m not able to do much. It doesn’t matter, because I’m already awesome!
August 13, 2022
3.75 stars
“Only you can be you. And you’re already as awesome as you need to be.”
Those familiar with Alison Faulkner and her brand will smile knowingly at this mantra, as it is a mainstay of her workshops, podcasts, and trainings. In her debut book, You’re Already Awesome, Faulkner further explores this idea, utilizing personal stories as well as inspiration from the world around her.
Faulkner uses her signature wit, humor, and larger-than-life personality to help readers feel just a little more awesome than they felt before. It’s empowering and inspirational, though there are moments when the book felt specifically catered to her existing fanbase. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! I think that her fans and followers will love how well this book harmonizes with Faulkner’s other endeavors.
It perhaps a little limited in its scope, but that is because Faulkner comes from a place of privilege, something that she readily acknowledges in the text. Still, there are some great insights that felt empowering, uplifting, and universal, which is always a good thing.
An ARC was generously provided by HarperOne and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
“Only you can be you. And you’re already as awesome as you need to be.”
Those familiar with Alison Faulkner and her brand will smile knowingly at this mantra, as it is a mainstay of her workshops, podcasts, and trainings. In her debut book, You’re Already Awesome, Faulkner further explores this idea, utilizing personal stories as well as inspiration from the world around her.
Faulkner uses her signature wit, humor, and larger-than-life personality to help readers feel just a little more awesome than they felt before. It’s empowering and inspirational, though there are moments when the book felt specifically catered to her existing fanbase. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! I think that her fans and followers will love how well this book harmonizes with Faulkner’s other endeavors.
It perhaps a little limited in its scope, but that is because Faulkner comes from a place of privilege, something that she readily acknowledges in the text. Still, there are some great insights that felt empowering, uplifting, and universal, which is always a good thing.
An ARC was generously provided by HarperOne and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2023
I will forever recommend this Revolutionary Read for anyone who has forgotten how incredible we all are just for being a human traveling through life. Alison Faulkner is my spirit animal.
July 17, 2023
I honestly wasn't sure I could stomach another self-help book from an influencer-turned-author, but I had a feeling this one would be different and I'm thrilled that I gave it a chance.
I've been following Alison for several years now, longer than I had realized. I've heard her speak a few times at conferences and like her podcast. As a brand strategist myself, I like her approach to branding and her message has always hit home for me.
I found this book to be refreshing in a handful of ways.
-Alison acknowledges and recognizes her privilege and there are several instances where she takes a moment to speak to that, and give representation to other groups of people who might not have the same experience. It seems to me that she was intentional and thoughtful in sharing her own experience without diminishing that of others.
-I found her advice to have depth and appreciated how they were tied up in personal stories of her own experience. I think that her perspectives and her "shifts" are actually helpful and perspectives I'll come back to again and again.
-She uses credible references and cites other experts, which is always appreciated, especially when the author isn't a psychologist or mental health professional.
-This book lacks fat-phobia and body shaming in ways that other self-help books I've read tend to sneak in. I appreciated the section on your body not being a problem to solve.
-There is a lot of nuance and duality in this book. She tends to stay away from the blanket, black-and-white statements that would normally get an eye-roll from me.
I had a hard time getting into the first sections, but once I was invested, I was all in.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Here's a thought, the next time you're beating yourself up for having a hard time: if we only get to feel like our suffering is valid if we're dead, it's time to reevaluate the standard."
"We create the meaning of any circumstance, that's our role as the creator of our lives."
"When what surrounds you reflects what you value, it won't drain you! That's how you get more motivation, and motivation leads to confidence. The trick here is knowing what you value. I used to value everything, and so I valued nothing."
"When we love ourselves, we accept ourselves. And when we more fully accept ourselves, comparison loses its luster. I accept myself in the moment. I accept you in the moment. I accept the moment."
"It's okay to be myself. I get to show up as I am right now...The more you believe it is safe and okay to be you, the more you will be inspired to make it safe for other people to be themselves, to help them feel their inherent power, to release judgment, and not be divided."
"Nothing has to change for everything to be different."
I've been following Alison for several years now, longer than I had realized. I've heard her speak a few times at conferences and like her podcast. As a brand strategist myself, I like her approach to branding and her message has always hit home for me.
I found this book to be refreshing in a handful of ways.
-Alison acknowledges and recognizes her privilege and there are several instances where she takes a moment to speak to that, and give representation to other groups of people who might not have the same experience. It seems to me that she was intentional and thoughtful in sharing her own experience without diminishing that of others.
-I found her advice to have depth and appreciated how they were tied up in personal stories of her own experience. I think that her perspectives and her "shifts" are actually helpful and perspectives I'll come back to again and again.
-She uses credible references and cites other experts, which is always appreciated, especially when the author isn't a psychologist or mental health professional.
-This book lacks fat-phobia and body shaming in ways that other self-help books I've read tend to sneak in. I appreciated the section on your body not being a problem to solve.
-There is a lot of nuance and duality in this book. She tends to stay away from the blanket, black-and-white statements that would normally get an eye-roll from me.
I had a hard time getting into the first sections, but once I was invested, I was all in.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Here's a thought, the next time you're beating yourself up for having a hard time: if we only get to feel like our suffering is valid if we're dead, it's time to reevaluate the standard."
"We create the meaning of any circumstance, that's our role as the creator of our lives."
"When what surrounds you reflects what you value, it won't drain you! That's how you get more motivation, and motivation leads to confidence. The trick here is knowing what you value. I used to value everything, and so I valued nothing."
"When we love ourselves, we accept ourselves. And when we more fully accept ourselves, comparison loses its luster. I accept myself in the moment. I accept you in the moment. I accept the moment."
"It's okay to be myself. I get to show up as I am right now...The more you believe it is safe and okay to be you, the more you will be inspired to make it safe for other people to be themselves, to help them feel their inherent power, to release judgment, and not be divided."
"Nothing has to change for everything to be different."
December 1, 2023
All my fellow overthinkers, worriers, pacers, and socially anxious peeps. This is so eye-opening. YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. There have been moments when I thought about how Alison talked to herself and wondered how anyone could treat themselves so horribly, but then I noticed. I talk to myself that way. I am my own worst bully, and I am the biggest reason why I feel so horrible about myself. The things I say to myself are not true at all, not one bit. From this book, I have gained a significant amount of progress back to feeling like myself again, without constantly thinking about what an awkward, weird, horrible, and stupid person I am. I am thinking less about what anyone thinks about me, whether that be my parents, my classmates, or a stranger who looks at me as I walk past them. What they think doesn't define who I am. Just because they say I'm this or that, or they think I'm something, doesn't mean that's who I am. That is my favorite part of this book, a quote from the early chapters that says "What they think means nothing about me." It has given me a huge chunk of my control back. Whenever I start thinking about how everyone must hate me I think "What they think means nothing about me" and then it gets me back on track to thinking "Even if they hated me in the first place, which they don't, they love me, it still wouldn't mean I should hate myself. I'm not a person who deserves to be hated just because some might think so." I consider this book a step to my healing, a step towards my better self, or as Alison calls it; my "awesome." I will always be a consciousness, I will always be a sentient, living, breathing, thinking being. That in and of itself is a miracle. I would highly recommend this book if you are seeking to break off the chains of anxiety. If you are looking for something to help you stop the spiraling, to stop the hiding, to stop the constant chattering in your skull that screams "YOU'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH," this book will help you take at least one step forward, if not take a whole journey across your expansive mind to finally find peace.
March 18, 2023
I started following Alison over five years ago on Instagram. I can’t remember exactly how I discovered her but I’m so glad I did.
Alison has taught me so many things in that time. She is super creative, funny and I love watching her energy. She taught me that it’s okay to be extra! It’s awesome! Wear crazy bright colors and over the top makeup if that’s what you want to do! I loved seeing her dance to RuPaul songs and share what some of her events looked like.
As the years passed her story evolved into more than just fun. She went through hard times and that made her all the more meaningful to me. When she came back after a social media hiatus and talked about feeling like you owe everyone your 100% all the time I felt seen.
I am on an employee engagement committee at work. I genuinely love putting together events and coming up with fun ideas. My desire to make things so fun partly because I enjoy the creative process and partly because I want to put on a show and entertain people. Then I’d feel let down when others didn’t bring the same energy. Suddenly these things that were supposed to bring me joy brought me anger. I had to listen to Alison’s advice and not let that bring me down. And also realize that I don’t owe someone all my light or energy. If I feel down or low, that’s okay and I don’t need to fake it to make someone else happy.
I also connected with her discussion on her weight in this book. As a society I do believe we are making great steps in changing how we view our bodies and their worth. I, too, go back and forth with my appreciation for my body. She put my thoughts into words so perfectly. I think a lot of readers will resonate.
This book helps you see that it’s okay to be so over the moon happy AND down in the dumps. It doesn’t mean it is forever. Put together a plan or environment that make you feel safe.
This book is a mood booster. It will make you cry and also want to jump up and yell I’M AWESOME!!!
Alison has taught me so many things in that time. She is super creative, funny and I love watching her energy. She taught me that it’s okay to be extra! It’s awesome! Wear crazy bright colors and over the top makeup if that’s what you want to do! I loved seeing her dance to RuPaul songs and share what some of her events looked like.
As the years passed her story evolved into more than just fun. She went through hard times and that made her all the more meaningful to me. When she came back after a social media hiatus and talked about feeling like you owe everyone your 100% all the time I felt seen.
I am on an employee engagement committee at work. I genuinely love putting together events and coming up with fun ideas. My desire to make things so fun partly because I enjoy the creative process and partly because I want to put on a show and entertain people. Then I’d feel let down when others didn’t bring the same energy. Suddenly these things that were supposed to bring me joy brought me anger. I had to listen to Alison’s advice and not let that bring me down. And also realize that I don’t owe someone all my light or energy. If I feel down or low, that’s okay and I don’t need to fake it to make someone else happy.
I also connected with her discussion on her weight in this book. As a society I do believe we are making great steps in changing how we view our bodies and their worth. I, too, go back and forth with my appreciation for my body. She put my thoughts into words so perfectly. I think a lot of readers will resonate.
This book helps you see that it’s okay to be so over the moon happy AND down in the dumps. It doesn’t mean it is forever. Put together a plan or environment that make you feel safe.
This book is a mood booster. It will make you cry and also want to jump up and yell I’M AWESOME!!!
August 4, 2022
I have loved Alison for a long time. I’ve been a member of her Awesome on Demand group, I’ve binged her podcast a few times, and I’ve pretended that she’s my best friend for years (we’ve never met).
I’m quiet and boring and not very fun. Alison is none of those things. She is vivacious. She is enthusiastic. She IS the party. She can be too much for some people and that’s totally ok (Alison is the one who helped me realize that it’s ok that I’m not for everyone!).
Sooooo…..
If you like fun and self-improvement - you’ll love this book. I got a ton out of it despite listening to her podcast for years. I loved more personal Alison stories and her new insights.
To be very honest, the first few chapters didn’t grab me. I felt like Alison apologizes too much for her awesome at first.
But then it gets going and the truth bombs don’t stop. It gets better and better until yours sad that it’s over but at least you can bask in the awesome you now realize you already have.
Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC ebook of You’re Already Awesome. I’ve heard an audiobook is coming soon and I bet the words would be even more powerful in Alison’s powerful voice.
I’m quiet and boring and not very fun. Alison is none of those things. She is vivacious. She is enthusiastic. She IS the party. She can be too much for some people and that’s totally ok (Alison is the one who helped me realize that it’s ok that I’m not for everyone!).
Sooooo…..
If you like fun and self-improvement - you’ll love this book. I got a ton out of it despite listening to her podcast for years. I loved more personal Alison stories and her new insights.
To be very honest, the first few chapters didn’t grab me. I felt like Alison apologizes too much for her awesome at first.
But then it gets going and the truth bombs don’t stop. It gets better and better until yours sad that it’s over but at least you can bask in the awesome you now realize you already have.
Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC ebook of You’re Already Awesome. I’ve heard an audiobook is coming soon and I bet the words would be even more powerful in Alison’s powerful voice.
December 21, 2022
Alison Faulkner is a social media influencer from Utah. She is also an entrepreneur, speaker, brand specialist, and podcaster. I've followed her for years. All the way back to her crafting days. She has a larger than life personality. She is vivacious and enthusiastic. She is also an enjoyable person to follow online and I enjoy her podcast. In this self-improvement book she shares 12 shifts/tools that bring us back to our own awareness of our inherent power. Our own inner awesomeness. She also shares tips to silence our inner critics.
Alison has been through a lot in the last few years. In this book she is extremely open, honest, and vulnerable as she shares her own mental health struggles. Alison's message is uplifting and encouraging. She wants everyone to see their inherent worth and value. Alison is positive and sincere as she discusses her struggles and how she navigates them. She also wants everyone to know that they are awesome just the way they are.
My Rating: An uplifting read.
Alison has been through a lot in the last few years. In this book she is extremely open, honest, and vulnerable as she shares her own mental health struggles. Alison's message is uplifting and encouraging. She wants everyone to see their inherent worth and value. Alison is positive and sincere as she discusses her struggles and how she navigates them. She also wants everyone to know that they are awesome just the way they are.
My Rating: An uplifting read.
August 24, 2022
I loved so much about this book. I have no doubt I will be revisiting it again and again. This book is so heartfelt and so authentic, you can't help but love Alison. She is the inner voice we all need helping us to overcome the intense challenges that come with being human--an awesome human. Because we are all awesome. And Alison helps us remember that crucial fact. I needed every chapter and was genuinely sad when I finished reading because I wanted the inspiration to keep going. This is why I know I will revisit it. If you are looking for some real inspiration from a real human who is not trying to cover up her own flaws, this is the book for you. I couldn't help but think of friend after friend to gift this book to this Christmas. Thank you, Alison, for sharing your heart with the world.
November 8, 2022
I've been listening to the Awesome with Alison podcast for a few years now and in times of trouble it had always been encouragement in my ear. I cannot count the number of times that I have written the phrase "you're already awesome" to myself, a reminder that I often need and is easy to repeat.
If you've listened to the podcast, a lot of this will be familiar to you but more in depth. Alison talks a lot about her accident and about difficult things that have happened to her and to people she knows as examples of ways to overcome. It is helpful for seeing her principles in action.
I needed this book when I read it and it almost feels like I could flip it over and start again. I took a picture of the table of contents to have a reminder of the shifts with me when I need them. I've jotted down even more reminders for myself. I've stood in the shower and reminded myself that I don't have to figure anything out, I can just submit a bit, let go of my need to control everything. For a little bit I really did feel like the sky, not the clouds, and that is truly a gift.
Come for the person you love, stay for the awesome.
If you've listened to the podcast, a lot of this will be familiar to you but more in depth. Alison talks a lot about her accident and about difficult things that have happened to her and to people she knows as examples of ways to overcome. It is helpful for seeing her principles in action.
I needed this book when I read it and it almost feels like I could flip it over and start again. I took a picture of the table of contents to have a reminder of the shifts with me when I need them. I've jotted down even more reminders for myself. I've stood in the shower and reminded myself that I don't have to figure anything out, I can just submit a bit, let go of my need to control everything. For a little bit I really did feel like the sky, not the clouds, and that is truly a gift.
Come for the person you love, stay for the awesome.
August 11, 2023
I used to listen to Alison's podcast so I had to check out the book. I listened to the audio version, which I highly recommend. If you like her voice and funny fillers. My son does not. He found her talking annoying. 🙄
It's good. Not great, but good. I was entertained.
Her podcast has already revealed nearly everything in this book. I'm also at a place where coaches and mentors regurgitating the same stuff is getting old. Especially when their own lives are falling apart and they fake how awesome it is to only later find out they were being authentic.
If you haven't listened to multiple self-help books, this may be phenomenal for you. She is funny and her songs and energy is great.
It's good. Not great, but good. I was entertained.
Her podcast has already revealed nearly everything in this book. I'm also at a place where coaches and mentors regurgitating the same stuff is getting old. Especially when their own lives are falling apart and they fake how awesome it is to only later find out they were being authentic.
If you haven't listened to multiple self-help books, this may be phenomenal for you. She is funny and her songs and energy is great.
July 29, 2023
If you’ve ever struggled with feelings of fear, self doubt, anxiety, worries about what others think of you, feeling drained, feeling like no matter what you do it is not enough, and so on, then this book is for you. Even if you haven’t it’s probably still for you. This book was exactly what I needed right now. Not only do I feel more awesome as I am right now, I feel ready to embrace the life that my authentic self has been too afraid to even think about. The material was great and the narration was as well, I’m so glad that I found this book 💜.
July 3, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read the book in exchange for a review.
Not only did I read that book by Alison Faulkner. I also listen to her podcast and watch her videos on YouTube. This book is truly not only about her life story its about knowing about being awesome in your own unique way.
Not only did I read that book by Alison Faulkner. I also listen to her podcast and watch her videos on YouTube. This book is truly not only about her life story its about knowing about being awesome in your own unique way.
September 2, 2022
I just finished this absolute GIFT of a book. Thank you Alison for writing it and sharing it with us. I was in tears (the good kind) by the end. I found it expansive in a light filled way and loved the shifts inside. I listened to Alison's interview on the live free creative podcast, and it convinced me that I had to buy this book. I am so glad that I did. Highly recommend!!
November 16, 2022
I liked the honesty of this book and the points it made about having worth even when you aren’t successful by the world’s standards. It did need better editing (there were a lot of comma splices and age inconsistencies with the kids), and there was also a weird Mitt Romney name-drop. Still, I admire Alison’s courage and vulnerability.
August 26, 2022
Very encouraging and insightful. Great tips that everyone can find usual in real life. Open, in-depth and honest account of her awesomeness to help others realize they are also awesome. Boldly informative and uplifting. I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2022
Do you have an inner critic that you can't seem to quiet? Well, if you're like me, then this is the book you need to read to help shut that critic up! Filled with useful information and tips that can help you change your thinking and make your life better.
May 1, 2023
This book was insightful but I felt myself trudging through. I am not really a non-fiction reader, so that had a lot to do with it. Overall though, it is a good read if you wanna start feeling better about yourself and your life.
December 7, 2023
Not normally a NF reader but I really liked this book. I listened to the audio and loved the personality that Alison put into it. I’ve followed her for years and to read more about her struggles and how she suggests ways in getting through your own healing was beautiful.
May 7, 2024
I thought this book was enjoyable! It came off as slightly repetitive to me, but the concept preached is very potent. I struggle with my anxieties a lot and “tapping in”, so going through the steps with Alison was very insightful!
August 30, 2022
So awesome! Inspiring and heartfelt message. It is even better read by the author.
September 5, 2022
I LOVE that this book gives us tangible steps into recognizing the truth within us - we are ALREADY awesome.
December 11, 2022
I'm still thinking about this one, so that's good. She quotes people I admire. She seems to be coming from a place of sincerity and love.
January 4, 2023
Awesome book on self motivation and inspiration.
March 28, 2023
Audiobook
May 29, 2023
I wasn’t familiar with Alison Faulkner’s work until a friend recommended this book. This book is full of relatable stories and strategies for “flowing” through life and seeing the joy in things.
June 27, 2023
As an ex-mormon I struggled a bit with this book. Solid advice for dealing with anxiety, but could have done without the references to that religion.
July 23, 2023
Beautiful. Empowering. And also gentle, not an invitation to hustle your way through self improvement
January 3, 2024
I love the audible version! A great easy motivational book to read and love Alison’s sincerity and pep! Her husband did a great job with the audio of the book.
February 26, 2024
This was a fun book to read and helped me to remember to not take life so seriously!! I would recommend it! A little language, but not excessive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews