Be You

by Senka Holzer

For decades, psychologists, and researchers have studied core values, what Dr. Senka Holzer’s calls “psychological DNA.” These core values are the things that light people up, gives them pure joy—they are what matters most. When one’s life is aligned with their core values, they are at their best. Yet despite what popular psychology says, understanding one’s core values isn’t enough to guarantee fulfillment. Senka’s research reveals something new: that people operate with not one, but two different sets of values. In addition to core values, everyone absorbs values from outside sources—family, friends, the media, their generation, and their culture. Senka calls these acquired values, and most people aren’t even aware of them. Here’s why acquired values are important: it’s our awareness of our acquired values that determines our ultimate fulfillment. Without this knowledge, people may spend precious time and energy attempting to align themselves with values that are not even their own. In Be You, Senka draws on her award-winning research as a real-life scientist with a day job in molecular medicine and heart physiology at a major international research hospital. Throughout Be You, readers can be confident that science—evidence, facts, research, and logic—are the foundation of her work. But it is also inspired by Senka’s life-long fascination with human psychology and mind-body connection. She has years of certified personal and professional coaching experience and she is committed to turning “hard” science into a deeply intuitive and empathetic model for self-transformation and fulfillment. Senka writes from the heart, in every sense of the word!

Genres: Nonfiction

230 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2022

Reviews

[Booklovin' · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really inspiring, motivational read :) I especially enjoyed the down-to-earth approach of the author, giving you the little push you didn't know you needed to readjust your thinking patterns, your reactions in certain situations and to help you uncover how your surroundings shape a big part of you. It feels like a good friend giving you advice without judging or making you "feel bad" - definitely worth a read, if you want to learn a little more about yourself!

[Amelia Marriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know that I needed this book, but I did, and I do! I think we all do. Most of us (all of us) have so many competing voices in our heads telling us what we should be, how we should behave, and what we should say. Parents, teachers, traditions, customs, and manners all shape us. But our inner voice is quieter and less assured; mostly, we can't hear it or don't listen to it. This book is a real eye-opener! I have found it very useful in helping me to decide just who I am and how I can be me. Dr Holzer is a patient, funny, calm, and intelligent guide. As they say, you don't know what you don't know - so if you read this book, you will find out so much about the most important person in your life - YOU - and guess what? You can BE YOU. A vital book to have in your arsenal.
Be You

[Mau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok let me start by saying that this is not what I normally read, as I'm a big fiction nerd. I tend to find self-development books condescending: most authors and coaches imply they have all the answers, but they seldom give you any practical tip.
"Be You" is NOT like that at all! It has been such a pleasant reading, filled with musical and pop culture references, and quirky comments.
The author not only provides many every day examples on how changing mindset can be beneficial, but she also give great tips on how to work with your family and friends to achieve bigger and more durable changes.
My favorite part is that the book also presents an extensive (and fun) sociological and cultural analysis of values among different generations and countries.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I do enjoy self-help books. I’m currently looking for a solution to an artist’s block that I’ve been experiencing for quite a while now. This book sounded interesting and maybe something that would help so I entered the giveaway. I was very pleasantly surprised when I won. While I don’t think this will solve the block I’m experiencing, I think it can help with understanding why I react in certain ways to situations. I did find that there were a few too many pop culture references for my taste. And the section on generational values seemed like it was pulled straight off the internet. Other than that, I thought it was a good book that can provide people with some insight.

[Liz McCammon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and am providing an honest review. I appreciate what this book was trying to do but I just couldn’t stand the textbook feel it has. If you are a student and your professor is using this in class, it’s an easy to digest textbook of read, regurgitate and repeat the process in the next chapter-nothing difficult or brain taxing. But, if you are an individual looking for a book to guide you on becoming “the self you were born to be” - this, for me anyways, is a pass.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads as an early reviewer's copy. I did enjoy it and the simple way the scientific information was presented.
It was interesting to think deeply about one's core values vs. learned and how that affects our behaviors and opinions about things.
Definitely a book that makes you think.

[Crystal FloridaGrams Of3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been trying to find my center so I've been really into self help books. This did not disappoint. I like the authors writing style. Definitely worth the read.

I received the ARC and am grateful for it 🙏

[Ingrid Matzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! :D

[Susan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read about what the Author describes as "core values". The concepts are fairly simple and easy to understand.