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Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should . . . and What to Do About It
WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER! AS SEEN ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA! Have you ever accomplished something you weren’t so sure you could do? Success has always been the end goal, but when you achieve it ... something infuriatingly predictable happens. You start wondering what more you can do. Instead of success bringing you happiness, it hands you an increased hunger to achieve something even bigger. And with that desire also comes uncertainty, self-doubt, anxiety and stress. Success, in other words, is kinda wonderful ... but it’s also kinda hell. Welcome to Wonderhell. Wonderhell is that space in your psyche where the burden of your newly discovered potential plops down, unpacks its backpack, and Hey, you! Whatcha got for me? Living in an ambitious, results-oriented society, we often mischaracterize the turbulent emotions that surround success, deeming them a “necessary evil”―a byproduct of one’s rise to the top. We tend to think that we just need to survive these difficult moments, to hang on by our fingernails and somehow get through these stressful, unwanted side effects of our success. We torture ourselves with a never-ending internal I can handle this. Can I handle this? But we are wrong. Learning to live in this newfound potential can be exciting rather than exhausting. Emotions like fear, anxiety, and heartbreak are not collateral damage, slings and arrows to be absorbed and swallowed down, silenced and pushed aside. Rather, each emotion is a portal that shows us what more we can do, if instead we recognize that on the other side of this wonderful hell that we so badly wanted is another and another and another . . . but only if we choose to accept it.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published April 4, 2023
32 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Laura Gassner Otting
11 books27 followersI see the greatness in others and reflect it back on them in ways that help them get them unstuck. Because I am turned on by The Big Idea, I encourage people to think audaciously, motivating them to be dream boldly and then act decisively. I am an instigator and a motivator, and I’ve never met a revolution I didn’t like.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 4, 2023
I have a (good type of) stomachache after reading this
In Wonderhell, author Laura Gassner Otting takes you through an amusement park of personal development.
Perhaps I ate one too many funnel cakes or corn dogs during my trip, because I have a stomachache.
I closed the book and had this thought: you ARE and CAN be more. And it hit me hard in the gut.
And now, because Laura included thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, I can keep digging deeper and continue my exploration and growth.
Laura had me from the intro all the way through to the end. I took my time with the book because I want it to sink in.
Hop on the ride - eat the funnel cake and corn dogs at your own risk!
In Wonderhell, author Laura Gassner Otting takes you through an amusement park of personal development.
Perhaps I ate one too many funnel cakes or corn dogs during my trip, because I have a stomachache.
I closed the book and had this thought: you ARE and CAN be more. And it hit me hard in the gut.
And now, because Laura included thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, I can keep digging deeper and continue my exploration and growth.
Laura had me from the intro all the way through to the end. I took my time with the book because I want it to sink in.
Hop on the ride - eat the funnel cake and corn dogs at your own risk!
April 4, 2023
Perfect for ambitious professionals!
Have you ever successfully accomplished something you weren’t so sure you would be able to?
Once you achieve your goal successfully something else happens…
You start wondering what more you can do.
Instead of success bringing you happiness, it can give you an increased drive to achieve something even bigger and better.
But with that desire also comes uncertainty, self-doubt, anxiety and stress.
Success is kinda heavenly ... but it’s also kinda hell.
Welcome to Wonderhell.
Wonderhell is that space in your psyche where the burden of your newly discovered potential takes a new strong hold, and asks: Hey, you! Whatcha got for me?
Living in an ambitious, results-oriented society, we often mischaracterize the turbulent emotions that come with success, deeming them a “necessary evil”—a side effect of one’s rise to the top.
We tend to just do what we need to survive these difficult moments, to hang on by a thread and somehow get through these stressful, unwanted offshoots of our success.
We punish ourselves with a never-ending internal dialogue: I can handle this. Can I handle this?
But we are dead wrong.
Learning to live in this newly discovered potential can be exciting rather than exhausting.
Emotions like fear, anxiety, and heartbreak are not collateral damage, sticks and stones to break you.
Imagine, each emotion is a portal that shows us what more we can do.
What if instead we utilize that on the other side of this wonderful hell that we so badly wanted is another and another and another opportunity to level up our success. . . but only if we choose to accept it.
Laura Gassner-Otting’s new book: Wonderhell launches today and she is addressing the topic of Success and the feelings behind it in detail that I have never seen in a book before.
Definitely check this out! I highly recommend!
Have you ever successfully accomplished something you weren’t so sure you would be able to?
Once you achieve your goal successfully something else happens…
You start wondering what more you can do.
Instead of success bringing you happiness, it can give you an increased drive to achieve something even bigger and better.
But with that desire also comes uncertainty, self-doubt, anxiety and stress.
Success is kinda heavenly ... but it’s also kinda hell.
Welcome to Wonderhell.
Wonderhell is that space in your psyche where the burden of your newly discovered potential takes a new strong hold, and asks: Hey, you! Whatcha got for me?
Living in an ambitious, results-oriented society, we often mischaracterize the turbulent emotions that come with success, deeming them a “necessary evil”—a side effect of one’s rise to the top.
We tend to just do what we need to survive these difficult moments, to hang on by a thread and somehow get through these stressful, unwanted offshoots of our success.
We punish ourselves with a never-ending internal dialogue: I can handle this. Can I handle this?
But we are dead wrong.
Learning to live in this newly discovered potential can be exciting rather than exhausting.
Emotions like fear, anxiety, and heartbreak are not collateral damage, sticks and stones to break you.
Imagine, each emotion is a portal that shows us what more we can do.
What if instead we utilize that on the other side of this wonderful hell that we so badly wanted is another and another and another opportunity to level up our success. . . but only if we choose to accept it.
Laura Gassner-Otting’s new book: Wonderhell launches today and she is addressing the topic of Success and the feelings behind it in detail that I have never seen in a book before.
Definitely check this out! I highly recommend!
April 20, 2023
Wonderhell is the word I didn’t realize was missing from my vocabulary.
This is Laura Gassner Otting’s 2nd book, and whenever I read her writing, I feel like I’m talking to a friend who gets it. She’s playful and smart and gets right down in the dirt with you of acknowledging the things we humans all struggle with—whether we recognize it, admit it, or not. I think we spend a lot of time as a culture striving for flow, but what Laura identifies is that we don’t get to level up our flow, our creativity, our creation, without leveling up ourselves….and the getting there isn’t so pretty. On top of that, we usually think everyone else’s journey to leveling up is very, very pretty. As always, whether books or articles: Laura delivers actionable advice, real talk, humor, and empathy for the challenge and mystery of being human.
This is Laura Gassner Otting’s 2nd book, and whenever I read her writing, I feel like I’m talking to a friend who gets it. She’s playful and smart and gets right down in the dirt with you of acknowledging the things we humans all struggle with—whether we recognize it, admit it, or not. I think we spend a lot of time as a culture striving for flow, but what Laura identifies is that we don’t get to level up our flow, our creativity, our creation, without leveling up ourselves….and the getting there isn’t so pretty. On top of that, we usually think everyone else’s journey to leveling up is very, very pretty. As always, whether books or articles: Laura delivers actionable advice, real talk, humor, and empathy for the challenge and mystery of being human.
October 28, 2025
While the concept behind WonderHell is compelling — exploring the emotional complexity of success — the execution fell short for me. The book is largely a collection of personal stories from individuals who found success by pushing past their limits. While these narratives may be inspiring to some, I found them unrelatable. Their paths felt far removed from mine, and I struggled to connect with the lessons they offered. My own version of WonderHell doesn’t mirror theirs, and I suspect many readers might feel similarly. Despite its good intentions, the book didn’t provide actionable insights or guidance I could apply to my own journey. My path is different from theirs. My WonderHell doesn't match their WonderHell and honestly I'm not sure how many people's wonderhell would match the ones in this book. Disappointed overall.
April 26, 2023
As a second time business founder and being one that strives to achieve the most out of life, I felt this book totally got me. Laura put to words the feeling I have often felt while going after things less conventional and often difficult: “Wonderhell”. Going after Wonderhell is exciting, exhilarating and also has a lot of tough negative feelings associated with it but also can offer the most growth opportunities for those daring enough to enter this life course. This book was very well written, inspirational, fun to read and put together in a very creative format. I highly recommend this book!
March 28, 2023
This is such a unique niche and this book filled that needed void in the market perfectly. As an entrepreneur, I really connected with this book's concept of once you've reached that successful goal you're left feeling unhappy and wondering what to do next. This book is a great help to get yourself realigned and create the mindset needed to set new goals to level up your success. It's a perfect book for the entrepreneur in any business.
April 7, 2024
5/5 STARS! Whens the last time you read a book like this & instead of feeling preached to, you actually came out feeling inspired & like you had fun? This is that book! I loved the creativity of plotting it like a fair/carnival, & the writing was witty & fun, while also being educational & helpful. Loved EVERYTHING about this! Highly recommend to anyone on the verge of a raise, a promotion, or a career change.
April 2, 2023
LGO is back with another top seller.
"Wonderhell teaches us that each success is not a final destination at all, but an inflection point on that journey."
I'm just getting started on my next rollercoaster ride- as an author. I'm working to accept Laura's invitation to "enjoy the ride."
Wonderhell is a great read brimming with storytelling.
"Wonderhell teaches us that each success is not a final destination at all, but an inflection point on that journey."
I'm just getting started on my next rollercoaster ride- as an author. I'm working to accept Laura's invitation to "enjoy the ride."
Wonderhell is a great read brimming with storytelling.
November 24, 2025
Interesting read, I liked the concept of the Amusement Park and all the rides that make up the work journey. It was very interesting that after a person has achieved success they get to go back to the start and do it all over again.
The work environment and life environment is a never-ending journey, lather, rinse, repeat.
The work environment and life environment is a never-ending journey, lather, rinse, repeat.
May 2, 2023
I have a long list of quotes and reminders in my notes app from this book. LGO does it again.
October 15, 2023
Most people are chasing success and when they get there, they just find out that it won't make them as happy as they should. Why would that happen? Read this book and you will know.
Read
February 5, 2024DNF at 14%
August 24, 2025
Headway
February 11, 2024
I didn’t love the “carnival” structure of the book. But as someone on the roller coaster (!!) of running my own business, there was a lot of helpful stuff in here about focusing on the success that energizes me, dealing with disappointment, staying in and present in the way that aligns with passions and energy. Will recommend to other business owners.
May 17, 2023
A Refreshing and Bold Take on Success
“Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should and What To Do About It" is a truly invigorating read. With a fun and engaging tone, the book redefines conventional views of success, offering a creative lens to examine its different stages. It walks us through the full spectrum of success, painting a picture that is as starkly real as it is unexpectedly humorous.
Rather than presenting success as a polished, alluring final destination, "Wonderhell" takes us on a journey, revealing both the exhilarating highs and the often-ignored lows. It boldly expresses the hard and ugly aspects of success, not just the good. This unflinching honesty sets the book apart, adding depth and nuance to our understanding of what it truly means to succeed.
The book is more than just a critique. It's also a guide, providing actionable advice on how to navigate the complex world of achievement. Even as it exposes the pitfalls and challenges, it inspires resilience, encouraging readers to learn from their experiences and keep pushing forward.
"Wonderhell" is a brilliant combination of wit, wisdom, and warmth. Its creative and realistic portrayal of success is enlightening, making it a must-read for anyone on their own personal journey to achievement. With its rich blend of insights, anecdotes, and practical advice, this book is not just informative but also a genuinely enjoyable read. Don't miss out on this fun-filled ride through the realities of success
“Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should and What To Do About It" is a truly invigorating read. With a fun and engaging tone, the book redefines conventional views of success, offering a creative lens to examine its different stages. It walks us through the full spectrum of success, painting a picture that is as starkly real as it is unexpectedly humorous.
Rather than presenting success as a polished, alluring final destination, "Wonderhell" takes us on a journey, revealing both the exhilarating highs and the often-ignored lows. It boldly expresses the hard and ugly aspects of success, not just the good. This unflinching honesty sets the book apart, adding depth and nuance to our understanding of what it truly means to succeed.
The book is more than just a critique. It's also a guide, providing actionable advice on how to navigate the complex world of achievement. Even as it exposes the pitfalls and challenges, it inspires resilience, encouraging readers to learn from their experiences and keep pushing forward.
"Wonderhell" is a brilliant combination of wit, wisdom, and warmth. Its creative and realistic portrayal of success is enlightening, making it a must-read for anyone on their own personal journey to achievement. With its rich blend of insights, anecdotes, and practical advice, this book is not just informative but also a genuinely enjoyable read. Don't miss out on this fun-filled ride through the realities of success
May 29, 2023
Average book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews