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Scare Your Soul: 7 Powerful Principles to Harness Fear and Lead Your Most Courageous Life
"A sharply packaged self-help book with an emphasis on facing your fears." (Kirkus)
Find the courage to run toward your fears, embrace uncertainty, and get the most out of life by practicing courageous habits every day with the helpful guidance of this powerful book.
It’s not easy to be courageous. Feelings of fear and uncertainty often stop us dead in our tracks. But what if you had the courage to take action anyway? What changes would you make to transform your current reality into the life of your dreams?
Here’s the good news — like a muscle, courage grows stronger the more you exercise it. And Scare Your Soul will not only teach you how to exercise courage but will guide you in taking small, boundary-pushing actions to expand your comfort zone (so that you feel less fear and more confidence with each action).
By combining research on positive psychology with real-life stories of Scare Your Soul participants, international thought leader and happiness entrepreneur Scott Simon challenges you to confront your limiting beliefs. With writing prompts, activities, and real-world challenges, Scare Your Soul is an interactive roadmap to building bravery.
Scare Your Soul teaches you that the greatest antidote to much of what ails you in your life isn’t achievement, it’s action. So if you crave an extraordinary life but feel like you don’t know how to take “extra” ordinary action, this book is for you.
It’s time to Scare Your Soul.
Find the courage to run toward your fears, embrace uncertainty, and get the most out of life by practicing courageous habits every day with the helpful guidance of this powerful book.
It’s not easy to be courageous. Feelings of fear and uncertainty often stop us dead in our tracks. But what if you had the courage to take action anyway? What changes would you make to transform your current reality into the life of your dreams?
Here’s the good news — like a muscle, courage grows stronger the more you exercise it. And Scare Your Soul will not only teach you how to exercise courage but will guide you in taking small, boundary-pushing actions to expand your comfort zone (so that you feel less fear and more confidence with each action).
By combining research on positive psychology with real-life stories of Scare Your Soul participants, international thought leader and happiness entrepreneur Scott Simon challenges you to confront your limiting beliefs. With writing prompts, activities, and real-world challenges, Scare Your Soul is an interactive roadmap to building bravery.
Scare Your Soul teaches you that the greatest antidote to much of what ails you in your life isn’t achievement, it’s action. So if you crave an extraordinary life but feel like you don’t know how to take “extra” ordinary action, this book is for you.
It’s time to Scare Your Soul.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2022
38 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
About the author
Scott Simon
1 book5 followersScott Simon is a happiness entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Scare Your Soul, a movement inspiring individual and global change through small acts of courage.
He has spoken around the world, motivated people at schools and companies, given a TEDx Talk, co-founded a happiness incubator, and studied and worked with international thought leaders in the areas of courage and happiness. He is a high-performance coach, focusing primarily on creating flourishing lives post-divorce, leads mindfulness meditations, and has served as an officiant of numerous weddings.
Scott earned his BA from Skidmore College, his MA from Case Western Reserve University, and Certificates in Positive Psychology from The Wholebeing Institute. Scott is the proud father of two children, and when not out fulfilling his sense of wanderlust, he lives in Cleveland, Ohio.
He has spoken around the world, motivated people at schools and companies, given a TEDx Talk, co-founded a happiness incubator, and studied and worked with international thought leaders in the areas of courage and happiness. He is a high-performance coach, focusing primarily on creating flourishing lives post-divorce, leads mindfulness meditations, and has served as an officiant of numerous weddings.
Scott earned his BA from Skidmore College, his MA from Case Western Reserve University, and Certificates in Positive Psychology from The Wholebeing Institute. Scott is the proud father of two children, and when not out fulfilling his sense of wanderlust, he lives in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 11, 2022
There are those books that you breeze through, enjoy, and then can hardly remember even days or weeks upon completion. This is not one of those books. Scott Simon's debut inspirational, self-help book has the possibility to change your life. You should know this before you read the book. In fact, maybe it should come with a warning: This book could change your life. Sounds hokey, right? But it's 100% true.
I've read a whole lot of self-help books. I like that burst of motivation and inspiration that they provide. I was blown away by the sheer brilliance, beauty and raw honesty of Scare Your Soul. This book is in a class of its own because as you read it you'll feel the need to jump out of your seat and make changes. And those changes don't need to be huge. You'll be able to adopt Scott's suggestions instantly. A slight attitude shift, a minor change in behavior— you don't need to move mountains to feel like you're improving your life and the life of others.
Upon completing this book I felt that I had the power, the ability, the reason to be a better person. This book makes me want to do more, be more, be better. I will revisit this book again and again in the future. It's possible that I even hugged it as it means that much to me.
I've read a whole lot of self-help books. I like that burst of motivation and inspiration that they provide. I was blown away by the sheer brilliance, beauty and raw honesty of Scare Your Soul. This book is in a class of its own because as you read it you'll feel the need to jump out of your seat and make changes. And those changes don't need to be huge. You'll be able to adopt Scott's suggestions instantly. A slight attitude shift, a minor change in behavior— you don't need to move mountains to feel like you're improving your life and the life of others.
Upon completing this book I felt that I had the power, the ability, the reason to be a better person. This book makes me want to do more, be more, be better. I will revisit this book again and again in the future. It's possible that I even hugged it as it means that much to me.
July 20, 2023
Life-changing! I didn’t fully participate in the challenges, but the few principles I did apply to my life have already made such a huge change! I look forward to incorporating many more slowly, but highly recommend this book if you’re looking for small, actionable ideas to improve your life!
November 20, 2022
Scott Simon brilliantly builds on the movement he has begun in his book, Scare Your Soul. Wow: the book’s relevance to me and so many I encounter in my work is stunning.
One by one Scott helps you to pay attention to the soul traits one needs to press back against fear and not let it guide you, even when the fear is potent. There is a myth that just by being told to “not be afraid” by another person or even telling yourself to shut down fear, that you can do it. Scott does more than call out that myth. He narrates life stories that show you and give you confidence that you can build a reservoir of courage. In this case, I don’t mean courage the way we typically depict it in literature as mightiness that is unsurpassed. I mean the courage to be strong, to be vulnerable, to be hopeful, to be patient, and the courage to believe that tomorrow can be different from today. The guidance is practical, incisive and relevant.
Recently, I had the wonderful chance to hear Scott Simon speak about his book Scare Your Soul at my synagogue, Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, in Beachwood, OH (http://fairmounttemple.org). Scott’s presentation not only gave us a preview of what he hoped people would find in the book. He also talked openly about the fear that could have dogged his willingness to believe that such a book could come to fruition. He demonstrated exactly the humility one needs as a “point of departure” for taking his critically recommended steps toward a soul that is at work in building a courageous life.
Scott is an inspiring and compelling speaker as well as author. Now that the book is ready for eyes to see, I’m confident people will not just buy a copy for themselves. They’ll be buying Scare Your Soul as a gift for friends, loved ones, teachers, work colleagues, and more.
One by one Scott helps you to pay attention to the soul traits one needs to press back against fear and not let it guide you, even when the fear is potent. There is a myth that just by being told to “not be afraid” by another person or even telling yourself to shut down fear, that you can do it. Scott does more than call out that myth. He narrates life stories that show you and give you confidence that you can build a reservoir of courage. In this case, I don’t mean courage the way we typically depict it in literature as mightiness that is unsurpassed. I mean the courage to be strong, to be vulnerable, to be hopeful, to be patient, and the courage to believe that tomorrow can be different from today. The guidance is practical, incisive and relevant.
Recently, I had the wonderful chance to hear Scott Simon speak about his book Scare Your Soul at my synagogue, Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, in Beachwood, OH (http://fairmounttemple.org). Scott’s presentation not only gave us a preview of what he hoped people would find in the book. He also talked openly about the fear that could have dogged his willingness to believe that such a book could come to fruition. He demonstrated exactly the humility one needs as a “point of departure” for taking his critically recommended steps toward a soul that is at work in building a courageous life.
Scott is an inspiring and compelling speaker as well as author. Now that the book is ready for eyes to see, I’m confident people will not just buy a copy for themselves. They’ll be buying Scare Your Soul as a gift for friends, loved ones, teachers, work colleagues, and more.
December 31, 2022
A new year is right around the corner. We seem to make resolutions that never really stick. What we can do is make a resolution to do better because we know better. One way to do that is by reading and learning.
I highly recommend this read that will help you do better and be better!!! I have applied what I learned to my life already and I am reaping the rewards!
I highly recommend this read that will help you do better and be better!!! I have applied what I learned to my life already and I am reaping the rewards!
December 8, 2022
I’m not usually a self help book girl, but this book caught my interest. Based on the principle we should do one thing a day that scares us, this book gives you 7 ways to live a more courageous life. So, did it work for me? Well, the script I have been scared to submit to the blacklist is now on their site and the feedback I was dreading would be horrible, actually came in pretty good. I’m so glad I pushed myself to submit and really hope with a little work this movie actually sells one day! Thanks for helping me scare my soul!
October 7, 2022
Scott Simon, founder of the Scare Your Soul movement, is so earnest in his vulnerability that he’s becomes the voice in my head whenever I hesitate to jump into action. He is so kind and relatable! As a dad, introvert and all-around very accessible person, his book feels like bringing along a best friend for the ride. And a ride he certainly guarantees. He will tell you how he got nervous and yet pulled through and moved on through various experiences, he shares personal trauma as well as awe-inspiring stories of people who have overcome tremendous difficulties. The book includes in-depth guidance to get us out of our own fears, protective patterns and hesitations. Everything is incredibly easy to put into place via journaling and exercises - this is about turning our lives into daring and empowering adventures through the courageous tackling of small acts and intentional choices.
Scott Simon is a prolific writer who will make you feel as if you were standing right there with him on a cold street or sweating in nervousness before a public event.
I’ll be honest. I was excited about reading this book, but then life happened, I got busy, and thought that I “just didn’t have time.” But something called me back and I’m glad I dove in - this book is our call to greatness with an accompanying step-by-step manual and the support of a whole tribe of courageous friends.
Because if we don’t have time for this, the rest is not going to matter.
P.S.: At the time of this review, I just started the process of going back to school after over 20 years. The class’s teacher has more degrees than I could accumulate in five lifetimes. I’m terrified. And bursting with joy! What will you do today that scares you?!
Scott Simon is a prolific writer who will make you feel as if you were standing right there with him on a cold street or sweating in nervousness before a public event.
I’ll be honest. I was excited about reading this book, but then life happened, I got busy, and thought that I “just didn’t have time.” But something called me back and I’m glad I dove in - this book is our call to greatness with an accompanying step-by-step manual and the support of a whole tribe of courageous friends.
Because if we don’t have time for this, the rest is not going to matter.
P.S.: At the time of this review, I just started the process of going back to school after over 20 years. The class’s teacher has more degrees than I could accumulate in five lifetimes. I’m terrified. And bursting with joy! What will you do today that scares you?!
December 7, 2022
In his book, Scare Your Soul, Scott Simon founder of the Scare Your Soul movement extends a personal invitation to join him on a journey that has the possibility to impact and change YOUR life. It’s as if Simon is reaching out to with both hands to encourage you to walk a new path with him beside you. Simon weaves you through the contents by placing persuasive quotes and inspiring stories, raw and authentic, and are connected to research and evidenced- based concepts which are meant to transform the way you live your life. With writing prompts and exercises provided within the text, you will confront your fears and discover your dreams.
Simon doesn’t leave you hanging. He escorts you down a path to action. He defines the 7 powerful principles that can lead you to become a better version of yourself. Simon has encouraged me to look at my own experiences through a gratitude lens. I have already found the courage to take a next step, to have a meaningful yet challenging conversation, to make an overdue phone call and most importantly, to say yes when it would have been easier to say no.
Scott Simon’s book is meant to be a master plan in which you confront your fears, change the status quo, and step out of your comfort zone. Lasting change does not happen quickly. You have a lifetime to learn and evolve. If you are looking for strategies to reach new heights and purpose through the smallest to the boldest acts of courage, then add Scott Simon’s Scare Your Soul to your next must read list.
Simon doesn’t leave you hanging. He escorts you down a path to action. He defines the 7 powerful principles that can lead you to become a better version of yourself. Simon has encouraged me to look at my own experiences through a gratitude lens. I have already found the courage to take a next step, to have a meaningful yet challenging conversation, to make an overdue phone call and most importantly, to say yes when it would have been easier to say no.
Scott Simon’s book is meant to be a master plan in which you confront your fears, change the status quo, and step out of your comfort zone. Lasting change does not happen quickly. You have a lifetime to learn and evolve. If you are looking for strategies to reach new heights and purpose through the smallest to the boldest acts of courage, then add Scott Simon’s Scare Your Soul to your next must read list.
December 9, 2022
Scott Simon provides a road map and himself as a traveling companion to navigate through the fears, anxiety and self-doubt so many of us face when confronted with life’s challenges. Whether its getting into a new social circle or figuring out your next career move, Scare Your Soul will take you through a process to help you find your own place of motivation challenge and sense of purpose. This is not a book that will “should” all over you! Scott uses his own experiences and those of his friends and colleagues as a community guide to help us all build the confidence within to take those courageous steps to move our lives forward and face the openness with wonder and hopefulness, even in the wake of knowing not everything turns out as we hope or anticipated. I highly recommend using the journal that accompanies the book. When you go through each section you are going to want to take part in the exercises. Having the companion journal makes it very easy to keep yourself on task and in the process. Whether you are a seasoned self-help junky or a newbie to the genre, Scare Your Soul is a compassionate, thoughtful journey to travel.
December 5, 2022
The thing about Scare Your Soul that got me hooked from the get-go was its authenticity: Scott Simon walks the everyday-courage talk by putting his own life story out there for all to see. But there’s a lot more to Scare Your Soul than personal anecdote. Thoughtful, inspiring, well-researched and field-tested, it lays out a conceptual and practical framework for nurturing a way of life that is both daring and lighthearted.
Drawing from both self-help and life-philosophy, Scare Your Soul presents a broad array of perspectives on the importance of connecting with your inner self and about living a life that is true to who you are. It addresses both the deep stuff - such as the short list of values that guide us in life, or the unfulfilled dream we need to reconnect with - and the everyday work (do one thing every day that scares you) that enables us to gradually build and flex our courage muscles in the service of those values and dreams.
Scare Your Soul strikes a perfect balance between personal vignettes, inspirational quotes, powerful exercises, and succinct summaries. While it is possible - even easy - to rush through the book in one weekend, I recommend relishing it in smaller bites. I spread the experience out over several weeks, reflecting and journaling in response to Simon’s thoughtful prompts and exercises as I went along. Some of them - such as the Brag Sheet - are as fun as they are genuinely empowering; others - such as the Wheel of Fear - carry the potential of opening our eyes to vulnerabilities we were reluctant to admit to ourselves.
Fear isn’t something we can or should strive to eliminate. It’s the everyday work of noticing, acknowledging, accepting and then moving beyond fear that matters, and that has the potential to enable us to grow and to live out our true potential. Scare Your Soul builds a compelling case for why living a courageous life is a choice that all of us can, and should make, and provides us with the mindsets and tools for getting there.
Drawing from both self-help and life-philosophy, Scare Your Soul presents a broad array of perspectives on the importance of connecting with your inner self and about living a life that is true to who you are. It addresses both the deep stuff - such as the short list of values that guide us in life, or the unfulfilled dream we need to reconnect with - and the everyday work (do one thing every day that scares you) that enables us to gradually build and flex our courage muscles in the service of those values and dreams.
Scare Your Soul strikes a perfect balance between personal vignettes, inspirational quotes, powerful exercises, and succinct summaries. While it is possible - even easy - to rush through the book in one weekend, I recommend relishing it in smaller bites. I spread the experience out over several weeks, reflecting and journaling in response to Simon’s thoughtful prompts and exercises as I went along. Some of them - such as the Brag Sheet - are as fun as they are genuinely empowering; others - such as the Wheel of Fear - carry the potential of opening our eyes to vulnerabilities we were reluctant to admit to ourselves.
Fear isn’t something we can or should strive to eliminate. It’s the everyday work of noticing, acknowledging, accepting and then moving beyond fear that matters, and that has the potential to enable us to grow and to live out our true potential. Scare Your Soul builds a compelling case for why living a courageous life is a choice that all of us can, and should make, and provides us with the mindsets and tools for getting there.
October 21, 2022
Scott Simon has managed to update and elevate the tired, cliché-ridden “self-help” genre that has nearly become its own parody. Rather than dispensing fortune-cookie wisdom and self-evident bromides, Simon provides an intelligent – and entertaining – framework from which we can overcome our fears and transform them into our greatest successes. He begins with his own story; his candor and vulnerability always come across as authentic, never as pandering efforts to win the reader over through emotional trickery. He offers an exploration of fear – When is it rational? When irrational? – and shares his own fears – of his divorce, or his recurring battles with imposter syndrome. Through it all, he bares his soul (possibly a prerequisite to scaring it) with grace and good humor.
That many of the quotes he shares emanate from the usual suspects – Einstein, Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt – doesn’t diminish the wisdom they offer. Personally, I’m happier when he wades into less recognized waters, and serves up snippets of Rachel Naomi Remen and Neil Gaiman and Abraham Joshua Heschel. At any rate, his choices are pertinent and deftly made, and the whole is certainly greater than the sum of its parts.
Scare Your Soul reads like a workbook assigned by an astute Life Coach. There are exercises, writing prompts and “key insights,” all of which provide an eminently practical guide to surmount one’s self-imposed hurdles and barriers. Simon nudges, cajoles (gently) and encourages his readers to take on just one more challenge, to climb up just one more rung on their very personal emotional ladder, and the takeaway is that all his cheerleading and motivating (and modeling) is done out of love, with great integrity.
Simon has produced a thoughtful and sensitive life manual, with nuggets of truth and wisdom for readers of pretty much any age. It’s both accessible and a book of depth, relevant for adolescents, their parents, grandparents and teachers.
That many of the quotes he shares emanate from the usual suspects – Einstein, Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt – doesn’t diminish the wisdom they offer. Personally, I’m happier when he wades into less recognized waters, and serves up snippets of Rachel Naomi Remen and Neil Gaiman and Abraham Joshua Heschel. At any rate, his choices are pertinent and deftly made, and the whole is certainly greater than the sum of its parts.
Scare Your Soul reads like a workbook assigned by an astute Life Coach. There are exercises, writing prompts and “key insights,” all of which provide an eminently practical guide to surmount one’s self-imposed hurdles and barriers. Simon nudges, cajoles (gently) and encourages his readers to take on just one more challenge, to climb up just one more rung on their very personal emotional ladder, and the takeaway is that all his cheerleading and motivating (and modeling) is done out of love, with great integrity.
Simon has produced a thoughtful and sensitive life manual, with nuggets of truth and wisdom for readers of pretty much any age. It’s both accessible and a book of depth, relevant for adolescents, their parents, grandparents and teachers.
March 31, 2023
Scott Simon has managed to update and elevate the tired, cliché-ridden “self-help” genre that has nearly become its own parody. Rather than dispensing fortune-cookie wisdom and self-evident bromides, Simon provides an intelligent – and entertaining – framework from which we can overcome our fears and transform them into our greatest successes. He begins with his own story; his candor and vulnerability always come across as authentic, never as pandering efforts to win the reader over through emotional trickery. He offers an exploration of fear – When is it rational? When irrational? – and shares his own fears – of his divorce, or his recurring battles with imposter syndrome. Through it all, he bares his soul (possibly a prerequisite to scaring it) with grace and good humor.
That many of the quotes he shares emanate from the usual suspects – Einstein, Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt – doesn’t diminish the wisdom they offer. Personally, I’m happier when he wades into less recognized waters, and serves up snippets of Rachel Naomi Remen and Neil Gaiman and Abraham Joshua Heschel. At any rate, his choices are pertinent and deftly made, and the whole is certainly greater than the sum of its parts.
Scare Your Soul reads like a workbook assigned by an astute Life Coach. There are exercises, writing prompts and “key insights,” all of which provide an eminently practical guide to surmount one’s self-imposed hurdles and barriers. Simon nudges, cajoles (gently) and encourages his readers to take on just one more challenge, to climb up just one more rung on their very personal emotional ladder, and the takeaway is that all his cheerleading and motivating (and modeling) is done out of love, with great integrity.
Simon has produced a thoughtful and sensitive life manual, with nuggets of truth and wisdom for readers of pretty much any age. It’s both accessible and a book of depth, relevant for adolescents, their parents, grandparents and teachers.
That many of the quotes he shares emanate from the usual suspects – Einstein, Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt – doesn’t diminish the wisdom they offer. Personally, I’m happier when he wades into less recognized waters, and serves up snippets of Rachel Naomi Remen and Neil Gaiman and Abraham Joshua Heschel. At any rate, his choices are pertinent and deftly made, and the whole is certainly greater than the sum of its parts.
Scare Your Soul reads like a workbook assigned by an astute Life Coach. There are exercises, writing prompts and “key insights,” all of which provide an eminently practical guide to surmount one’s self-imposed hurdles and barriers. Simon nudges, cajoles (gently) and encourages his readers to take on just one more challenge, to climb up just one more rung on their very personal emotional ladder, and the takeaway is that all his cheerleading and motivating (and modeling) is done out of love, with great integrity.
Simon has produced a thoughtful and sensitive life manual, with nuggets of truth and wisdom for readers of pretty much any age. It’s both accessible and a book of depth, relevant for adolescents, their parents, grandparents and teachers.
January 21, 2023
The title Scare Your Soul left me a bit unsure about the book, especially since I don’t read book blurbs. Too often, they ruin the element of surprise.
But this surprised me in ways I wasn't expecting. This book was talking to me!
I’ve lived my life trying to stay in my safe bubble. After all, stepping outside my somewhat safe area would leave me open for emotions that weren’t always comfortable. Even scary. So the inner me continually warned me to stay relaxed and safe.
I came to an executive decision while reading. I decided to break one big rule. It was time to pull out a highlighter and mark up my beautiful book. And you might be surprised at the first place I started.
“And it begins with you making the same decision that I did that fateful day on a plane: to choose courage consistently and with zest.
“And to do one thing every day that scares you.”
To me, this was synonymous with living life. I needed to step out of my somewhat safe environment and scare my soul.
This is a book that spoke to me. There are exercises and spaces to, yes, write in the book.
It didn’t have the feel of a textbook, but rather Simon’s life stories of dealing with his fears and then his suggestions. By addressing his fears head-on, he began to step into shoes I’m sure he never dreamed he would be filling.
My Concerns
It’s scary. It’s a change. It nagged at me.
Now, on to my serious concerns. It caused me to break my rule of no writing in a book!
Final Thoughts
This is a book you won’t be sorry you purchased. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s life-changing and empowering.
Even by taking baby steps, I think you will experience life and joy. So if you need to step out of your “safe shoes”, and into scary, unknown, shoes. But ones that will give you more freedom and open up the world, pick up this book.
My thanks to GrandCentralPublishing for a book, though I was not required to review it or leave a positive review.
But this surprised me in ways I wasn't expecting. This book was talking to me!
I’ve lived my life trying to stay in my safe bubble. After all, stepping outside my somewhat safe area would leave me open for emotions that weren’t always comfortable. Even scary. So the inner me continually warned me to stay relaxed and safe.
I came to an executive decision while reading. I decided to break one big rule. It was time to pull out a highlighter and mark up my beautiful book. And you might be surprised at the first place I started.
“And it begins with you making the same decision that I did that fateful day on a plane: to choose courage consistently and with zest.
“And to do one thing every day that scares you.”
To me, this was synonymous with living life. I needed to step out of my somewhat safe environment and scare my soul.
This is a book that spoke to me. There are exercises and spaces to, yes, write in the book.
It didn’t have the feel of a textbook, but rather Simon’s life stories of dealing with his fears and then his suggestions. By addressing his fears head-on, he began to step into shoes I’m sure he never dreamed he would be filling.
My Concerns
It’s scary. It’s a change. It nagged at me.
Now, on to my serious concerns. It caused me to break my rule of no writing in a book!
Final Thoughts
This is a book you won’t be sorry you purchased. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s life-changing and empowering.
Even by taking baby steps, I think you will experience life and joy. So if you need to step out of your “safe shoes”, and into scary, unknown, shoes. But ones that will give you more freedom and open up the world, pick up this book.
My thanks to GrandCentralPublishing for a book, though I was not required to review it or leave a positive review.
November 5, 2022
Scare Your Soul is that rare read that really strikes you at your core. It certainly isn’t your typical self help book and instead feels like an old friend taking you by the hand for a shared journey toward personal betterment. It offers you a challenge to transform your fears, whether big or small, from something that holds you back into something transformative and even empowering. Perhaps most importantly, it makes the idea of scaring your soul into something that doesn’t feel so frightening because of the company cheering you on.
One of the elements that makes this such a powerful read is the sense of community that is formed on the page. The shared antidotes and open reflections from the author, as well as others, provide a sense of authenticity and compassion that jump off the page. That with a tone of good humor makes an enjoyable read into something you want to keep returning to and be a part of as well. These interludes are perfectly placed with moments and interactive exercises for the reader to add their own stories and truly become part of the author’s initiative to scare your soul.
This is a read that I know I will go back to, most likely serval times. It makes the idea of tackling your fears into something not to be feared at all but instead embraced. The book accomplishes this mission while you as the reader feel like you have gained a good friend and an entire community cheering you on. It is most certainly a book that I look forward to sharing with others because once you read it you want to share that feeling of warmth and possibilities with everyone you know.
One of the elements that makes this such a powerful read is the sense of community that is formed on the page. The shared antidotes and open reflections from the author, as well as others, provide a sense of authenticity and compassion that jump off the page. That with a tone of good humor makes an enjoyable read into something you want to keep returning to and be a part of as well. These interludes are perfectly placed with moments and interactive exercises for the reader to add their own stories and truly become part of the author’s initiative to scare your soul.
This is a read that I know I will go back to, most likely serval times. It makes the idea of tackling your fears into something not to be feared at all but instead embraced. The book accomplishes this mission while you as the reader feel like you have gained a good friend and an entire community cheering you on. It is most certainly a book that I look forward to sharing with others because once you read it you want to share that feeling of warmth and possibilities with everyone you know.
November 19, 2022
I have followed the Scare Your Soul movement on social media and was really curious to read Scott Simon's book. I tend to read a lot of self help books and I find that at the end of many of them I have read a book, but not taken any actionable steps. This book is so different! Throughout the journey that is this book there are many tools that helped me to actually DO something to change my life for the better. This book took me awhile to finish for that reason and I will definitely go back and re-read and rework some of the sections.
Scott gives personal examples of how taking risks and stepping outside of comfort has brought him the life that he wants to live. While I was reading this book I had the opportunity to step WAAAAYYYYY out of my comfort zone. A little background here... I am a woman who just turned 56, and have a large body size. There was a body positivity challenge with Scare Your Soul and the book had me so inspired, that I said "what the heck, I'm old enough to start really loving my body for all that it does for me." Next thing I know, I am in a room with a photographer with nothing on but a smile and a bracelet. I was scared sh*tless when walking into the room in the buff but the photographer was great and had me laughing and relaxed in no time. After the photo shoot was over, I felt incredibly free and I learned that I do like my body. It is other's perception of it that I have a problem with some times.
So... this book certainly had an impact on my life.
Scott gives personal examples of how taking risks and stepping outside of comfort has brought him the life that he wants to live. While I was reading this book I had the opportunity to step WAAAAYYYYY out of my comfort zone. A little background here... I am a woman who just turned 56, and have a large body size. There was a body positivity challenge with Scare Your Soul and the book had me so inspired, that I said "what the heck, I'm old enough to start really loving my body for all that it does for me." Next thing I know, I am in a room with a photographer with nothing on but a smile and a bracelet. I was scared sh*tless when walking into the room in the buff but the photographer was great and had me laughing and relaxed in no time. After the photo shoot was over, I felt incredibly free and I learned that I do like my body. It is other's perception of it that I have a problem with some times.
So... this book certainly had an impact on my life.
November 14, 2022
Here’s One for the Introverts and Apprehensives
In Scare Your Soul, author Scott Simon offers a mix of memoir and handbook to guide readers through the very depths of their audacious dreams. “Our dreams are our truest desires decked out in blinking lights,” he writes. “They are an internal compass, guiding us to what really excites and fuels us.”
Amidst an internet full of influencers that push people to follow their dreams with no knowledge or know-how to prompt that actualization, Simon steers the reader through a seven step process of manufacturing courage. With prose that is at once both light and meaningful, the bravery exercises range from internal searching to external action.
Simon endears himself to the reader with masterful stories of his own personal expedition to maximum soul scarage. He presents snapshots of himself at particular times in his life: a kid playing a papier mache guitar in front of his bedroom mirror, feeding chickens on a kibbutz, divorcing his wife, presenting a Ted Talk to a large audience. Each of these moments knit together to form the story of a man that has steadfastly and conscientiously sought out moments of emotional terror as a means to live a more full existence.
His advice about fear is particularly noteworthy: just ignore it. Forget embracing or overcoming. Just do the hard shit despite the apprehension. Simon writes that “sometimes, we have the time and space to gain power and tackle our fears. And sometimes we have no choice at all…but to rely on that courage-muscle.”
In a post-modern, post-pandemic world, this text offers a roadmap to courage.
In Scare Your Soul, author Scott Simon offers a mix of memoir and handbook to guide readers through the very depths of their audacious dreams. “Our dreams are our truest desires decked out in blinking lights,” he writes. “They are an internal compass, guiding us to what really excites and fuels us.”
Amidst an internet full of influencers that push people to follow their dreams with no knowledge or know-how to prompt that actualization, Simon steers the reader through a seven step process of manufacturing courage. With prose that is at once both light and meaningful, the bravery exercises range from internal searching to external action.
Simon endears himself to the reader with masterful stories of his own personal expedition to maximum soul scarage. He presents snapshots of himself at particular times in his life: a kid playing a papier mache guitar in front of his bedroom mirror, feeding chickens on a kibbutz, divorcing his wife, presenting a Ted Talk to a large audience. Each of these moments knit together to form the story of a man that has steadfastly and conscientiously sought out moments of emotional terror as a means to live a more full existence.
His advice about fear is particularly noteworthy: just ignore it. Forget embracing or overcoming. Just do the hard shit despite the apprehension. Simon writes that “sometimes, we have the time and space to gain power and tackle our fears. And sometimes we have no choice at all…but to rely on that courage-muscle.”
In a post-modern, post-pandemic world, this text offers a roadmap to courage.
November 29, 2022
There are moments in your life that you will never forget - whether they involuntarily bring you to your knees or inexplicably make you jump out of your seat. Perhaps these are unconscious actions…but what if they are not? What if it’s all about training ourselves to live with a vulnerability that allows our souls to deeply experience this range of emotions that make one truly feel alive? If you want to FEEL to your core and allow yourself to experience your one appointed life to the fullest, read this book. Scott Simon is a master of sharing his vulnerabilities about his own truths, allowing the reader to learn how to become the master of his/her own walk with courage, failure, success, and sense of belonging in this world - whatever that may be to that individual. This is not a cookie-cutter, big word, psychology lesson, middle of the road, don’t insult anyone, self help book. This book will stretch your mind, challenge your preconceived notions, and leave you ready to see the world (and yourself) through new and curious eyes - and it will dare you to do (and help you acheive) THAT THING - whatever that means to you. Because we ALL have THAT THING we wish we could do. Get ready to do it, because you will find the courage you need and you will slay those fears, after reading Simon’s book. And also - be prepared to allow a skip in your step - it’s coming for you.
November 7, 2022
This book made me wear shorts to yoga.
I never wear shorts to yoga because of very silly, vain reasons. I know I should appreciate my legs because of all the wonderful things they can do, etc...but I've always wished they were a little more Taylor Swift and a little less...
Anyway, enough about my legs and more about this amazing book!
If you are looking for a way to bring more meaning to your life and the lives of your loved ones, you need to consume this book.
And consume it, you will!
I devoured the ebook way too quickly, so I've ordered a hardback copy to underline and analyze more slowly. There are pages provided for writing prompts after some very soul searching passages, and I can't wait to take advantage of them. Who doesn't love writing prompts?
Scare Your Soul is just what we need after a few years of isolation. It challenges us to find deeper connections with others as we attempt to improve ourselves.
And if you didn't get it from the title, this book will make you step out of your comfort zone. You might find yourself practicing yoga in shorts. Maybe even in front of the mirror.
I never wear shorts to yoga because of very silly, vain reasons. I know I should appreciate my legs because of all the wonderful things they can do, etc...but I've always wished they were a little more Taylor Swift and a little less...
Anyway, enough about my legs and more about this amazing book!
If you are looking for a way to bring more meaning to your life and the lives of your loved ones, you need to consume this book.
And consume it, you will!
I devoured the ebook way too quickly, so I've ordered a hardback copy to underline and analyze more slowly. There are pages provided for writing prompts after some very soul searching passages, and I can't wait to take advantage of them. Who doesn't love writing prompts?
Scare Your Soul is just what we need after a few years of isolation. It challenges us to find deeper connections with others as we attempt to improve ourselves.
And if you didn't get it from the title, this book will make you step out of your comfort zone. You might find yourself practicing yoga in shorts. Maybe even in front of the mirror.
October 24, 2022
What does it mean to “scare your soul?” Scott Simon takes you on a journey that will make you see fear in a new way - as something that can be used to deliver some of the most fulfilling and exhilarating moments that can lead to a more courageous and fulfilled life. And, he demonstrates how gratitude can be found at times of great highs and the lowest lows and how a regular practice of gratitude can lead to profound results.
Written in an engaging and accessible style, filled with the author’s own vulnerabilities and stories from others, it is easy to see how some simple principles and practices can be applied to your own experiences to create an extraordinary life - in whatever way would be meaningful for you. And the workbook-style exercises help to truly put the principles into practice. If you’re like me, you’ll want to bookmark pages for future reference and review.
By the end of the book, you’ll feel like you’ve made a new friend in Scott Simon as you can feel him cheering us all on to live our most courageous lives. I am grateful for that.
Written in an engaging and accessible style, filled with the author’s own vulnerabilities and stories from others, it is easy to see how some simple principles and practices can be applied to your own experiences to create an extraordinary life - in whatever way would be meaningful for you. And the workbook-style exercises help to truly put the principles into practice. If you’re like me, you’ll want to bookmark pages for future reference and review.
By the end of the book, you’ll feel like you’ve made a new friend in Scott Simon as you can feel him cheering us all on to live our most courageous lives. I am grateful for that.
October 31, 2022
Honestly bookmarked a lot of pages from this book to come back to. Contains so much wisdom and when put into practice, will genuinely transform your quality of life. This book leaves you with such an inspired feeling to get out there and go create a better life for yourself. Early in the book, I was aligned with the “brand-new journal” feeling. How can you use the journal to “start over?” I live by my journals and in a world of digital, there is something about the written word.
I love the key insights at the end of each chapter and while this book proves that while training your mind to have an abundance mindset, being super active about the life you are trying to create is just as important. I loved learning how to align your behaviors, removing fear and doubt, and turning envy into inspiration (especially from social media). I also appreciate Scott’s ability to tell stories, quote other experts, and speak to the reader. He’s not talking at you; he’s talking with you and for you. I highly recommend this book to read again and again. Thank you, Scott.
I love the key insights at the end of each chapter and while this book proves that while training your mind to have an abundance mindset, being super active about the life you are trying to create is just as important. I loved learning how to align your behaviors, removing fear and doubt, and turning envy into inspiration (especially from social media). I also appreciate Scott’s ability to tell stories, quote other experts, and speak to the reader. He’s not talking at you; he’s talking with you and for you. I highly recommend this book to read again and again. Thank you, Scott.
November 17, 2022
*Book was won in a giveaway but does not effect the review**
An important thing is, it's easy to read. Not complicated, and that's the first step for me to get through reading. I loved the structure to it, giving his story, his points, questions or audience interaction, and a story from another person. It made words have meaning and emotion. He sets easy goals to achieve, reflective questions, and creates an outline from beginning to end successes.
I did not write in my book, and the online interactive doesn't seem to be live yet, but I definitely think it's a great idea. I was intrigued by it so I'd love to see it live. And he constantly encourages engagement. To reach out to him or his group in certain prompts or if you want support.
If you follow his prompt, technically these steps take a few weeks unless you're going to do multiple steps at a time which may overcrowd goals and sanity. It's a real take-your-time and process book. A help to document a journey.
Now although I didn't participate in it's prompts, they were intriguing.
I hope this reaches so many audiences.
An important thing is, it's easy to read. Not complicated, and that's the first step for me to get through reading. I loved the structure to it, giving his story, his points, questions or audience interaction, and a story from another person. It made words have meaning and emotion. He sets easy goals to achieve, reflective questions, and creates an outline from beginning to end successes.
I did not write in my book, and the online interactive doesn't seem to be live yet, but I definitely think it's a great idea. I was intrigued by it so I'd love to see it live. And he constantly encourages engagement. To reach out to him or his group in certain prompts or if you want support.
If you follow his prompt, technically these steps take a few weeks unless you're going to do multiple steps at a time which may overcrowd goals and sanity. It's a real take-your-time and process book. A help to document a journey.
Now although I didn't participate in it's prompts, they were intriguing.
I hope this reaches so many audiences.
October 29, 2022
The best way I can describe this book is that it contains something for everyone. I am the person everyone has always called brave. I have had to start over many times, have loved and lost, and don’t walk through the world with anxiety or fear. But Scott Simon’s book about courage spoke to me on another level. On the level of dreams. The story of the cheerleader unexpectedly brought me to tears. And not because I want to be a cheerleader, but because it tapped into that place inside of me that holds my most cherished dreams and desires. Scott Simon is an excellent teacher and guide. Scare Your Soul is a beautiful guide for self-discovery on any part of the journey. Scott Simon’s personal stories and those of others are captured so poignantly. The book has practical and actionable advice throughout, allowing participation at any level. I guarantee there is something for everyone. Thank you, Scott Simon!
October 30, 2022
There are very few times in life that a book will make you think, while making you a better person. Scare Your Soul does just that. It seems like this is written by a seasoned author but it's Scott Simon's reverent debut into the literary world.
Unlike other "self help" books that are hokey and unrealistic, this workbook has nodes of inspirational anecdotes of Scott and his friends lives and how they have overcome obstacles throughout their lives. It challenges you to make small changes in your life, and if you're like me, you'll be able to to instantly see improvement in your own life.
The other thing that amazed me is that, I read this without looking for advice or help on anything in particular...but my mindset shifted and I couldn't be happier.
I'm not ready to Scare my Soul by skydiving or doing a naked photoshoot just yet, but I am ready to be more flexible and willing to adopt small alterations that are already making a world of difference.
Unlike other "self help" books that are hokey and unrealistic, this workbook has nodes of inspirational anecdotes of Scott and his friends lives and how they have overcome obstacles throughout their lives. It challenges you to make small changes in your life, and if you're like me, you'll be able to to instantly see improvement in your own life.
The other thing that amazed me is that, I read this without looking for advice or help on anything in particular...but my mindset shifted and I couldn't be happier.
I'm not ready to Scare my Soul by skydiving or doing a naked photoshoot just yet, but I am ready to be more flexible and willing to adopt small alterations that are already making a world of difference.
October 18, 2022
Scott Simon has written a book that will move you, motivate you, and at the very least - it will make you pause and evaluate your life and how to make some impactful positive changes. He includes a well balanced mix of personal anecdotes, stories, and memories, inspiring stories from other noteworthy individuals, and interactive exercises for the reader as they move through the book. I found it helpful to dive into a topic then be able to think through it from my own personal lens with these easy and quick exercises and tips.
As we live in a society which can cause us to run on auto-pilot, especially when we have become slaves to routines and screens, this book is a refreshing way to reconnect with living life to the fullest - in a more meaningful and purposeful way. Get a copy today and join Scott on a life-changing journey of feeling and experiencing life again.
As we live in a society which can cause us to run on auto-pilot, especially when we have become slaves to routines and screens, this book is a refreshing way to reconnect with living life to the fullest - in a more meaningful and purposeful way. Get a copy today and join Scott on a life-changing journey of feeling and experiencing life again.
December 6, 2022
Note: I received an advance copy of this book. This review is my own.
There are many books that claim to hold the key to changing your life. This one truly does.
By blending neuroscience with practical implications and wrapping it in a vulnerable memoir, Scott Simon has accomplished what many other writers only dream of—to deliver a masterpiece on how to create the life that you want.
The key he presents is to lean into what scares you. Scott understands that real growth and happiness come from moving beyond our comfort zone. To learn that what scares us is what often frees us. He's been teaching "Scare Your Sole" methods for years. You can sign up for challenges on his website. Cheers to his publisher for realizing what some of us already knew: Scare Your Soul is a Movement and Scott is its leader. Read the book. Join the movement. Change your life.
There are many books that claim to hold the key to changing your life. This one truly does.
By blending neuroscience with practical implications and wrapping it in a vulnerable memoir, Scott Simon has accomplished what many other writers only dream of—to deliver a masterpiece on how to create the life that you want.
The key he presents is to lean into what scares you. Scott understands that real growth and happiness come from moving beyond our comfort zone. To learn that what scares us is what often frees us. He's been teaching "Scare Your Sole" methods for years. You can sign up for challenges on his website. Cheers to his publisher for realizing what some of us already knew: Scare Your Soul is a Movement and Scott is its leader. Read the book. Join the movement. Change your life.
July 8, 2022
Scott Simon has written a book that directly addresses the things that hold us back from making big, important changes.
Scare Your Soul offers useful principles any one of us can use as we work toward living an authentic, courageous life.
Based on Scott's groundbreaking Scare Your Soul movement, the book offers up insightful wisdom, real stories, and practices you can use to face your fears and increase satisfaction and happiness.
From the book: Scare Your Soul: \ sker yǝr sōl \
Noun:
A courage movement that empowers small acts of tackling fear. A way of life that is brave, daring, spirited, lighthearted, and full of energy.
A tribe of fear‐chasers.
Dig in and join the tribe!!!
Scare Your Soul offers useful principles any one of us can use as we work toward living an authentic, courageous life.
Based on Scott's groundbreaking Scare Your Soul movement, the book offers up insightful wisdom, real stories, and practices you can use to face your fears and increase satisfaction and happiness.
From the book: Scare Your Soul: \ sker yǝr sōl \
Noun:
A courage movement that empowers small acts of tackling fear. A way of life that is brave, daring, spirited, lighthearted, and full of energy.
A tribe of fear‐chasers.
Dig in and join the tribe!!!
October 31, 2022
I have read countless "self help" books over decades and I cannot say enough about this amazing gem! Every page is a "gift" packed with heartfelt and hilarious stories from real people, relatable and vulnerable insights from the author, science, and self-discovery tools. Some of my favorites are Joanna's story about dreaming of being a cheerleader, the insights and work on imposter syndrome and the Brag Sheet, the Science of fear and how it makes us human, and the Values/Gratitude work. I will definitely read this multiple times because it is so FULL of tools, worksheets, reflections, and nuggets for living a courageous life! Scare your Soul delivers so much content and authenticity to the reader!!! Loved it and will continue to love it for years to come!
December 5, 2022
Scott Simon and Scare your soul present the best personal empowerment and personal leadership book I’ve read.
As an author of two books on the subject of survival and personal leadership, I can attest to the powerful prose with great anecdotes and fun stories to make the concepts indelible. Scott’s “Audacious Courage” concept encourage the reader to embrace discomfort to get outside of your barriers and overcome very real obstacles. He makes it clear that failure is not only probable, but “sexy”. Other original presentations include the often overlooked Gratitude attitude and the very important element of forgiveness as a necessity for success.
The book packs a solid punch of strategic wisdom of living your best and most fulfilled life.
Thank you Scott Simon!
As an author of two books on the subject of survival and personal leadership, I can attest to the powerful prose with great anecdotes and fun stories to make the concepts indelible. Scott’s “Audacious Courage” concept encourage the reader to embrace discomfort to get outside of your barriers and overcome very real obstacles. He makes it clear that failure is not only probable, but “sexy”. Other original presentations include the often overlooked Gratitude attitude and the very important element of forgiveness as a necessity for success.
The book packs a solid punch of strategic wisdom of living your best and most fulfilled life.
Thank you Scott Simon!
October 26, 2022
As an executive coach, I’ve observed how the stories clients tell themselves become their reality, and this reality is most often limited by their fear. The remarkable book does not ask you to deny your fear but to work with it to achieve the goals you never thought possible. Based on his personal Scare Your Soul journey and those of many others captured in this book, Simon proves that he has “walked the walk.” He also shares research-based strategies from positive psychology that goes beyond advice found in the typical self-help genre. If you want to get serious about overcoming your self-limiting beliefs, read this book!
November 6, 2022
Scott Simon is an amazing writer, mentor, guide and human. Scare your soul not only shares amazing stories of all types of people from all walks of life, but challenges you to to take life by the horns and scare your soul as well. Since reading the book, I have purposefully because more courageous and done things out of my comfort zone including going to a party where I knew no one, talking to cute boy at the dog park and trying a new sport.
You will not be disappointed by reading this book or joining the Scare your Soul movement. Thank you, Scott, for your vulnerability, wisdom and inspiration.
You will not be disappointed by reading this book or joining the Scare your Soul movement. Thank you, Scott, for your vulnerability, wisdom and inspiration.
December 4, 2022
A step by step guide for helping anyone improve their lives, becoming happier, healthier, more courageous and grounded. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Disclosure - I know the author slightly from our time 20 years ago in a “young professionals” organization.
I was very impressed with Scott’s honesty and candid, heartfelt personal stories. I did not do the exercises he prescribed (yet!?) but I did take a brief cold shower and went for a walk at his suggestion when I didn’t want to!
Definitely recommend for anyone looking to jumpstart their life.
I was very impressed with Scott’s honesty and candid, heartfelt personal stories. I did not do the exercises he prescribed (yet!?) but I did take a brief cold shower and went for a walk at his suggestion when I didn’t want to!
Definitely recommend for anyone looking to jumpstart their life.
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