Level Up Your Life Story
Becoming
by Michelle Obama
Memoir
TL;DR
Okay, TLDR: Michelle Obama's book is less about being the First Lady and more about how to navigate life's absolute shitshow while trying to figure out who TF you are. It's got methods for battling imposter syndrome (feeling like you don't belong), finding your actual path when the 'right' one sucks, building a hater-proof shield against public judgment, and keeping your own identity when you're in a relationship with someone doing big things. Basically, it's a guide on how to glow up and stay true to yourself even when life is throwing flaming chainsaws at you. Real talk, it's about resilience and owning your story, no cap.
Action Items
Say 'nah' to that thing you 'should' do today and spend 30 minutes doing something that actually makes you feel alive, even if it's just binging your favorite show without guilt.
Next time you're in a meeting or class and feel like a fraud, just open your mouth and say something, anything, even if it's just a question. Pretend you're the main character for 5 seconds.
For 15 minutes, put your phone on airplane mode and just exist without caring what anyone online thinks. Reconnect with your actual life and the people who actually matter.
Spend an hour doing something you love, by yourself, without checking in with your boo. Like, play your favorite game, read a book, or just chill. Remind yourself you're a whole person.
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Key Chapter
Chapter - Finding Your Vibe (aka Early Career Crisis)
Alright, so there's this part where Michelle's got this fancy corporate lawyer gig, making bank, doing the 'right' thing... and she's miserable. Like, full-on existential dread vibes. It hits different because it shows that just because something looks good on paper or society says it's the move, doesn't mean it's your move. She basically realizes she needs to ditch the 'shoulds' and figure out what actually gives her main character energy. It's a solid reminder that your path isn't always the one everyone expects, and it's okay to pivot, even if it feels like you're throwing away a 'secure' life. Trusting your gut is key, even when it's screaming at you to quit your prestigious job.
Key Methods and Approaches
Trying on Soul Hats
(AKA: Finding Your Authentic Self)
Description:
Learning to figure out who you are and what you actually want, even when everyone else has opinions or expectations.
Explanation:
It's like trying on a bunch of different hats until one actually fits your head and doesn't make you look like a total simp. Society's always trying to hand you a hat, but you gotta find the one that feels like you. It's messy, involves some cringe moments, but eventually, you find your damn style.
Examples:
Quitting a high-paying job that makes you wanna yeet yourself into the sun.
Ignoring your parents telling you to be a doctor when you wanna be an artist.
Not letting internet randos dictate your life choices.
Today's Action:
Say 'nah' to that thing you 'should' do today and spend 30 minutes doing something that actually makes you feel alive, even if it's just binging your favorite show without guilt.
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