Cover Image: StoryJacking

StoryJacking

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I agree with this author that we are story-making machines. And because we tell ourselves these stories, we can often get off track. I think she is onto something with probing the inner narrative. What I found offputting were phrases like "self-mastery" and her "super-secrets of the universe." She has many good points, but some of it was cloaked in the 'you can do it!' style of self help. Or maybe it's just my mood. This is one I will have to dive into again at a different time.

Was this review helpful?

I must apologise for not being able to review this book after you so kindly accepted my request. I have had an unfortunately challenging time, but am now free to resume reading and reviewing. I hope that you will not hold my difficulties against me in future requests

Was this review helpful?

This was a great and informative book! I really enjoyed it and was surprised how much fun it was. I definitely felt more confident after reading this book.

Was this review helpful?

I had a hard time reading this book, and I'm honestly not sure why. I don't have any specific complaints about the writing, which was very conversational in tone, but I found myself getting bored or distracted if I tried to read more than a chapter or two at a time. Fortunately, the book is designed so that it actually works pretty well if you want to read one chapter at a time, do the exercises at the end of that chapter, and let that material sink in a bit before starting on the next chapter. So, if you're patient and enjoy workbook type material, this may work well for you.

I think how valuable this book is for you will also depend somewhat on how much reading you've done in the subject area (self-help, psychology, mindfulness). I thought many of the author's questions and suggestions were helpful, but very little of her content was new to me except for her personal stories, which just didn't resonate with me very much. While this book wasn't a great match for me, it may be that Ms. deHart's expression of these ideas is just what you need to hear. The ideas themselves are very useful, and if nothing else, it can sometimes be helpful to hear the same thing repeated in different ways until you've really assimilated that knowledge.

I did appreciate the author's discussion of healthy boundaries, and she had a nice metaphor in her discussion of internal versus external locus of control. I also liked her section on plot twists. And I thought the quotations at the start of each chapter were fun. There's also a nice reference section at the end.

In the About the Author section at the end of the book, there was a notice about downloading a companion workbook at the author's website. This PDF collection of graphics, worksheets, and questions from the book is a very nice accompaniment, particularly for the Kindle version. It will make it easier to work through the author's suggested exercises, and also serve as a good review later.

I've spent a lot of money on coaching and therapy over the years, and for some issues, you really should work with someone, but for many changes you might like to make in your life, I believe this StoryJacking program can provide you with all of the tools you will need. I would potentially recommend this for anyone who has the patience and determination to do the work; perhaps just take a look at the preview first to see if Ms. deHart's style appeals to you.

I requested and was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review. Because I have not seen the final published version, I cannot comment on the final editing and formatting. The ARC I received had a few editing and formatting errors, but it was an uncorrected proof, so hopefully those mistakes have been corrected.

Was this review helpful?

This was an interesting concept. I feel it will be helpful for those who are drawn to it.

Was this review helpful?

loved reading this book - it made me reflect on the stories I've been telling myself. I was surprised to realize how far back in time some of my stories originate - one story was from second grade! Lyssa's book showed me how to shift this story and others - to be in charge of how I want to feel about the circumstances in my life. These concepts allow me to choose how I react to my stories - and actually to proactively shift my perspective. Great tools for success!

Was this review helpful?

A good book on guiding you through reflecting on your internal dialogue and the stories we tell ourselves and live by. Very useful and instructive.

Was this review helpful?

StoryJacking: Change Your Inner Dialogue, Transform Your Life by Lyssa Danehy deHart.
I found it interesting when she talked about what happens when you are angry and it hijacks your brain. It releases a chemical that increases your reactivity and decreases your ability to process information in a useful way. I have seen this happen but I didn’t realize there was a chemical that was causing. Distraction is a technique that is very useful in dealing with this.
Another insightful point she made was that our yesterday self already made all the decision that got us to where we are today. Our today self is making decision for our tomorrow self. Her purpose of the book is to help us understand our internal process, develop self awareness and actions so our today self makes a better tomorrow environment.
I have been fascinated by neuroplasticity (the fact our brains can and do change). No matter what has happened in our past our brains can change and we can develop new ways of thinking which can change how we act and approach things.
Seven Steps to StoryJacking:
Develop an awareness. She shares an assessment and books to help you determine your strengths.
Get curious about your relationship to your stories
Create a new vision or goal
Be courageous
Navigate the plot twists
Write a new story
Two main points that she shares from real examples is that if we employ a mental practice and a mindset, we can create significant changes.
You are the only one that is capable of determining your value. She shares a great visual to control+alt+delete anyone’s opinion of you that does not align with your opinion of you.
You should focus on what you can control and not on what you cannot control.
Each time you face your fears you are building up your courage muscle.

We have all heard that is takes 21 days to form a new habit. She shares that some habits are harder. She challenges us to think of a small step in a new habit we would like to start. For example do one push up or sit up to start a new habit.
I highly recommend this book. She shares actionable steps to help you reframe your thought process. We have the power to change our brain. It is simple but not easy.

Was this review helpful?

In a world of rehashed, self help books it is rare to find a fresh, unique take on transforming ones life. This book is one such rarity.

Was this review helpful?

Excellent work. Being a writer myself, I took great pleasure in exploring the topic and I can't wait to see what the author holds in store for their next work.

Was this review helpful?

This book talks about inner dialogue and personal power… It was good, I just didn't learn anything new from it...it did not unjack my story!

Was this review helpful?

I received an e-copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. The author does a great job outlining simple, powerful ways to recognize, heal, and rewrite the stories we've created about our lives. I love the idea of StoryJacking and this book offers plenty of exercises to dig into the areas we would rather ignore, but need to focus on. I appreciated the thoughtful stories, both real world and fables, and corresponding exercises and insights. The sections I got the most from were about personalizing things (guilty!) and snapshot stories.

I recommend this book for anyone who's ready to move forward with their journey by owning their old stories and writing a new, healthier one.

Was this review helpful?

Like so many books out there today, this one claims to be able to "Transform Your Life." Lofty claims for anything to make, let alone a book. Being one who happens to be keen to live my life to the fullest, I admit to being a frequent peruser of books that make essentially the same claims. Where they have failed, this one has succeeded.

It is not that there is anything new presented, rather, a small and simple path is given and then expanded upon. All the while, maintaining a step by step approach to riding the mind of those hiccups that are holding each one of us back. Still not unique, until one realizes the vast depths and expanse this book dives into. So basically once you've finished reading it, there is no rock left unturned within your psyche. It was a very pleasant surprise. I will definitely be recommending this one to people

Was this review helpful?

Excellent! Through and easy to read .

Was this review helpful?

I have been looking for a book like this since I read "The Charisma Myth". I love the idea of steering yourself and that you have all the power to change your situations.

Was this review helpful?