When you are thirsty, what do you do? Get some filtered, not bottled, water. When you are tired, what do you do? Get some much-needed rest (ideally on the beach). When you figure out that life is too short, what do you do? Get yours…now! In Get Yours! The Girlfriends’ Guide to Having Everything You Ever Dreamed of and More (Broadway; Hardcover; 288 pages; $22.95), Amy DuBois Barnett provides an action plan for women to start achieving their dreams. Whether your dreams relate to your career, finances, personal style, relationships or spirituality, Barnett provides the perfect tips and tools for reaching your goals.
Get Yours! is based on Barnett’s own life experiences. Many celebrities, including Gayle King, Venus Williams, Sanaa Lathan and Mo’Nique, also share their views on how to get what you want based on their life experiences. This insightful guide is highly recommended for those who have put their dreams on hold and for those who need some inspiration to keep pursuing their dreams. To learn more about the Get Yours! mindset, check out an excerpt from this must-read book and the following Q&A with Barnett:
Thema: In your book, you talk a lot about the power of the universe and how it relates to success. How do you define success?
Amy: Success is a mindset. It’s about the energy you put out to the universe. If you expect success, you will get it.
TM: The biggest obstacle I see for women of color who are not living their dreams is their mindset. How can they realistically change their mindset?
AB: Start by appreciating yourself. Too many of us don’t like who we are. We feel that we are not valuable. Start today by falling in love with the core of who you are. If you love yourself and are confident, people will be drawn to you.
TM: The second biggest obstacle is the lack of mentors. What are some of the ways women of color can find mentors?
AB: Build relationships. Find the balance between aggressiveness and attentiveness. Ask for help in a respectful way. Drop them an email, but be brief. Also, don’t ask for help every time you contact them.
TM: How do you define the term get yours considering some think of it as being negative or selfish?
AB: Get yours is about getting what you want out of life. You are individually responsible for your own happiness. You should be all that you can be and live a full life.
TM: What I like most about your book is the fact that it’s an action plan. It includes action items such as completing Promise Pages, starting now, and making this year count. With so many women living busy lives, especially savionaires, how can they effectively incorporate your plan into their lifestyle?
AB: Don’t create unrealistic goals. For example, say you are going to go to some place that you have never been, within the next six months. Make initial small steps.
TM: What is your most important life lesson?
AB: When my mom died, it was traumatic for me because she was my best friend. Then, I realized that nobody was coming along to save me. It was my responsibility. It’s your life and you have the power to make it be what you want it to be.