Name: Professional Troublemaker
Rating: 4.1 (5665 reviews)
Author: Luvvie Ajayi Jones

"What would you do if you weren't afraid?" This book challenges you to face that question and take action despite the fears holding you back.

1. Get to know the real you

Fear often drives us to mask our true selves, making us hesitant to face judgment in a critical world. But concealing who we are robs us of an inner strength that arises from authenticity. Luvvie encourages embracing your true identity, as knowing yourself fosters resilience and confidence.

A strong sense of self can stabilize you even in turbulent situations. When you stop worrying about external validation, you gain a secure foundation. Instead of fearing change, you become more adaptable and secure in your decisions.

The practice of “oríkì” from the Yorùbá people serves as a powerful tool to ground yourself in your identity. Writing your version—your personal praise poem—not only honors your uniqueness but also reminds you of your inherent worth, especially during moments of doubt.

Examples

Write an oríkì to highlight your strengths, like “Defender of Dreams” or “Queen of Kind Acts.”
Reflect on societal messages that discourage being your true self and challenge them.
Think of public figures, like Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones, who own their multi-faceted attributes.

2. Your “too much” is exactly enough

Many individuals dampen their unique traits after being told they’re “too” something—too sensitive, too loud, or too bold. This societal pressure to conform leads to self-censorship and insecurity. Embracing what makes you seem "too much" can unleash your full potential.

Those excessive traits are often your strengths in the right environment. The world needs sensitive people for empathetic leadership and loud ones to energize the room. Instead of trying to fit into molds, create your own space where “too much” is just right.

Beyoncé serves as a prime example—her audacious personality and style, often considered “too much,” are the very qualities that set her apart. Being yourself means honoring your distinctiveness, even if others struggle to keep up.

Examples

Turn criticisms into strengths, like reframing “too bossy” as being a natural leader.
Recall instances when your “too much” positively impacted others, like starting a community project.
Celebrate individuals like Lizzo who thrive by embracing their personalities.

3. Choose honesty over comfort

The author highlights that lying—no matter how small—often comes from a desire to maintain harmony and avoid discomfort. Yet, these habits suppress truth and allow unhealthy environments to grow. Honesty may seem risky, but it paves the way for better outcomes.

Speaking up can be difficult, especially for marginalized groups who face larger repercussions for doing so. Those in positions of relative privilege bear a greater responsibility to call out injustice and advocate for fairness. Even amidst fear, acting with integrity encourages broader change.

Using open-ended questions allows people to reflect on their actions. For instance, questioning the reasoning behind offensive remarks often exposes bias. It’s not about confrontation for its own sake but creating space for truth to emerge.

Examples

If someone jokes offensively, ask them to explain it and unpack the coded messages.
Clarify your intentions before being honest: Are they thoughtful and constructive?
Practice small doses of honesty daily, such as providing gentle but real feedback.

4. Stop trying to do everything

Many people try to handle every burden themselves, assuming control over situations out of fear of delegate-related mistakes. This habit, however, leads to burnout and undermines teamwork. Letting go of excessive responsibility can be liberating and improve outcomes.

Learning to share your workload enables growth in others. Whether it's letting a colleague rehearse their first big presentation or asking children to join household chores, delegating allows knowledge-sharing and builds trust among your team.

Forgive yourself for needing help. Everyone carries fears of disappointment or inadequacy; overcoming those emotions and releasing control fosters healthier relationships and better mental balance.

Examples

Start small by delegating tasks, like letting a partner fix dinner for a change.
Trust a new colleague with an important project even if they’re not fully experienced.
Embrace imperfection in delegation, knowing mistakes are part of learning.

5. Be kind, not just nice

Niceness can often hide resentment, silence concerns, and allow poor behavior to continue unchecked. Kindness, meanwhile, is actionable empathy—it seeks genuine well-being for all parties without losing sight of oneself.

Kindness sometimes requires tough love or a direct confrontation for someone’s benefit. For instance, pointing out a friend’s self-destructive habits or addressing workplace bias shows real care, even if it initially ruffles feathers.

Unlike niceness, which is rooted in fear of rejection, kindness comes from a place of strength and self-respect. It fosters deeper, more meaningful connections where both individuals benefit.

Examples

Stand up for someone being treated unfairly, even if it makes you uncomfortable.
Choose kindness over niceness when mediating conflicts, focusing on solutions, not appeasement.
Praise a friend genuinely instead of doling out empty politeness.

6. Find your community

No one thrives in isolation. While independence can be romanticized, deep connections with others are vital for personal well-being and emotional support. A reliable group of friends provides perspective, encouragement, and solidarity during life’s challenges.

Your “gang” doesn’t have to consist of many people. It can include a childhood friend who grounds you, a colleague who inspires you, and a mentor who imparts wisdom. The key is having relationships rooted in love and mutual encouragement.

Diverse connections enrich your experiences. For example, a mentor might push professional boundaries, while a party buddy brings levity. Each role contributes to your overall happiness and growth.

Examples

Identify the “Day One” friends who’ve been through thick and thin with you.
Consider joining a professional organization to find mentors or peers in your industry.
Host casual meet-ups for various friends to expand and strengthen your circle.

7. Fear doesn’t have to paralyze you

The author dispels the myth that fear disappears as you grow braver. Fear often lingers, but courage means acting in spite of it. The key lies in recognizing fear as an emotion, not a life sentence.

Rather than letting fear dominate decisions, break down your worries into manageable steps. Just like public speaking improves with practice, tackling small challenges builds confidence over time.

The most fulfilling actions often lie on the other side of fear—whether it's asking for a promotion or starting a creative project. Acknowledge the fear, act anyway, and celebrate the small victories.

Examples

Identify one fear, such as networking at events, and slowly expose yourself to it.
Replace “I can’t” thoughts with actionable goals like “I’ll try once.”
Think of past moments when overcoming fear paid off significantly.

8. Use your voice with purpose

Silent desires rarely translate into results. Speaking up allows you to advocate for yourself, pursue goals, and challenge societal norms. While asking for what you want can feel daunting, others aren’t mind-readers—a clear voice enables progress.

Start by clarifying what you hope to gain. Whether it's asking for career development opportunities or addressing misunderstandings, articulate your thoughts confidently and respectfully.

Silence can lead to regret. Missed opportunities often stem from unspoken dreams. Utilize each moment to live authentically instead of worrying about reactions.

Examples

Negotiate salaries or promotions with specific, well-researched requests.
Voice your concerns with friends or family to resolve ongoing conflicts.
Initiate conversations instead of waiting in social or professional scenarios.

9. Celebrate progress, not perfection

Personal growth thrives in progress zones, not extremes. Expecting perfection creates undue stress, whereas small, meaningful strides build confidence and boost momentum.

Perfectionism can prevent you from starting projects altogether. Instead, aim for “good enough” and refine as you go. Success isn't about flawlessness but consistent effort toward goals.

Celebrate each milestone to sustain your motivation. Whether it’s finishing the first draft of a book or improving fitness consistency, give yourself credit for every step taken.

Examples