Big Freakin’ Change
How to Gain Confidence by Stepping Out Before You Are Ready
Big Freakin’ Change is an affirming self-help guide for women seeking the confidence to pursue bold, transformative goals.
Written to empower women, dance studio owner and coach Cara Moeller Poppitt’s encouraging self-help guide Big Freakin’ Change is about pursuing meaningful transformation even when one doesn’t feel ready.
Asserting that women often feel stuck and unable to chase their dreams, the book nonetheless encourages them to make big changes in the moment regardless. It argues that “readiness” is often the result of taking bold action, not a prerequisite for it. Its model for making changes is separated into stages, beginning with recognizing one’s stuck patterns and including steps like unlocking one’s inner confidence. Each chapter builds on the last, moving through self-investment, intentional decision-making, and fearless action in the manner of a workshop. Positive affirmations close each chapter, reinforcing the book’s coaching-oriented approach.
The book is rooted in the idea that significant, life-defining shifts like quitting a job, starting a business, or walking away from a relationship must start internally. It says that such changes aren’t circumstantial but stem from the mindset shifts that allow women to see themselves as capable, worthy, and brave. Internal blocks that hold people back, including perfectionism and procrastination, are combated with the introduction of tools that help to replace limiting beliefs with empowering narratives.
Examples from clients and friends are included to illustrate the emotional weight of making big changes. In one such anecdote, a friend, after years of refusing to buy new clothes until she lost weight, bought a stylish wardrobe that fit her postpartum body. Stories like this anchor the book’s optimism well, though their cumulative effect is lackluster. Less frequent modes of support include research studies and references to wellness influencers including James Clear and Brené Brown.
The tone is upbeat and affirming, often leaning into motivational language. Some of the mindset swaps suggested, including replacing “I’m tired” with “I’m ready for bed” and reframing “anxious” as “excited,” are simplistic if easy-to-adopt means of reinforcing a growth mindset. Indeed, the book lapses into well-worn territory throughout. Phrases like “embrace your fear” and “give you back your wings to fly” are quite familiar, as are the positive affirmations and breathing exercises. Further, the book’s unrelenting optimism is cloying at times.
With a blend of personal stories, clear guidance, and emotional encouragement, Big Freakin’ Change is a friendly, unintimidating guide to stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Reviewed by
Hannah Pearson
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
