Luvvie Ajayi Jones - Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual

PRAISE FOR PROFESSIONAL TROUBLEMAKER

As an oft-scared chickenhead who cares too much about what others think, its so comforting to be guided through my own crippling fear and self-doubt by one of the bravest, most incisively honest, hysterical voices I know. This book was so real and relatable, and so much of it had me belly laughing. This is the essential manual for anybody who is ready to take that leap of faith to bet on the best, uninhibited, whole version of themselves.

Issa Rae, actor, producer, creator ofInsecure, andNew York Timesbestselling author

This book is a manual on HOW TO HUMAN. You could spend a lifetime and fortune finding the perfect therapist, mentor, minister, career coach, and girlfriendor you could just spend a day reading Professional Troublemaker. This bookLuvvie Ajayi Joness most helpful, bold, vulnerable, hilarious, and relevant work yetis equal parts catharsis and wake-up call, both comforting and galvanizing. I laughed and cried so hard that my family asked me to read in the other room. With her razor-sharp mind, soul on fire, and heart of gold, Luvvie is the writer and artist the world needs right now. This will be my go-to gift for all the beloved troublemakers in my life.

Glennon Doyle, author of the #1 New York TimesbestsellerUntamedand founder of Together Rising

Theres nobody quite like Luvvie Ajayi Jones. Shes a force and a powerhouse, the thunder and the lightningand Professional Troublemaker shows us exactly how she got that way. This is a great book about reaching deep down inside yourself, crushing your fears, unleashing your too muchness, and giving yourself permission to shake the world. In a voice that is funny, wise, bold, and always generous, Luvvie encourages, inspires, and dares us to follow our dreams, fight against injustice, soak up the pleasures of life, and take up all the space in the room. If this book doesnt make you feel bolder and braver by the final page, then you werent reading it right. I loved every passionate word of it.

Elizabeth Gilbert,New York Timesbestselling author ofBig MagicandEat, Pray, Love

Whether you are traversing new territory, bounding back from perceived failure, or learning for the first time how to own the full power of your own voice, Luvvies Fear-Fighting Manual is the pep talk we all need. Delivered in her singular voice and signature shade, this must read is chock-full of gems that will guide you out of your own way so you can get more out of your lifea life that is more interesting than one lived in fear.

Elaine Welteroth, journalist andNew York Timesbestselling author ofMore Than Enough

Some of the greatest pleasures in life come from breaking rules, questioning boundaries, and troublemaking. But to make trouble welland to bring all the pieces of yourself to life, love, and conflictis an art. Luvvie Ajayi knows this and shows this as she guides readers to finding their own path to troublemaking with humor, charm, and a whole lot of heart.

Esther Perel, psychotherapist, podcast host, andNew York Timesbestselling author

This book is a comfort and a challenge. It inspires, encourages, heartens, and invigorates in equal measure. You should read it.

Jenny Lawson,New York Timesbestselling authorof Furiously HappyandLets Pretend This Never Happened

Luvvie is authentic power personified. This book has so much depth, ancestral wisdom, and inspiration spoken in the most delightful way. It is ancient text, wrapped in hilarious observations, charm, and a supportive urging to become morea blueprint for living with courage and unapologetically standing in your greatness. I legit had my jaw dropped wide-open in so many parts, and I felt God all in this book. There is seriously no one like Luvvie; she is one of one.

Devi Brown, chief impact officer of Chopra Institute

Tired of the status quo? This book is a MUST read. There is no better time to shake up your life, your work, or your perspective than today. Luvvie pushes you to places you have always wanted to go but never thought you coulduntil now. If you are a leader, urge your people to read this book. Limiting beliefs will be overcome, empowerment will be at an all-time high and the term professional troublemaker will become standard when it comes to taking people to the next level.

Mel Robbins, bestselling author ofThe 5 Second Rule

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Copyright 2021 by Awe Luv, LLC

Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader.

A Penguin Life Book

library of congress cataloging-in-publication data

Names: Ajayi Jones, Luvvie, author.

Title: Professional troublemaker: the fear fighter manual / Luvvie Ajayi Jones.

Description: New York: Viking, 2021. |

Identifiers: LCCN 2020043952 (print) | LCCN 2020043953 (ebook) |

ISBN 9781984881908 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781984881915 (ebook) | ISBN 9780593298770 (international edition) |

Subjects: LCSH: Self-confidence. | Truthfulness and falsehood.

Classification: LCC BF575.S39 A43 2021 (print) | LCC BF575.S39 (ebook) |

DDC 158.1dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020043952

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020043953

Cover design and illustration: Brianna Harden

Author photograph: Kesha Lambert

Cover design and illustration: Brianna Harden

pid_prh_5.6.1_c0_r0

Dedicated to my warrior, my matron saint, my grandmother, Olfnmily Juliana Floyin.