I don’t read many books. I’m partially dyslexic and that means that I more often listen to them. But even that is a rarity given my job responsibilities and active NYC social life. Therefore, I even more rarely recommend a book. Today that changes.

I recently was encouraged to read Disrupt Yourself by famed author Whitney Johnson. As a matter of truth, it was Whitney who encouraged me to read it; she and I were emailing about Just Not Sorry and she asked if I had bought the book yet. I hadn’t, but I’m sure glad I did after than conversation.

Originally, I thought it was a typical self-help book geared towards women who needed to start “Leaning In”. I don’t need any encouragement to be more vocal with my opinions and the book didn’t interest me.

Once I started reading it, I realized that I was DEAD WRONG.

Disrupt Yourself is a self-help book for TYPE A personalities just like me. The book focuses on helping over achievers realize that life doesn’t always result in getting a top grade on an exam. Whitney shares how everyday people miss opportunities because they are afraid of failure and how those who’s names you know seize similar challenges.

As I read on, the stories and advice reminded me of the speeches I had been giving around the world about “Being a Scientist”. I had been preaching the importance of experiments and learning from mistakes, but I hadn’t fully internalized my own message.

This book reminded me that each adventure I’ve embarked on has led to lessons learned, that every “mistake” or “misstep” I’ve made has had rewards, and that in order to keep leading an extraordinary life that I had to continue taking risks.

In the same way I encourage anyone I manage or coach to try out new things, I needed to emphasize “what’s the worst that can happen?” in my own life.

So, I encourage you to buy or download the book, you never know what you’ll learn or how it will impact your outlook and your life.