CONFIDENT RESILIENT FEARLESS

A self-help book focuses on Generation Z women.

Mistry, a teacher, believes that all people are born confident, resilient, and fearless and have a right to reclaim those attributes as they mature. She begins with “Brain Basics 101,” outlining the essential functions of the limbic system, frontal lobe, and amygdala. The author juxtaposes the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of insecurity (such as envy, low self-esteem, and defensiveness) with the traits of security (self-love, appreciation for constructive criticism, and setting boundaries) in detailed, bulleted lists. She encourages readers to emphasize “What I Think” over “What Other People Think” and to adopt a self-motivational slogan. To challenge negativity, she asks readers to identify their positive traits and to compile an arsenal of inspirational quotes. A discussion on brain chemicals that contribute to happiness (like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin) follows, as does a checklist of activities, such as exercising or volunteering, that stimulate those chemicals. She advocates embracing emotions and challenging fixated thoughts. She breaks down positive and negative stress, unpacking how to use the former for momentum and how to cope with the latter. Tips for caring for the body with a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and physical activity are presented, as are pointers on communication and financial literacy. Individual chapters highlight the importance of friendship and love in young women’s lives. Mistry wisely refrains from preaching and instead encourages readers to take an active role in their self-improvement, using dynamic tools and thought-provoking prompts. The useful self-reflection journal activities encourage introspection. Her holistic approach deftly considers both physical and mental health as well as how the two interact. The author ensures her writing is accessible to tech fans by including Instagram-sharing instructions and digital exercises. She also uses slang when appropriate and references current events like the Covid-19 pandemic. But several of the chapters, such as those on brain anatomy and the menstrual cycle, can be quite technical, and myriad readers may find the material daunting. Some readers may also question her emphasis on social media as an empowerment tool given the current research regarding the damage it can do to young people’s mental health.

An engaging, if sometimes technical, guide that will help young women reach their potentials.