Girl on Fire by Cara Alwill Leyba demonstrates why it’s important to choose yourself!
In June 2019, my niece told me about a unique bookstore concept, the Lit Bar. It’s a bookstore that carries a lot of books written by Hispanic and people of color. You can also have a glass of wine and so on there. I was in New York City and visited the bookstore. So, I entered the address in Google Maps and was told it was a 30-minute walk.
I thought, “I can do that.” Started my journey to the Lit Bar and got lost. I arrived over 90 minutes later. Going home was no better. Why am I telling you this story? Noelle Santos who founded the Lit Bar chose herself. She’s a girl on fire. Cara Alwill Leyba mentions her in Girl on Fire and I thought this personal story was a great entry point to this review and summary.
Before I read Girl on Fire, I thought I’d watch Alicia Keys' video of Girl on Fire. I wanted to set the tone for the content in the book. In life, you need time to relax and not worry about anything. The author mentions James Altucher, who wrote Choose Yourself. As you’ll notice, Choose Yourself is in the subtitle of Girl on Fire. I noted some similarity in some things both authors are saying. But they’re also two very different works of art.
Book Pairing: Girl on Fire and Choose Yourself
5 Big Ideas from Girl on Fire by Cara Alwill Leyba
- Choose yourself. Don’t be a carbon copy of anyone. Potential clients don’t need a carbon copy, they need an authentic you and what you have to offer. Only you can offer what you offer.
- You don’t need permission. You get the opportunity to change the course you’re taking. Analyze how you handle rejection. Do you search for a deeper meaning? Or do you shut down? Use rejection as an opportunity for redirection. Rejection enables you to try new things.
- The only person you compete against is you. Find your tribe. Don’t compare yourself to others. That’s a surefire way to feel inadequate. Be the person you secretly wished you could be. Make a shift if you have to. The world is waiting for you to step into the real YOU.
- Be the woman you want to become. Don’t make others happy at your expense. Stop dimming your light. Shine brightly for all to see.
- Create your big break. Promote yourself on platforms you create. Don’t put yourself in anybody’s hands. Why do you need validation? Who would you be if you stopped waiting?
What is Girl on Fire by Cara Alwill Leyba About?
Sit down and relax. Watch Alicia Keys belting out Girl on Fire. Why not sing out loud with her. Then read this summary and review.
In Girl on Fire, Cara Alwill Leyba advises you to choose yourself. Don’t be a carbon copy of anyone. Potential clients don’t need a carbon copy, they need an authentic you and what you have to offer. Remove yourself from the box. There shouldn’t have been a box in the first place. Do things your way. Choose yourself.
One thing she focuses on in the book is writing her books and how she does it. I still found the information useful. It’s also inspiring to read how others attained professional success.
Content: Girl on Fire by Cara Alwill Leyba
Choose yourself. You don’t need permission. Rejection is redirection. Turn constructive criticism into feedback. Learn to reject the status quo. When you do anything, failure is a possibility, but do it anyway. Generosity is a growth strategy. Celebrate your successes, even the small ones. Create boundaries. Don’t go after everyone, go after someone.
There are too many times when you put your life on hold. I’m also saying this to myself. Stop waiting for others to choose you – to approve of you. Choose yourself because you don’t need validation. Show up for yourself every day. Use your passion and generosity as a strategy to achieve the success you deserve.
When you’re forward thinking, it’s difficult to work with outdated people, systems and models. The global pandemic has changed the way that many things are done. This requires a shift in mindset. Your success is largely dependent on you. Step up to the challenge and do your best. If you want to become successful, as a business owner, you also have to be the intern, assistant, marketer, author. You have to do all of it, until you can hire others to help you.
Have your vision and work towards it. The only person you compete against is you. Find your tribe. Don’t compare yourself to others. That’s a surefire way to feel inadequate. Be the person you secretly wished you could be. Make a shift if you have to. Give yourself any permission you think you need. You’re in the driver’s see, drive where you need to. Take the path less traveled.
Transform into your higher self. Be the woman you want to become. Don’t make others happy at your expense. Stop dimming your light. Shine brightly for all to see. And don’t play the blame game. Take responsibility for your actions.
Have you read?
Go Suck a Lemon: How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?
You’re Unstoppable: Learn How to Be a No-Limit Person
How to Self-Promote Without Being a Jerk by Bruce Kasanoff, Review
Create your big break. Promote yourself on platforms you create. Don’t put yourself in anybody’s hands. Why do you need validation? Who would you be if you stopped waiting? Banish your self-limiting beliefs. Many women suffer from impostor syndrome. Learn to acknowledge yourself. The War of Art and Do the Work are two excellent books by Steven Pressfield to read.
“Impostor syndrome is the feeling you’ll one day be exposed as a fraud. Move through the resistance.”
Beliefs That Hold You Back
- I’m not good enough. Decide to start. Think, I’m enough.
- It’s not the right time. There’s no perfect time. Why not start now?
- What if I fail. Focus on what if I succeed. Think of someone who inspires you who is succeeding in business.
- Don’t have money. You often need less than you think.
Success Nuggets: Girl on Fire by Cara Alwill Leyba
- When you get rejected, keep building. Keep creating.
- Build your online presence. Speak at events to get your message out. You don’t know who is watching you.
- Analyze how you handle rejection. Do you search for a deeper meaning? Or do you shut down? Use rejection as an opportunity for redirection.
“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” Steve Jobs
- Speak about your dreams. Your success is completely dependent on you. Speak your dreams into existence.
- Turn your doubts into confidence. Build your self-confidence muscle.
- Speak with knowledge and trust.
- Stay away from Debbie Downers, who might kill your dreams. Talk about your dreams so others can help you.
- Break the rules. Sometimes rules hinder self-expression. Oftentimes, rules limit you from soaring with the eagles.
- Be generous. It takes you further. Focus on generosity and building relationships.
- Write down a generosity plan. How can you serve without expecting anything in return.
- Give yourself permission to be yourself. What makes you unique?
- Create a personal Mission Statement. The 3 Gaps is a great book to read.
Final Thoughts: Girl On Fire by Cara Alwill Leyba
I’ve been working very hard to show up every day. One way I do that is to post on social media platforms every day. I make time to work on my business on projects. Reading every day is another way in which I show up. This allows me to get a pool of ideas to work with.
How about you? Girl on Fire was a great reminder to me I need to be consistent. And don’t wait for others to validate me. I know what I need to do, and I should just go out and do it. You’re on fire. Go out and create. People are waiting for you to show up with your creation.
Next Steps
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