Embracing Imperfections and Discovering Yourself Anew:
A Path to Happiness with Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani's Becoming Flawesome
A Review by Regula Fischer, June 2023
In a world obsessed with flawless perfection, Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani's Becoming Flawesome dares to challenge the notion that being awesome and having flaws are mutually exclusive. The author, co-founder of Mindvalley and a highly experienced leader in the personal development industry, takes us on a transformative journey, guiding us through the duality of our own contradictions and empowering us to embrace our imperfections.
Right from the beginning, Kristina's authenticity shines through, as she shares her definition of success as an author with refreshing vulnerability. She also presents her imperfectly perfect ideas about her first book’s route into the world, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for her readers.
Throughout the book, Kristina establishes herself as a trusted friend, accompanying us every step of the way with her candid and relatable thoughts. With a captivating mix of personal anecdotes, thought-provoking quotes, humor, and direct speech, the author effortlessly bridges the gap between offering wisdom and acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all recipe for personal growth and life.
The book delves into the realms of self-love and authenticity, encouraging readers to confront their double standards and explore the roles they play in their own lives. Kristina courageously describes her own journey, from her upbringing and perfectly Instagrammable life, to her experience with and in the personal development industry, and even the process of writing the book itself. Her anecdotes powerfully illustrate that everyone has their own unique journey and a right to it. The author skilfully weaves in elements such as references to novels or academic charts and articles, to offer a wider discussion of aspects of the shared nature of human existence. In this way, it becomes even more evident that Kristina - in addition to being an empathetic friend and inspiring everyday life philosopher - is a brilliant writer and a true expert in her field.
One of the standout features of Becoming Flawesome is Kristina's use of engaging exercises and thought-provoking questions. These tools invite readers to reflect, dig deep, and take actionable steps toward emotional well-being and self-acceptance. The interactive nature of the book allows the audience to benefit more directly from the lessons presented. With quotes that resonate, and resonate deeply, such as this one from Rita Mae Brown: "The reward for conformity was that everyone liked you except yourself," she challenges us to break free from societal expectations and embrace our true selves.
Becoming Flawesome maintains a playful and accessible tone, while also exploring profound insights like the impact of our personal matrix, the importance of intrinsic motivation, and the power of vulnerability. In fact, the entertaining variety and rhythm between the different style elements allow Kristina to bring the core themes to our attention beautifully. The repetition of key messages conveyed in different ways, combined with the deep emotional experiences prompted throughout the reading, ensures that the key learnings are fully absorbed.
Becoming Flawesome is not a book to simply read and acquire knowledge. It is a call to action, urging us to apply what we've learned and actively practise and embrace self-compassion, emotional literacy, and the willingness to work with painful emotions.
With a caring and candid approach, Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani's Becoming Flawesome empowers readers to break free from the pursuit of perfection and embrace their authentic selves. The book is a powerful mix of honesty, kindness, courage and transformative wisdom that leaves a lasting impact. It will also reward repeat readings, for those adventurous and curious readers who want to benefit fully from all the rich, deep details and learnings that it offers.
So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of self-(re)discovery, or, as the author puts it, "take the red pill", Becoming Flawesome is a must-read.
Transformation is not a natural consequence of pain, it is a sign of healing.
Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani
The author and her first book