Copyright © 2017 Alexandra Franzen.
Published by Mango Publishing Group, a division of Mango Media Inc.
Cover Design: Joanna Price - www.joannapricedesign.com
Layout & Design: Roberto Núñez
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You’re Going to Survive: True stories from people who’ve endured soul-crushing moments in their careers—failure, rejection, disappointment, public humiliation—and how they got through it, and how you will too.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication number: 2017915546.
ISBN: (paperback) 978-1-63353-679-1, (ebook) 978-1-63353-680-7
BISAC category code SEL027000 SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / Success
Printed in the United States of America
“This book is your new best friend on a bad day. Keep it by your bedside table, in your dashboard, in your purse, or in your freezer next to a big pint of ice cream. Alexandra will always be there to tell you that you can do it, you must keep going, and you are meant for greatness.”
—Vanessa Van Edwards, Entrepreneur columnist and bestselling author of Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People
“No matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone! This collection of stories will help you find the courage, focus, and traction to take the next steps toward brilliance in your life and career.”
—Todd Henry, author of The Accidental Creative and Die Empty
“You’re Going to Survive is a must-read book for anyone with an ambitious career dream. Alexandra’s writing is encouraging, comforting, and uplifting, with just the right amount of get-up-and-do-it motivation.”
—Liz Dennery Sanders, Brand Consultant, Creative Director, founder of SheBrand
“Making art is my thing. Putting it out into the world is not. Even after showing my work hundreds of times, I still have moments when I feel uneasy, discouraged, and defeated. In those moments, this book is like a shot of caffeine to the soul. The stories in You’re Going to Survive make me stand up straight and feel braver, energized, and ready to run strong and steady to the next challenge.”
—Kent Youngstrom, Painter
“You’re Going to Survive will strengthen your spirit when things aren’t going ‘exactly as planned’ in your career. Everyone goes through tough times, and sometimes the ‘small stuff’ feels like ‘big stuff,’ but you don’t have to feel alone. Enjoy this witty and insightful read!”
—Kristine Carlson, coauthor of the Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff book series
“Alexandra sets the standard for how I hope to show up in the world as a writer, a creative, a teacher, and a human. Everything she shares oozes with conscientiousness and intimate care. You’re Going to Survive stands out as a paradigm-shifting work that you’ll hold in your heart, as I do, with a permanent sense of gratitude. This book is so fluid, uplifting, and earnest that you may find yourself reading it ten times over—especially in a dark, unkind, or sticky stretch.”
—Dave Ursillo, author of Big Apple, Black Sand and the Midnight Sun and Lead Without Followers
“When life challenges us—and it will—we need support, balm for the weary disappointment. Alex is here to offer us that. Hearing how others have overcome reminds us that we aren’t alone and that yes, we are going to survive.”
—Carrie-Anne Moss, Actress (The Matrix trilogy, Memento, Chocolat, Jessica Jones) and founder of Annapurna Living
“Alexandra has a true gift for making the hardest things in life feel infinitely easier. You’re Going to Survive isn’t just a playbook for getting through tough situations—it’s ray after inspiring ray of sunshine for anyone going through a dark time. As a writer, an entrepreneur, and a human, I’ll turn to this book for encouragement again and again.”
—Adrian Granzella Larssen, Editor-at-Large, The Muse
“Alexandra Franzen is like a cool big sister who’s got your back, with the kind of humor and honesty that will make you feel less alone and more motivated to keep going when chasing your dream gets tough (we’re talking client-from-hell, one-star-review, oh-my-God-what-am-I-even-doing tough). Every creative needs this book on their nightstand for those inevitable bad days.”
—Kathleen Shannon, host of the Being Boss Podcast, cofounder of Braid Creative
“If you want to follow your dreams, at some point you are going to have to step up, put yourself out there, try new things, and take risks. And when you do that, you can be pretty sure that some things won’t work out. When that happens, instead of giving up on your dreams, open this book. You’re Going to Survive will get you back on track, find the gold in what just happened, and help you focus on what really matters. Alexandra’s laser-sharp insight and comforting humor will convince you that not only will you survive, you will thrive.”
—Beth Kempton, author of Freedom Seeker and founder of Do What You Love
“It’s one thing to say ‘Never give up!’ but it’s another thing to actually live through the pain of rejection and disappointment that makes you question your work and your worth. When that happens, read this book. It will get you through.”
—Nicole Antoinette, host of Real Talk Radio
“Seriously—I couldn’t put this book down! Every story in You’re Going to Survive is filled with ‘aha!’ moments, honest reflections, and raw stories from people who faced defeat, but mustered through to survive. If you find yourself having an existential crisis every few months and often wonder ‘WTF am I doing with my life?’ then this book is just the pick-me-up you need. It takes you from down in the dumps to ‘I am going to survive and I can do this’ after just one story.
—Lindsey Smith, public speaker and author of Eat Your Feelings: The Food Mood Girl’s Guide to Transforming Your Emotional Eating
“Whether you’re a social worker (my previous career) or an artist (my current career) every profession includes beauty—and plenty of challenges, too. You’re Going to Survive is a book that reminds readers: not only are you strong enough to navigate the ups and downs of your career path, but your mistakes, disappointments, and setbacks can be a wide-open canvas where beauty and possibility emerge.”
—Kelly Rae Roberts, artist and author of Taking Flight: Inspiration and Techniques to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings
“This