The Worthy Project

by Meadow DeVor

From internationally recognized inquiry teacher and life coach Meadow DeVor comes the invitation you’ve been waiting for: Stop living as if worthiness is for someone better, thinner, smarter, or more successful, and start living with self-worth. (Yes! Self-worth is something you can learn and practice, and The Worthy Project tells you how.)

Is your home too cluttered?

Are you dissatisfied with the state of your bank account?

Do you feel like your friends and family suck more of your energy than they give?

Are your clothes outdated or the wrong size?

The Worthy Project will guide you through the steps in your own life to diagnose feelings of unworthiness and offer practical advice for how to let go of the self-doubt that is holding you back in order to unleash your true potential.

“Meadow’s combination of high humor and laser insight changed my life.” (Dr. Martha Beck, New York Times best-selling author, speaker, life coach)

Genres: Audiobook, Self Help, Nonfiction, Mental Health

Audiobook

Published January 21, 2021

Reviews

[Fraenkenstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is designed for and will be "life-changing" for middle class (probably) white women who are struggling to balance the pressures on them from their careers and family, who spend all they earn to keep up with others, who lack self confidence, and who highly value aesthetics. It reminded me a lot of "Girl, wash your face" and will probably be successful in the same demographic.

If you have ever read any other highly researched personal development books by experts in their field you'll find what DeVor writes to be overly simplified versions of other's concepts. If you have ever gone through a few sessions of therapy, that probably gave you more profound insights than this ever could.

If you're the type of woman who wears whatever you want, decorates however you want (or ignores it because you truly don't care) and eats exactly what you want but still have issues with self doubt because you're loud and "bossy" in a world that tells you to be quiet this isn't the book for you.

All of the exercises she lists (taking a picture of your front door, taking a selfie, taking a picture of your plate, etc.) involve an assumption that you as a listener know what you want/need and are just ignoring it because you don't value yourself. She completely ignores the idea that people could lack the resources to change their front door, that they may not value their outward appearance, or that they may be perfectly capable of sleeping extremely well on an unmade bed because they prioritize their time on things other than setting up the perfect throw pillows.

DeVor clearly values aesthetics far more than I ever will and assumes that all listeners aren't valuing themselves if they don't value their outward appearance. I doubt she looks at a picture of Mark Zuckerberg and thinks he has a poor sense of self worth, but if she saw a picture of me in similar clothing with zero salon visits for my skin or hair she would tell me I have a horrible sense of self worth.

At the end DeVor comes so close to acknowledging her privilege, but never actually does the real deed. Acknowledging that she was privileged to be conventionally attractive and meet Benazir Bhutto is not the same thing. It comes as a throwaway comment after several minutes on "toxic guilt" over being ashamed of your privilege, which is what really made this a 2 star read. DeVor has a lot of work to do in understanding that her "insights" are built on the backs of others and that her advice comes from a very out of touch place.

[Phoenix Perpetuale · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Worthy Project was written and performed by Meadow DeVor and Audible original. I am giving it three stars. My rating is based on the story, mainly about the author herself and how she uses Worthy methods to change her life after a significant crush is wholly broken. She overcame all by committing small changes that make you feel worthy. However, I was expecting more patients stories on how the Project has helped them.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t leave many reviews. I listened to this on audible and it was self narrated by Meadow. Took me about mid way through to really grasp the intensity of what she is teaching. The raw emotion in her voice pulled me in and truly made me think about her words. I honestly don’t think I would’ve felt the same about the book if I read it as opposed to listening to it. This book is 5 stars!!!

[Mohamed Hamdy · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was an ok audiobook maybe it will help some middle aged white woman but certainly not me
>last section was the best part

[AnnaRichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made a big impact on me. It guides the reader on how to identify the ways that we engage in self worthiness and also self worthlessness. Included are exercises on how to improve and change bad habits of not valuing ourselves. I listened on audible and the author narrates the book. Her voice is pleasant, truthful and she allows her vulnerability to come through in the narration making it very relatable. I highly recommend this book even if you feel a high sense of self worth. There is something for everyone to learn in this book.

[Bernadette Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who has been working on their self care ♡

[Debbie Cranberryfries · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reminder that you're allowed to take up space. ❤️

[Louise Foerster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meadow Devor's THE WORTHY PROJECT is a true story of a woman who hit rock bottom with resounding, thorough terrible and roused up as a powerful teacher of self-worth and developing the ability to tell the truth about who you are and live at peace with yourself and others. This book is a brilliant blend of memoir, hard-won expertise and motivating insight, and stories from others who have worked with Devor on their own self-worth. The exercises at the end of each section are swift, illuminating jolts of what is possible when you see for yourself what is does not equate to you or what has to be. I received an advance copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

[Jinan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"With the eyes of worthiness I could see that there was kindness and goodness that helped me every step along the way; which I could not see from a place of undeservedness, a place where everything needed to be earned, a place where nothing was given without debt"

"To jump straight into gratitude without boundaries to hold you, without owning your own stories, is simply a spiritual bypass"

The last chapter is quite beautiful. The author whilst showing the contrast of transformation from a state of worthlessness to worthiness accidently (or not) ends up describing something much greater; a kind of sacred sight of connectedness between all people and things.

[Vlejd · Rating 2 out of 5]

So here is a personal coach that tells you how shit their life was while doing the coaching. Thanks for honesty and I guess try to get a different job :/. Then they realiezed something (not even that profound) and here is the book that came out of it.
I would not listen to this, if it was not for free on audible. And I would be sad if I would pay for it.

However, there are sometimes some interesting points (two) and it is a nice case study of one persons life.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever struggled with limiting beliefs of your worthiness? This book is for you!
I listened to this book and the way you can hear and then feel her emotions as she reads it… WOW!
I’ve recommended this to so many.

[David Lies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Time For Yourself

[Karen Highland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those motivational/self-help books that is actually practical and applicable. I really like her approach to self-worth. It's not a puffed up, feel good, jargony type of approach. It's a realistic idea that you are flawed and imperfect, that is normal. Sometimes our "ideal self" is unreachable and only serves to cause us to be perpetually unhappy with who we are. Instead, we should have a sense of self-acceptance and appreciation for who we really are. We have value. This is a big step toward learning to value who we are, and as we treat ourselves as a person of value, we will walk and talk and interact as a person of value.

[Shahi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure why i finished this. I didn't really enjoy it at all.
I think its a combination of the narration (at times she sounds like she's close to tears) and the projects themselves which i don't think translate well from classroom to audio.

[Coni · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

From The Publisher
From internationally recognized inquiry teacher and life coach Meadow DeVor comes the invitation you’ve been waiting for: Stop living as if worthiness is for someone better, thinner, smarter, or more successful, and start living with self-worth. (Yes! Self-worth is something you can learn and practice, and The Worthy Project tells you how.)

Pros
- The book offers actionable advice (including examples and exercises) in a variety of life domains to improve the listener's self-worth (e.g. finances, relationships, etc)
- The last section of the book, which talks about gratitude, allowing, and owning, was both insightful and passionately delivered. It really hammered home the idea that everyone is worthy, even as we receive innumerable blessings from the world and those around us. (Who could be worthy of a sunset, for example?)
- The book is both short and digestible, clocking in at about 4.75 hours. I wouldn't try to complete it in a single sitting, but I could definitely finish it in a day or two.

Cons
- While I appreciate the message that The Worthy Project professes, I can't help but wonder whether or not a few sessions of therapy might be as (if not more) valuable? It'd certainly be more personalized, if nothing else.
- Beyond that, while I think the core message of the book is moving for individuals, it doesn't take into account some of the systematic issues that people may face (e.g. racism, sexism, homophobia, etc). I guess you could argue that it is outside the scope of the book, but to me it seems like a missing piece of the puzzle. In other words, if society says you are not worthy, won't you have to work that much harder manifest the most worthy version of yourself? DeVor also mentions it in passing in the context of "toxic guilt," (ie feeling bad for something you can't control), but the work only really considers this kind of guilt from a place of privilege in the text (and, again, conveniently avoids more systematic, societal issues).

Conclusion
I'm of two minds about this book. On one hand, I found some of the messages and exercises moving, and I think it is valuable to both ask for and seek out what you are worth. I just couldn't quite get past some of my underlying concerns about the book (e.g. that it strikes me as a watered down version of cognitive behavioral therapy, repackaged in a way that conveniently side-steps systematic issues of oppression and injustice). Ultimately, if you're an avid consumer of self-help media, this is unlikely to change your world. If the publisher's blurb appeals to you, or if you are a fan of DeVor, however, this may be worth a look.

See more reviews at Quinn's Curios.

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone who feels a bit lost in their life, as this book will help you come home to yourself. This book is short and sweet, but still had a major impact on me. After each section, she has the reader take a picture of one area of their life and then reflect on it. In one section, I took a selfie and, based on the questions she has the reader ask themselves, I realized that I was not reflected in my own physical appearance. So, I got my hair cut, dyed my hair purple, and got my nose pierced. Did the author say you should do those things? No. But she continuously hammered home how your authentic self should be reflected in every part of your life, including your appearance, your front entryway, your bed, and so on.

She also gave amazing examples of ways we demonstrate and perpetuate low self worth - relatable and so validating.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a middle aged white woman and I loved this podcast. I loved the section on earning and receiving, particularly when she talks about earning what you deserve. IMHO it would help anyone negotiate one’s salary. She also talks a lot about one’s relationship with money. I have recently discovered I have a somewhat unusual relationship w money and that it is somewhat dysfunctional. This podcast helped me a lot.
While I didn’t take the pictures she suggested, I know that my front door area is Empty. It doesn’t take $ to add a little spice using something you already have at home. A ribbon on a hook is something.
I learned a lot. This was a good listen for me.

[Marji · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ I have recently listened to a few self-help books. For me, they help me self reflect and take a step deeper into becoming a better human. The first part of this book didn't resinate with me, but as I worked my way through it I found a lot of helpful tools. The author has the reader go through some very insightful exercises to help you connect with what you might need to do to create change. The author, Meadow DeVor is also working on a hard copy version which will be extremely useful. It is free on audible and well worth the listen.

[Valerie Ciraulo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent if it rings to your situation, otherwise pass. The may be best suited for privileged woman who have difficulty not seeing self-worth as selfishness.

The initial half hour is a bit pretentious, so don't stop there if you get annoyed.

For me, it validated a lot of emotions and made me cry a lot.

Most striking points for me:

'Sometimes you simply cannot earn what you have been given. Nor should you try.'

Some of the best assets in you life come from things you never earned. How can you earn a sunset? A snowflake? Your pet's kisses? A friend you can rant with?

[Tesse Loveless · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The ceiling is what you unconsciously believe you are worth.”

3.5 stars. While this is absolutely written from a perspective of moderate privilege (trigger warning there), I still found portions of the book unexpected profound. Her insights on how we can deplete or invest “self” based on our choices, and how that connects to our sense of our value or worth, I found particularly insightful. I also appreciated listening to this on audible - you could hear the emotion in her voice while narrating, and I found that quite human and lovely.

[Anastasiya M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to listening to this audiobook because building on our worth is a never-ending journey. This book felt short for me. While there were some interesting methods introduced to be applied to our lives, I was hoping to hear stories about the success of these methods by others and not just about the author talking about her life, challenges and the changes she made to improve her self-worth. It was interesting to listen to, but didn't leave me as inspired as other self-books have left me.

Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress.com

[Kasti Toomey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and would like to listen to it again more intently. I had it on while I worked throughout my day, so I wasn’t always paying full attention.

The last 20 minutes or so are filled with such emotion. There were plenty parts of this book where I stopped and smirked or rolled my eyes or chuckles uncomfortably because what she was saying was so applicable to me. It’s an interesting book to really help you explore your behavior and your perceptions of yourself.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previously. I had worked on the theory that self-help books are like weight-loss diets - if one actually worked, there would only ever be one.

But this hit me just at the right time, to get me thinking about choices made and how they could be improved. It's a short book and has a lot of useful content. Worth a try.

[Shas · Rating 2 out of 5]

i'm sure there are certain people who could benefit from this message. i am not one of them. it definitely feels catered towards a certain age-group, and struggling college student isn't breaching the area. but, it was only like 2 hours to listen to as an audiobook and maybe someday down the line, I could use the skills she teaches.

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part memoir, part motivational talk, part self help. As someone who loves self help, this just didn't do it for me. But I also didn't relate well to any of the narrators stories. May be good for other women.

[Magda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has good ideas, but also assumes acting unworthy stems from internal feelings. Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't. Doesn't address the fact the some populations are objectively treated as less worthy.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t remember why I picked this book, but it was a painful book to get through. There wasn’t any new information or insights. I feel like I was being talked to and didn’t really cared anymore.

Someone may get something out of it. I guess it is what is it.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Though it didn't feel particularly ground-breaking, this book met me at particular time when the words felt refreshing and renewing. I appreciated the author's vulnerability and the way she used her life to illustrate the concepts she wanted to impart on readers.

[Celia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, I immediately started making changes to the way I did things even while listening to this book. Sometime you just need someone other than yourself to point out what you already know to be true. Thank you for saying it loud and clear.