What I’m Reading Today: Get Out of Your Own Way by Larry Winget

When I first picked up Larry Winget’s Get Out of Your Own Way, I didn’t expect to be laughing out loud and spitting tea across the room—but that’s exactly what happened. Winget’s no-nonsense, in-your-face style is hilarious, biting, and refreshingly honest. He doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. One of my favorite phrases he uses is “shelf-development”—a clever jab at all those self-help books that sit on shelves gathering dust instead of actually changing lives.

Winget isn’t like any other self-help guru I’ve read. His style is intentionally abrasive, and it works. He wants to wake us up, shake us out of our excuses, and push us to create the life we actually want. If that means calling us out for being lazy, ignorant, or stuck in our own way—so be it.

But beneath the name-calling is real, practical wisdom. He challenges readers to take a hard look at their lives and ask: What have I created so far? Your time, money, and energy tell the story. Don’t like what you see? Then it’s time to make a new plan. And he doesn’t just stop there—he walks you through how to do it.

Start by figuring out where you are right now. What’s working? What’s not? What brings you joy and fulfillment? Write it down. Make a plan. Then show up every day and act on it.

What Does This Have to Do with Money? Everything. 

Winget makes a powerful point: your bank account is a reflection of your priorities. Want to know what really matters to you? Look at your spending. Are your dollars going toward things that bring joy, meaning, and progress? Or are they being drained by things that don’t really matter?

We all have necessary expenses—utilities, gas, rent—but where we have flexibility, we also have the power to shape our lives. Start by tracking where your money is going. Pull out your bank and credit card statements. Highlight the purchases that stand out. Are you spending too much on things that just create clutter in your home, closet, or even on your body?

This week, try picking 1–3 spending habits to be more mindful of. Before you buy, ask yourself:

• Do I really need this?

• Am I buying because of stress, loneliness, boredom or anxiety?

• Is there a better way to deal with those feelings?

• Do I already own something that meets this need?

• Does this purchase align with the life I say I want?

Becoming more aware of the emotions behind your spending—and aligning your money with your goals—can help you live with greater purpose and intention.

Because your money should support the life you want—not the life you’re settling for.