Get Your Sh*t Together

About the Author

Sarah Knight, often celebrated as the "anti-guru," is a refreshing voice in the world of self-help. With her sharp wit and no-nonsense approach, Knight has become a beacon for those who crave straightforward, practical advice. Her journey began in the high-pressure world of New York City's publishing industry, where she spent 15 years as a successful book editor. Working with bestselling authors like Chris Cleave and Gillian Flynn, Knight honed her editorial skills and developed a deep understanding of the power of words.

However, despite her professional success, Knight felt a growing sense of dissatisfaction with her life. In 2015, she made a bold decision to leave the corporate world behind, move to the Caribbean, and embark on a new career as an author. This life-changing decision became the catalyst for her first book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck," which quickly resonated with readers around the globe. The book's success led to a series of bestsellers known as the No F*cks Given Guides, which have sold over three million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 30 languages.

Knight's unconventional approach to self-help has earned her a devoted following. Her TEDx Talk, "The Magic of Not Giving a F*ck," has been viewed over 10 million times, and her podcast, No F*cks Given, continues to inspire listeners with its candid, relatable content. Through her books, talks, and podcasts, Knight empowers people to take control of their lives, shed societal expectations, and live authentically on their own terms.

Main Idea

"Get Your Sh*t Together" is a guide to taking control of your life by setting clear goals, creating actionable plans, prioritizing effectively, and committing to the necessary changes. Knight's philosophy is rooted in the belief that anyone can get their sh*t together—whether it's organizing your finances, improving your career, or managing your relationships. The book provides practical strategies that are easy to understand and apply, making it accessible to readers from all walks of life.

Knight emphasizes that getting your sh*t together is not about achieving perfection. Instead, it's about making progress in the areas that matter most to you. By breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps and maintaining a focus on your goals, you can create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. Knight's advice is both practical and empowering, encouraging readers to take ownership of their lives and make the changes necessary to achieve their desired outcomes.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why You Need to Get Your Sh*t Together
2. Step 1: Have a Goal
3. Step 2: Make a Plan
4. Step 3: Prioritize
5. Step 4: Implement the Plan
6. Getting Your Sh*t Together at Work
7. Getting Your Sh*t Together at Home
8. Managing Your Finances
9. Evaluating Your Relationships
10. Taking Care of Your Mental Health
11. Conclusion: Keep Your Sh*t Together

Introduction: Why You Need to Get Your Sh*t Together

In the introduction of "Get Your Sh*t Together," Sarah Knight invites readers to take a hard look at their lives. She recognizes that many people struggle with feelings of overwhelm, disorganization, and a lack of direction. These feelings are not a reflection of one's abilities or worth but rather a common experience in a world that often demands more than we can reasonably give.

Knight argues that getting your sh*t together is not just about being more organized or productive—it's about reclaiming control over your life. Whether you're dealing with a cluttered home, a stressful job, or unfulfilling relationships, the principles outlined in this book can help you identify what truly matters to you and make the changes necessary to align your life with those values.

One of the core messages of the book is that you are fully capable of living the life you want. Knight encourages readers to let go of the societal pressures and expectations that often dictate our actions. Instead, she advocates for a more intentional approach to life, where you focus on what you care about and disregard the rest. This process, she explains, starts with getting your sh*t together.

"Getting your sh*t together is not about having a perfect life; it's about making progress in the areas that matter most to you." — Sarah Knight

Step 1: Have a Goal

The first step to getting your sh*t together is to have a clear goal. Knight emphasizes the importance of knowing what you want to achieve before you start taking action. She suggests that without a clear goal, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks and responsibilities that demand your attention.

To help readers clarify their goals, Knight proposes two key questions:

• What don’t I like about my life?
• What is the source of the problem?

These questions are designed to help you identify the areas of your life that are causing dissatisfaction. By understanding the root cause of your problems, you can set goals that address these issues directly. For example, if you're constantly stressed about money, your goal might be to improve your financial stability by saving more and spending less. If you're unhappy with your job, your goal might be to find a career that aligns with your passions and values.

Knight stresses that your goals should be intrinsically motivated—focused on what you truly want, rather than what others expect of you. Intrinsic motivation is more powerful and sustainable because it comes from within. When your goals align with your personal values, you're more likely to stay committed to them, even when faced with challenges.

"A goal should be something you want to achieve for yourself, not because someone else thinks you should." — Sarah Knight

Knight's advice on goal-setting is complemented by insights from other self-help experts. For instance, Daniel Pink, in his book "Drive," explains that intrinsic motivation is fueled by autonomy, mastery, and purpose. When your goals allow you to direct your own life (autonomy), improve your skills (mastery), and contribute to something larger than yourself (purpose), you're more likely to find them fulfilling and stay motivated to achieve them.