Book Review: The Self Empowered Woman: 17 Characteristics of High Achievers

Marilyn Murray Willison is very passionate about her research on women. Over the past 20 years, she has dedicated herself to identifying the forces that shape women into successful human beings. Her passion and curiosity over this never-ending question helped shape her new book, The Self-Empowered Woman: 17 Characteristics of High Achievers.

During Willison’s career in journalism she interviewed over 200 celebrities. Years later, she pulled from that information to create this self-help guide for other women. This book is laced with personal stories of strong character and tough obstacles. She shares enough information from each interview to convince the reader of the validity of the 17 identified characteristics. The author notes that not all of the women have every single one of these characteristics, nor are they all required in order to become self-empowered.

The author’s unique approach to creating this self help guide allows the reader to remove the celebrity persona attached to the featured women, and instead, see them as the everyday women that they are. This volume includes women such as Maya Angelou, Gloria Naylor, Mother Teresa, Jane Seymour, Judy Blume, Danica Patrick and even Sandra Day O’Connor. The diverse professional backgrounds of the women included make this book appealing and relatable to all women.

I truly enjoyed The Self-Empowered Woman because it was based on an intimate analysis of how notable women have found self-empowerment. It provides reassurance for the already self-empowered and truly is a no nonsense guide for women who have yet to reach the pinnacle of self-empowerment. Each chapter highlights four women who share a common characteristic and describes how personal experiences led to their success. The exercises within each chapter not only guide the reader to identify the life choices that hinder them, but it helps to develop a path toward success. I recommend this book to any woman seeking to become self-empowered and for any man who has a self-empowering message to send to the woman in their life.

Consider yourself among the millions who might learn from this one woman’s effort to edify women toward the path of success. Willison’s passion continues on her blog where she regularly identifies everyday self-empowered women. Listen to her interview to learn more about her journey.