Before You Can Lead Others, You Must First Lead Yourself
By Dr. Julie Donley
Here's what no one tells you: Most people don't learn self-discovery in school or from their parents. You're supposed to "figure it out" during your teenage years, and then you're expected to have it all together by age 20. But that's not how life works.
Building a career, creating a family, making money (none of it brings fulfillment without the inner work of knowing who you are). And yet, we're never taught how to do that inner work.
The Journey Called YOU gives you what I wish someone had given me decades ago: a clear roadmap for traveling within, understanding yourself deeply, and accepting yourself fully. You'll learn how to use your personal power to free yourself to be you (not who others expect you to be).
This isn't a book you read once and put on a shelf. Over 20 years, thousands of readers have told me they return to it again and again, discovering new insights with each reading. Now in its 20th Anniversary Edition (updated 2025), the wisdom within these pages continues to guide leaders, coaches, and anyone ready to live authentically.
Start Your Journey Today
Get leadership insights delivered twice a month straight to your inbox. Join leaders who lead with clarity, confidence, and calm.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
What You'll Discover
Practical insights and exercises to transform how you see yourself (and your life)
The Puzzle Pieces That Make You
Understand the experiences, beliefs, and patterns that have shaped who you are (without judgment) so you can choose what serves you moving forward.
Move From "What" to "Who"
Stop asking "What should I do?" and start asking "Who am I?" Access your authentic self to make decisions aligned with your truth.
Break Free From Limiting Rules
Identify the unwritten societal rules and "shoulds" that keep you living beneath your potential. Challenge what no longer serves you.
Transform Self-Criticism Into Self-Acceptance
Learn to honor yourself, recognize your worth, and build the emotional resilience needed to navigate life's challenges with grace.
Create Your Vision for Success
Define what fulfillment means to you (not what others expect) and design a life that reflects your deepest values and desires.
Master Your Time and Energy
Discover the Time Enjoyment Model™ and learn to spend your moments on what truly matters, eliminating what drains you.
"Focusing on your own personal development is the greatest gift you can give the world. By focusing on you, you shine your light on the world."
— Dr. Julie Donley
What Readers Are Saying
Over 20 years of transforming lives
"This book proved to be well worth the money. Rather than the usual 'self esteem' spin, it is an honest, insightful work that inspired me to re-read it again and again, learning a bit more each time. I found it, overall, to be a very useful tool in breaking some atrocious habits I've carried most of my adult life and taking charge of my life's direction."
"After reading The Journey Called You, I am certainly doing a lot of things much better. If you're searching for the key to living with more passion and finally defining meaningful career & personal goals then this is the book for you. The Journey Called You delivers by offering practical advice that can be implemented immediately."
"Like many of us, I have read many, many self-help books over the years. But, this book is truly different. As a Life Coach, Julie walks you through page by page how to truly know yourself, recognize your triggers, and teach people how you want to be treated. This book will show you how to forge new roads and stop going around the same mountain year after year."
"Eloquently written and easy-to-read, this book is designed to help you understand and accept yourself so you can make decisions every day that move you closer to the happy and fulfilled life you desire. You will learn how to use your personal power to free yourself to be you."
"This wonderful in-depth book gives excellent coaching tips that allows you to put the information to work immediately. The writing style is clear and concise with Julie's real life story weaved throughout the text. The insight that this book brought to the table for me is so valuable that it has helped me recreate myself."
"A very powerful book. Written clearly with exercises to assist in your personal growth. The author shares many tips and examples that one can relate to. Well worth the time to read as it will enhance your life."