Bulletproof by Chantal Burns
Chantal gave me this book when we last met in the early summer for a lovely walk in St Albans. I decided to take it on holiday with me so I could properly absorb it with limited distractions. From the moment I cracked it open, "Bulletproof" felt like I was settling in for a heartfelt conversation with an old friend, which for me is precisely what it was. As I read, I could distinctly hear Chantal's insightful, encouraging voice in my head, and even picture her engaging expressions.
You might be wondering why, as a coach myself, I'd get so excited about a book by another coach. Well, it’s simple really: I’m all about supporting good work, good people, and good thinking. My whole thing is about helping others, and "Bulletproof" is a brilliant way to do that. Chantal has packed years of wisdom and experience into a guide that's not just theory; it’s a real invitation to understand yourself better, get stronger on the inside. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it!
What You Can Learn from 'Bulletproof'
"Bulletproof" offers so much more than a simple guide to 'toughing it out.' Busting the myth that life is stressful, Chantal’s work is about seeing the mind as the tool that creates our stories. It challenges you to look beyond learned behaviours and to see them for what they are, and to reconnect with your innate capabilities.
One of the most profound lessons for me was the powerful distinction between "normal is not the same as natural." Normal is the learned way of being, conditioned by our upbringing, culture, and society. In contrast, natural is our innate, universal way of being. As Chantal writes, "Your natural self knows what is true and right for you. Your learned self is a set of strategies you’ve built in response to what’s happened to you." This single concept reframes so much, encouraging a deeper dive into authentic self-discovery.
The book presents Chantal’s core philosophy Inside-Out versus Outside-In. The "outside-in" way of thinking - the way most of us function and are unintentionally taught is that external events and people are the direct cause of our feelings. The "inside-out" reality, which is the foundation of the book, is that our feelings and experiences are created by our own thoughts. It's an internal reality, not an external one. The main idea is to regain control by realising that you manage your own perception and response, not external events.
6 Reasons Why You Should Read 'Bulletproof'
It’s Like Having Chantal as Your Personal Coach: For me, reading "Bulletproof" was an incredibly personal experience, precisely because Chantal is a friend. Her authentic voice shines through every chapter, making complex ideas feel accessible. If you've ever wished for a wise mentor in your corner, this book truly delivers.
A New Perspective on Reality : Chantal's distinction between "normal" and "natural" and inside-out encourages you to see and shed the limiting beliefs you’ve adopted. The book offers a fresh way to view your life, empowering you to live from a place of innate truth rather than learned conformity. As she puts it, "You don't need to change yourself to become more 'bulletproof'. You just need to reconnect with who you truly are, and you'll find that you are already made of the most powerful stuff."
Boost Your Resilience (and Power Your Transition Intelligence) : For me, as a coach specialising in transition intelligence, Chantal's insights are invaluable. She beautifully articulates how resilience is an active state of being. The next two key points from the book resonate directly with my work.
The Power of Self-Awareness in Adaptation: Chantal emphasises how understanding and seeing your own patterns or fixed perceptions of self for what they are, is foundational to becoming more adaptive to change. This directly informs how we can consciously navigate transitions rather than them happening to us.
Not Just Bouncing Back: "Bulletproof" aligns with some of my previous articles on how bouncing back implies we miss out the experience we have had. It highlights that resilience isn't just about recovering from setbacks, but about proactively building an inner core of strength that allows you to approach change with greater agency and less fear. This proactive stance is crucial for truly intelligent transitions.
It’s a Genuinely Supportive Read
In a world that can often feel overwhelming, "Bulletproof" offers a refreshing dose of encouragement and empowerment. It's written with tone of genuine care, peppered with some humorous and heartfelt personal stories and making you feel understood and supported on your journey to becoming Bullet-proof.
Thank you Chantal! 5 Stars!