How to Live Authentically - by Judd Shaw (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The secret to overcoming addiction, depression, and life-threatening despair isn't simply in connecting with others--you must first reconnect with your authentic self. From someone who personally understands the iron grip of addiction, a revolutionary approach to transform isolation into genuine connection and sustainable peace.

Attorney Judd Shaw seemed to have it all: a thriving law practice, a yacht, and his face on billboards across town. Yet inside, he felt completely alone, struggling with addiction and facing divorce. When an arrest landed him in jail and contemplating suicide, he discovered a profound truth that changed everything. The root cause of his pain wasn't the addictions, legal troubles, or broken relationships--it was disconnection from his true self.

As loneliness looms large as a public health crisis, conventional wisdom focuses solely on building social connections. But Judd knows from personal experience that authentic connection with others is impossible without first establishing genuine connection with yourself.

Drawing from his own journey and backed by trauma research, Judd introduces the Connection CURE framework--a step-by-step system that doesn't require years of therapy before you can begin. Through unfiltered storytelling combined with actionable strategies, Judd presents his framework through four key stages:

• Conscious Awareness: Recognize when you're hiding your true self from others
• Understand: Identify the traumas that condition you to disconnect from authenticity
• Renew: Safely reintroduce your authentic self to the world with healthy boundaries
• Expand: Create ripple effects of authenticity to transform your relationships

How to Live Authentically isn't a clinical self-help manual written by distant experts--it's a lifeline from someone who's crawled out of the same hole you might be in today. Judd's advice is clear and hard won: authenticity is your superpower, and you don't have to wait until you're "fixed" to unlock it and experience the deep, life-giving connections you've always craved.

About the Author

Judd Shaw is a visionary keynote speaker, award-winning author, agent of change, serial entrepreneur, lawyer, and CEO. As the president of Judd Shaw Injury Law, he combines two decades of leading one of New Jersey's most successful law firms with a profound passion for fostering human connection. Driven by ambition, Judd achieved remarkable professional success at a young age--but it came at a cost. His journey toward success led to increasing isolation, prompting him to seek therapy and explore human connection theory. This transformative experience not only helped him realign with his core values and embrace vulnerability, but also enhanced his leadership skills.

Today, Judd is a sought-after speaker on authenticity and resilient workplace culture. He hosts the podcast Behind the Armor and is the author of the award-winning children's book series Sterling the Knight. Through his CURE frameworks, he empowers individuals, organizations, and leaders to adapt, innovate, and thrive where they live, work, love, and play. Judd's mission is to share his insights and experiences to help others unlock their superpowers.