Next Chance You - by Brittany Wagner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Last Chance U star Brittany Wagner shows readers that even when they think they have failed and all hope is lost, every day offers a new chance to get up, start over, and seize the opportunities that come their way.

In the Netflix hit docuseries Last Chance U, athletic academic counselor Brittany Wagner helped student-athletes who found themselves at a crossroads dig deep and move beyond personal failure to find success. Wagner's core mission--empowering others to bring their A-game into every interaction--is offered to readers here in Next Chance You, a motivational guide to personal success. Delivering practical strategies to help readers overcome obstacles, develop a growth mindset, and get out of their own damn way, she shares personal stories and lessons learned-- from her own life and those she has counseled--with the same tough love and no-nonsense attitude that made her a fan favorite.

Like many of the athletes she's worked with over the years, Brittany Wagner hasn't had it easy. From toxic relationships to challenging work environments, Brittany has had her own share of disappointments and setbacks in life, but her ability to reframe each day as an opportunity to start fresh has allowed her to rewrite her story and inspire those she's counseled to do the same. Sharing the daily habits and best practices that have helped her student-athletes go from their worst days to careers in the NFL, Next Chance You applies Brittany's experiential wisdom to everyday situations, giving readers a motivational shot in the arm to view every day as an opportunity to be better than before and put in the hard work necessary to make their dreams come true. She shares stories from her own life and those she has counseled with distilled, actionable advice that will embolden everyone from college students to CEOs to step away from their excuses and fearlessly pursue their goals, whether finding a new job, leaving a relationship, or simply having more compassion for themselves and others.

Review Quotes

"There is no quick fix in the game of life. It takes blood, sweat, and tears to make our dreams a reality. Brittany Wagner understands this and teaches you how to make your life a success story in Next Chance You. She will teach you how to keep pushing toward the success you want, because all dreams can become realities with the right attitude and perseverance."

--James Conner, NFL running back for the Arizona Cardinals and author of Fear Is a Choice

"Brittany Wagner is so inspiring to me, and with Next Chance You she's captured many of her empowering pieces of advice in one place. Anyone who could use a little motivation or help getting themselves on track to create a better life should read this book!"

--Sara Evans, country music star

"Brittany Wagner is the ultimate motivator. She has turned countless people's lives around, including her own, with her brains and her heart. Her legendary tenacity will be portrayed by Courteney Cox in the Hollywood version, but her real-life story is even more riveting to discover.
And she's sharing her secrets in Next Chance You. The determined single mom has more surrogate "kids" running around. Brittany can help us all redefine success, both on and off the football field. From the humble East Mississippi Community College football program to Netflix stardom, Brittany maintains a clear-eyed view of what's real and what's hype. Next Chance You is a manifesto for living your best life . . . by first believing in yourself. "

--Juju Chang, co-anchor, ABC News Nightline

"I don't know where I would be today if it wasn't for Brittany Wagner's guidance and endless support. She was a great academic advisor and, maybe even more importantly, she was a life advisor. As a lost 20-year-old who had made many mistakes in my life, there were days I was alone, with no one to talk to, but she was always there for me with a listening ear and an open heart. Ms. Brittany was not there just to collect a paycheck. She was genuine and truly wanted to help me be the best student and best person I could possibly be. I will never forget the conversations we had that allowed me to learn and grow into the man I am today."

--Dakota Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker

"When I saw Brittany Wagner share her unique blend of practical advice and tough love to the student-athletes on Last Chance U, I could tell that she genuinely cared for and believed in them, even if they had lost faith in themselves. I've since gotten to know her and can tell you that she is the real deal. Next Chance You, her blueprint for creating a growth mindset, will empower you, encouraging you to put your best foot forward and take advantage of opportunities that come your way."

--Courteney Cox, actress, producer, and director

"Next Chance You is a book chock-full of helpful tips and strategies to help you reach your goals! Brittany and I grew up together in small town Mississippi, and even back then she was learning ways to empower herself and achieve her goals. This book takes her expertise and makes it understandable for people of all ages!"

--Lance Bass, pop icon

"Brittany Wagner stood out on Last Chance U because she passionately fought for the student-athletes she counseled--not just to make grades to maintain eligibility, but to carve a path for a successful life after their playing days were over. She genuinely cares about them as people. Years later, they will tell you that they are better for having known her. In her book Next Chance You, she brings the same grit and determination to help you live your best life."

--Michael Strahan, co-host, Good Morning America; analyst, Fox NFL Sunday; Pro Football Hall of Famer

About the Author

Brittany Wagner is the breakout star of the hit Netflix docuseries Last Chance U, which followed the top-ranked junior college football team at East Mississippi Community College, where Brittany served as athletic academic counselor. After leaving EMCC, Brittany founded Ten Thousand Pencils, a consulting company focused on providing solutions-based programs to professionals at corporations and higher education institutions, and the Last Chance Foundation, a non-profit that provides free academic counseling to low-income student-athletes. With her down-to-earth nature, unabashed candor, and grit she is an in-demand motivational speaker at corporations and educational institutions across the country.