Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Last updated: Sep 3, 2023

Summary of Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Yes Please is a memoir written by comedian and actress Amy Poehler. In this book, Poehler shares her personal and professional experiences, offering insights into her life and career.

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of Poehler's life. She begins by discussing her childhood and upbringing in Massachusetts, highlighting the influence of her parents and her early interest in comedy.

As Poehler delves into her career, she reflects on her time at improv comedy troupe The Second City and her eventual move to New York City. She shares anecdotes from her early days in the comedy scene, including her time on the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL).

Poehler provides a behind-the-scenes look at her experience on SNL, discussing the challenges and rewards of working on a live television show. She also shares stories about her fellow cast members and the memorable characters she portrayed on the show.

In addition to her work on SNL, Poehler discusses her role as co-founder and star of the hit television show Parks and Recreation. She reflects on the show's success and the impact it had on her career.

Throughout the book, Poehler offers advice and insights on various topics, including relationships, motherhood, and the challenges of being a woman in the entertainment industry. She shares personal stories and lessons learned, providing a relatable and humorous perspective.

Furthermore, Poehler discusses her experiences as a writer and producer, offering advice to aspiring creatives. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the value of hard work and perseverance.

Yes Please also includes guest contributions from Poehler's friends and colleagues, including Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, and her Parks and Recreation co-stars. These contributions add depth and variety to the book, providing different perspectives on Poehler's life and career.

In conclusion, Yes Please is a comprehensive and entertaining memoir that offers a glimpse into the life of Amy Poehler. Through her witty and insightful storytelling, Poehler shares her experiences, challenges, and successes, inspiring readers to pursue their passions and embrace the ups and downs of life.

1. Embrace your imperfections

In "Yes Please," Amy Poehler emphasizes the importance of embracing our imperfections. She encourages readers to let go of the need for perfection and instead embrace their flaws and mistakes. Poehler believes that our imperfections make us unique and that they should be celebrated rather than hidden.

By accepting our imperfections, we can free ourselves from the pressure to constantly strive for perfection. This allows us to be more authentic and genuine in our interactions with others. Embracing our imperfections also helps us to be more forgiving of ourselves and others, leading to greater self-compassion and empathy.

2. Take risks and embrace failure

Poehler encourages readers to take risks and not be afraid of failure. She believes that failure is an essential part of growth and that we should not let the fear of failure hold us back from pursuing our dreams and goals.

By taking risks and embracing failure, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences. Poehler reminds us that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone towards success. She encourages readers to learn from their failures and use them as motivation to keep moving forward.

3. Find joy in the journey

In "Yes Please," Poehler emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the journey rather than solely focusing on the end result. She encourages readers to enjoy the process of pursuing their goals and to not get too caught up in the outcome.

By finding joy in the journey, we can appreciate the small victories along the way and maintain a positive mindset. Poehler reminds us that life is not just about achieving goals, but also about the experiences and memories we create along the way.

4. Surround yourself with supportive people

Poehler emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive and positive people. She believes that the people we surround ourselves with can greatly impact our happiness and success.

By surrounding ourselves with supportive people, we create a strong support system that can help us navigate through challenges and provide encouragement when needed. Poehler encourages readers to seek out relationships that uplift and inspire them, and to distance themselves from toxic or negative influences.

5. Embrace vulnerability

Poehler encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and be open to sharing their true selves with others. She believes that vulnerability is a strength and that it allows for deeper connections and relationships.

By embracing vulnerability, we can create more meaningful connections with others and foster a sense of authenticity. Poehler reminds us that it is okay to be vulnerable and that it is through vulnerability that we can truly connect with others on a deeper level.

6. Practice self-care

In "Yes Please," Poehler emphasizes the importance of practicing self-care and prioritizing our own well-being. She encourages readers to take time for themselves and engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation.

By practicing self-care, we can recharge and rejuvenate ourselves, allowing us to show up as our best selves in all areas of our lives. Poehler reminds us that self-care is not selfish, but rather necessary for our overall well-being.

7. Trust your instincts

Poehler encourages readers to trust their instincts and listen to their inner voice. She believes that our instincts are often a reliable guide and that we should not ignore them.

By trusting our instincts, we can make decisions that align with our values and intuition. Poehler reminds us that we have the power to trust ourselves and make choices that feel right for us, even if they may not always be the most popular or conventional.

8. Embrace the power of laughter

In "Yes Please," Poehler highlights the power of laughter and the importance of finding humor in life. She believes that laughter is a powerful tool that can bring people together and help us navigate through difficult times.

By embracing the power of laughter, we can find joy and positivity even in challenging situations. Poehler encourages readers to seek out laughter and humor in their everyday lives, as it can greatly enhance our overall well-being and happiness.