We were lucky to catch up with Betsy Mendel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Betsy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I always knew I had a book inside me. I wanted to help people on their journey to living their best life. I knew I had so much to share.
I was in Atlanta for an extended stay to be with my then 91-year old mother (93 now!) Every day I would take a 6am sculpt yoga class and then go sit at my favorite coffee cafe to write. I say the book actually wrote itself. The words and ideas just flowed through me onto the paper. (I am old school – I write with pen and paper before I put it on my computer:)
After experiencing my own deep struggles—battling depression, an eating disorder, and exercise addiction—I emerged with a profound story of the steps to stay in the game and thrive. My journey from hopelessness to empowerment forms the foundation of this amazingly awesome book, designed to help others transform their lives.
“I’ve been through the deepest depths of despair, and I’ve fought my way out, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to overcome those battles, but I also know it’s possible to live an incredible life on the other side of it. That’s why I wrote “Buh-Bye Mediocrity, Hello Awesomeness.”
I hear from so many of my friends that they are dissatisfied with their lives, going to a job that doesn’t fulfill them, stuck in the nine to five grind, so I decided it was time for me to share what I have learned on my journey.
Here is a quick synopsis of the book:
Are you tired of settling for mediocrity? Ready to break free from the ordinary and step into a life of awesomeness? Buh-Bye Mediocrity, Hello Awesomeness! isn’t just a book—it’s your companion on the journey to leaving mediocrity behind, unlocking your inner awesomeness, and living a life beyond your wildest dreams.
In a world hungry for self-improvement, Buh-Bye Mediocrity, Hello Awesomeness! stands out as a concise, no fluff guide to personal transformation. Say goodbye to mediocrity and hello to the abundance you deserve!
With interactive exercises and actionable steps in each chapter, this book empowers you to actively participate in your own growth journey. It’s tailored for the modern reader, with 20 simple, easy to read chapters designed for our fast-paced, “microwave world.” I want it quick, and I want it now.
Written with a personal touch, Buh-Bye Mediocrity, Hello Awesomeness! weaves in anecdotes from the author’s life, making the content relatable and authentic. It’s time to embrace your own awesomeness and live the life you’ve always dreamed of!

Betsy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Struggling with major depression, an eating disorder, and exercise addiction, I fought my way through immense challenges and emerged victorious. Along the way, I realized I had a powerful story to share—a story that could inspire others to overcome their own struggles. Writing a book felt like the best way to reach a wide audience, and after two years of hard work, Buh-Bye Mediocrity, Hello Awesomeness was born.
This book dives into topics like persistence, dreaming big, and overcoming obstacles, offering readers a roadmap to leave the comfort of mediocrity behind and embrace their unique awesomeness. I won’t sugarcoat it—there were times during the writing and promotion process when I had to revisit my own chapters for encouragement. It was easy to feel discouraged when things got tough, but I pressed on, knowing the message was worth it.
My journey hasn’t been a straight line. Life has thrown me its fair share of curveballs, but I’ve faced them head-on and come out stronger. Today, I can say I’m proud of the woman I am today because I went through one hell of a time becoming her. Every challenge shaped me, and despite the hardships, I’m grateful for the path that led me here.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I’ve faced my share of major obstacles in life—moments when it felt like the weight of everything was too much to bear. But deep down, I always held on to the belief that I was meant for something greater, that all my struggles had a purpose. No matter how tough things got, I refused to give up. There were days when simply getting out of bed felt impossible, but even on those days, I held on to the hope that brighter moments were ahead.
It wasn’t always easy, and there were times when I doubted myself. But through persistence and a determination to rise above, I found my way forward. Out of those challenging experiences emerged my book, Buh-Bye Mediocrity, Hello Awesomeness. It’s a celebration of resilience and a guide to stepping into your full potential. Writing it allowed me to channel everything I had learned—every struggle, every triumph—into something that could inspire others to create their own amazing, awesome lives.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I learned that no matter how rough a storm you are fighting, the sun will sooner or later always shine through. The backstory is that through all my major struggles and setbacks I pushed on. I had to unlearn that success is just for other people. That with determination and grit, anything is possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://betsymendel.com
- Instagram: @Betsymendel
- Facebook: @westsidebetsy

