Control the Crazy My Plan to Stop Stressing, Avoid Drama, and Maintain Inner Cool

Vinny Guadagnino, star of Jersey Shore, discusses his lifelong struggle to control the effects of social anxiety and stress, and teaches readers the tools and techniques he's used to stay calm and maintain his sanity in all types of crazy situations--both on and off the show. For more than a decade Vinny has been keeping a secret from his family, his friends, his castmates, and his fans: the fact that he's not as carefree and stress-free as he appears. Vinny suffers from panic attacks that strike without warning. They plagued him throughout his teens, forced him to move home from college, and tormented him during the first season of Jersey Shore. After fleeing the set during the filming of the fifth season of the show, Vinny realized he could no longer keep his problems to himself. It was time to speak out. In this book, Vinny discusses how he's confronted his demons head on, and he gives readers the tools to do so themselves. For the millions of his fans who are also feeling overwhelmed with the world around them and by their own thoughts, Vinny offers a practical plan for taking control of your life, your body, and your mind.

Vinny Guadagnino was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, and comes from a traditional Italian-American family. He graduated from CUNY College of Staten Island with honors and was a political aide for a State Assemblyman before joining Jersey Shore in 2009, MTV’s top-rated series of all time. When he’s not appearing on reality and scripted television, Vinny focuses on pro-social issues. He’s a spokesman for MTV’s “A Thin Line” campaign preventing bullying; MTV’s “GYT,” Get Yourself Tested, and is a regular commentator on MTV Act, a blog that highlights young people, celebrities, and organizations that take positive social action. Additionally, he’s a spokesman for the JED foundation, working to protect the emotional health of teenagers and college students. He’s also affiliated with and lends support to the “It Gets Better Project,” GLAAD, and Dosomething.org.

Introduction: Have You Heard?

PART ONE: MY JOURNEY
The Story Behind the Story
What the Funk?
Back in the Ring
The Fight Ain't Over

PART TWO: MY TRIPLE-THREAT PROGRAM
MIND
Cool Your Ego
Get Real
Wake Up
BODY
Hit the Gym
Keep It Clean
You Gotta Breathe
SPIRIT
Give Until It Hurts
ABG—Always Be Grateful
Flip the Switch
Maintain

Epilogue: One Hundred Percent
Vinny's Reading List
Acknowledgments