The Confidence Gap

A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

By: Russ Harris, Steven Hayes PhD - foreword

Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm

Too many of us miss out on opportunities in life because we lack self-confidence. Whether it's public speaking, taking on a leadership role, or asking someone for a date, there are situations in which we just don't feel equipped to handle the challenges we face. Russ Harris offers a surprising solution to low self-confidence, shyness, and insecurity: Rather than trying to "get over" our fears, he says, the secret is to form a new and wiser relationship with them. Paradoxically, it's only when we stop struggling against our fearfulness that we begin to find lasting freedom from it. Drawing on the techniques of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a cutting-edge form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, The Confidence Gap explains how to: Free yourself from common misconceptions about what confidence is and how to build it; transform your relationship with fear and anxiety; clarify your core values and use them as your inspiration and motivation; use mindfulness to effectively handle negative thoughts and feelings.

©2011 Russ Harris (P)2014 Audible Inc.

What I needed

The world is full of advice on boosting confidence, and most of it is crap. This book lays out the reasons why and replaces the crappy rules with ones to live by. I'm going to read it at least once again. Already, I have been living by what I've learned from this book and it's really helped. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who's ever struggled with motivation, discipline, or confidence.

Enjoyed listening but...

There were several instances where writing/list making was asked of the listener. This was difficult to do while driving,etc. I felt like I was losing out on part of the learning experience.

Fear is my new best friend

The Confidence Gap's narrative, voice and style are unorthodoxically helpful. From someone who has a library full of self-help books and motivational tools, this was by far, the most helpful book I've read. Struggled about 1 year to finish it but it was well worth it. Hooked, trampled and lost in the tyrannical dictatorship of self-judgements & self-justifications, I came to start acting on ACT. 1year later, Diffusion and Expansion have paved the way to a successful, meaningful life.
Start the book, and even if you stopped for a few days, months, years, come back to it again. Unhook yourself, give yourself the chance to win

This is the most practical book on anxiety

I've read a ton about anxiety. This book is the most practical approach I've come across. There is a subtle repeating of all the concepts over and over but it makes for a great lazy read. It could have been way shorter but In the end I think the authors approach to this subject is the most thought out and well refined.

Good book well worth keeping in your library

Good book.

The style is a bit on the dry side, but there is great information with good tips, tools and methodologies.

Great Book

This was really good . And I never leave reviews. Just felt a strong urge after listening.

Exceptionally Good

The narrator was on point and the content even more so. Quite good, highly recommended!

Interesting ideas on new ways to confront issues

Focuses on putting your feelings in perspective and the fact that they are just thoughts. Emphasizes that confident actions will come before confident thoughts.

I don't need anymore personal self help books.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. This book was wonderful. It really gives practical solutions and peace of mind for dealing with a nutty dysfunctional brain.

What other book might you compare The Confidence Gap to and why?

I really loved the Miracle of Self Discipline by Brian Tracy. It had a lot of good tips and motivation, but Russ' book was much easier. I read it three months ago, and along with "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up' it has caused me to really turn my life in a different direction.

What does Graeme Malcolm bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Love the accent

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Yes Brain, I hear you and thank you for your input."

substance,

so worth it. it's like having a therapist for $20 basically. helpful tactics, really quality material. go buy it.