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    The Confidence Gap

    A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

    Author Russ Harris
    Foreword by Steven Hayes, PhD
    Paperback
    $16.95 US
    Shambhala | Trumpeter
    On sale Sep 13, 2011 | 272 Pages | 9781590309230
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    Too many of us miss out on opportunities in life because we lack self-confidence. Whether it involves public speaking, taking on a leadership role, or starting a relationship, we often don’t feel equipped to handle new challenges.

    Most confidence-building strategies –such as affirmations and positive self-talk –help us only in the short term, if at all. Russ Harris offers a surprising and revolutionary solution to low self-confidence, shyness, and insecurity. Rather than trying to vanquish our fears, the secret is actually 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.

    The Confidence Gap draws on proven mindfulness-based techniques and on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to provide a long-term solution. (ACT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health problems.) Harris combines key insights, anecdotes, and exercises, along with humor and playfulness, to show readers how to overcome self-defeating patterns and get more out of life.
    Dr. Russ Harris is a physician, therapist, and speaker specializing in stress management. He travels nationally and internationally to train individuals and health professionals in the techniques of ACT. Born and educated in England, he now lives in Australia. For more information, visit actmindfully.com.au.
    Russ Harris View titles by Russ Harris
    “This book could save you years of psychological struggle, yank you out of negative emotional patterns, and help propel you to a much happier, more productive life.”
    —Martha Beck, author of Finding Your Own North Star

    “An exciting alternative to the usual approach of so many self-help books. Harris explains how we can work with ourselves as we are, rather than aggressively trying to alter ourselves. I’m impressed by the simple and effective methods of ACT.”
    —David Richo, PhD, author of How to Be an Adult in Relationships

    “One of the most hopeful (and helpful) messages we can take away from this book is this: we can learn to do the things that matter, even when our minds say it’s not possible.”
    —Spirituality & Health

    About

    Too many of us miss out on opportunities in life because we lack self-confidence. Whether it involves public speaking, taking on a leadership role, or starting a relationship, we often don’t feel equipped to handle new challenges.

    Most confidence-building strategies –such as affirmations and positive self-talk –help us only in the short term, if at all. Russ Harris offers a surprising and revolutionary solution to low self-confidence, shyness, and insecurity. Rather than trying to vanquish our fears, the secret is actually 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.

    The Confidence Gap draws on proven mindfulness-based techniques and on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to provide a long-term solution. (ACT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health problems.) Harris combines key insights, anecdotes, and exercises, along with humor and playfulness, to show readers how to overcome self-defeating patterns and get more out of life.

    Author

    Dr. Russ Harris is a physician, therapist, and speaker specializing in stress management. He travels nationally and internationally to train individuals and health professionals in the techniques of ACT. Born and educated in England, he now lives in Australia. For more information, visit actmindfully.com.au.
    Russ Harris View titles by Russ Harris

    Praise

    “This book could save you years of psychological struggle, yank you out of negative emotional patterns, and help propel you to a much happier, more productive life.”
    —Martha Beck, author of Finding Your Own North Star

    “An exciting alternative to the usual approach of so many self-help books. Harris explains how we can work with ourselves as we are, rather than aggressively trying to alter ourselves. I’m impressed by the simple and effective methods of ACT.”
    —David Richo, PhD, author of How to Be an Adult in Relationships

    “One of the most hopeful (and helpful) messages we can take away from this book is this: we can learn to do the things that matter, even when our minds say it’s not possible.”
    —Spirituality & Health

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