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.

Russ Harris is a physician and therapist specializing in stress management. He is the author of The Happiness Trap, the acclaimed guide to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Born and educated in England, he lives in Australia.