Are you struggling under the weight of impossible expectations? Do you feel like you’re not good enough, smart enough, or pretty enough? Are perfectionism and self-doubt eating away at your confidence and joy? If so, Brené Brown can help. I Thought It Was Just Me shines a bright light on the common struggle we all face to be perfect in an imperfect world. Based on seven years of groundbreaking research with thousands of women from all walks of life, Brené Brown reveals the hidden epidemic of shame and its effects on our lives – robbing us of power,confidence,and connection. She teaches us how to cultivate authenticity (the courage to be ourselves), compassion (the ability to love others as they are), and authenticity (living our lives congruent with who we are). Finally she offers ideas for building resilience – freeing ourselves from shame and discovering lasting authentic happiness. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants insight into their own struggles with inadequacy as well as practical advice for overcoming them.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for individuals that are struggling under the weight of impossible expectations. Any person who feels like they’re not good enough, smart enough, or pretty enough can benfit from reading this book. Furthermore, anyone that wants to learn how to cultivate authenticity and compassion would find value in I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t).
Pros :
- This book is full of insight into the common struggle we all face to be perfect.
- The author provides practical advice for overcoming these struggles.
- This book can help readers find lasting authentic happiness.
Cons :
- It can be difficult to remain engaged in a book that is largely composed of research data
- The author occasionally interrupts her own narrative with long tangential asides
- While the overall message is powerful and important, it can feel repetitive at times.
Learn more about the author
Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past seven years studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy and is the author of two New York Times bestsellers: I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Telling the Truth about Perfectionism, Inadequacy and Powerand Daring Greatly: Howthe Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms The Way We Live, Love Parenting_unsure 3 words that describe me: courageous, vulnerable, and imperfect.
Reader Reviews
“This book is a life-changer. Brown has done an amazing job of elucidating the very real and very damaging shame that so many women experience.”
“Brené Brown is the best authority on the topic of shame that I have ever encountered. This book should be read by every human being.”
“I cannot tell you how many times I have identified with the women in this book. Brené Brown has done a superb job of elucidating and investigating what perfectionism, self-doubt, and shame do to our lives.”
“Brené Brown is the real deal. With I Thought It Was Just Me, she not only provides insightful and inspiring personal stories, but offers grounded advice on how to overcome the perfectionism and self-doubt that keep us trapped in cycles of shame.”
