Susan Jeffers

Susan Jeffers (1938-2012) was an American psychologist and self-help author best known for her bestselling book "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway," published in 1987. The book has been translated into over 35 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. As a pioneer in the field of personal development, Jeffers earned her doctorate in psychology from Columbia University and went on to teach at The New School for Social Research and Floating Hospital in New York. Her work focused primarily on overcoming fear, building self-confidence, and developing emotional resilience. Throughout her career, Jeffers authored 18 books including "End the Struggle and Dance with Life," "The Little Book of Confidence," and "Life is Huge: Laughing, Loving and Learning from it All." Her writing emphasized practical techniques for transforming fear into power and addressing universal human concerns about decision-making, relationships, and personal growth. Beyond her writing, Jeffers established herself as a public speaker and workshop leader, conducting seminars for both corporate and general audiences. Her concepts have been incorporated into various therapeutic and coaching approaches, particularly her framework for understanding and managing fear.

Readers connect strongly with Jeffers' direct, conversational writing style in "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway," citing specific exercises and actionable steps for managing anxiety. Many readers report returning to her books multiple times during difficult life transitions. What readers liked: - Clear, practical techniques for handling fear - Personal anecdotes that demonstrate concepts - Step-by-step exercises for building confidence - Focus on taking action despite uncertainty What readers disliked: - Repetitive content across multiple books - Some concepts seen as oversimplified - Religious/spiritual references alienate some readers - Later works perceived as less original Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Feel the Fear": 4.1/5 (40,000+ ratings) Amazon: "Feel the Fear": 4.6/5 (2,800+ reviews) "End the Struggle": 4.4/5 (300+ reviews) One reader noted: "Her no-nonsense approach helped me make decisions I'd been avoiding for years." Another criticized: "The constant mantras and affirmations felt superficial compared to deeper psychological work."

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway (1987) An examination of fear-based thinking patterns and methods to overcome anxiety through specific action steps.

Embracing Uncertainty (2003) A guide to handling life's unpredictable nature and finding stability during changeable times.

End the Struggle and Dance with Life (1996) An exploration of converting negative thinking into acceptance and finding meaning in difficult circumstances.

Feel the Fear and Beyond (1998) A companion workbook providing exercises and practical applications of the principles from Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.

Opening Our Hearts to Men (1989) An analysis of male-female relationships and communication patterns in both personal and professional contexts.

I Can Handle It (1985) A children's book teaching young readers about self-reliance and confidence.

The Little Book of Confidence (1999) A condensed collection of techniques for building self-assurance and overcoming self-doubt.

I'm Okay, You're a Brat (2001) An examination of the challenges of parenting and maintaining personal identity while raising children.

Life is Huge! (2005) A compilation of essays addressing various life challenges and personal growth opportunities.

The Feel the Fear Guide to Lasting Love (2005) An application of fear-management principles to romantic relationships and marriage.

Brené Brown writes about facing fear, shame, and vulnerability to build courage and resilience. Her research-based approach explores how to overcome self-doubt and develop authentic connections.

Louise Hay focuses on self-healing and positive thought patterns to transform limiting beliefs. Her work emphasizes affirmations and mental techniques for personal growth.

Wayne Dyer examines how to overcome self-imposed limitations and take control of one's life circumstances. His philosophy combines psychological principles with practical methods for changing thought patterns.

Pema Chödrön teaches Buddhist concepts for dealing with fear, uncertainty, and difficult emotions. Her work provides meditation techniques and mindfulness practices for facing life's challenges.

Byron Katie developed a method of self-inquiry to question stressful thoughts and beliefs. Her approach helps readers identify and work through mental barriers that create fear and anxiety.