Playing Big

Playing Big is a practical guide for women who want to overcome self-doubt and make a larger impact in their work and lives. Author Tara Mohr presents research-based strategies and tools to help women recognize and move past the internal barriers holding them back. The book outlines specific techniques for managing fear, identifying one's inner critic, and cultivating a more powerful communication style. Mohr draws from her experience as a leadership coach and includes real examples from women who have transformed their careers and influence. Through a combination of psychological insights and actionable steps, the book addresses common challenges faced by women in professional settings. The framework includes methods for finding mentors, developing presence, and navigating workplace dynamics. This work speaks to the broader cultural conversation about gender, power, and authentic leadership in modern institutions. The core message centers on helping women access their own wisdom and authority rather than waiting for external permission or validation.

Readers describe this as a practical guide for women struggling with self-doubt in their careers and personal lives. Many highlight the actionable exercises, particularly the "inner mentor" visualization and techniques for handling criticism. Positive feedback focuses on: - Concrete strategies for recognizing and changing self-sabotaging behaviors - Relatable examples and case studies - Tools for overcoming perfectionism and imposter syndrome Common criticisms: - Content feels repetitive of other self-help books - Too focused on corporate/professional settings - Some find the spiritual/meditation elements off-putting - Several note it could be condensed into a shorter format Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,100+ ratings) One reader noted: "The journaling prompts helped me identify patterns I'd never noticed before." Another stated: "Good concepts but takes too long to get to the point - could have been a blog post."

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert A guide for releasing creative blocks, confronting fears, and pursuing meaningful work through personal stories and practical exercises.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle A blueprint for women to break free from societal expectations and embrace their authentic selves through personal transformation.

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron A step-by-step program to recover creative confidence through daily writing practices and creative exercises.

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Research-based strategies for developing courage, embracing vulnerability, and overcoming shame in professional and personal life.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown A roadmap for cultivating self-worth and embracing imperfections through research-based practices and personal development tools.

🌟 Author Tara Mohr developed the "Playing Big" leadership program before writing the book, working with over 1,000 women to refine and test her concepts 📚 The book's core concept of the "inner critic" was influenced by Buddhist psychology and the idea of multiple "selves" within each person 💫 The term "playing big" came from Mohr's observation that many accomplished women were still playing small relative to their true potential, regardless of their external success 🎓 Mohr holds an MBA from Stanford Business School and a BA from Yale, but credits her background in poetry and spirituality as equally important influences on her work 🌱 The book's "inner mentor" visualization exercise was inspired by Jewish mystical traditions, particularly the concept of connecting with one's future, wiser self