Author

Russ Harris

16 key ideas across 2 books, each explained in our own words.

The Confidence Gap

IDEA 1
Confidence feelings come after action
Harris, a therapist using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, argues that people often wait to feel confident before acting. He suggests the reverse: take actions of confidence first, and the feelings of confidence come later.
IDEA 2
Fear is normal in growth
Harris explains that fear appears whenever we step outside our comfort zone. Instead of trying to get rid of fear, we can learn to act alongside it. Harris presents this as a normal part of trying anything new.
IDEA 3
The confidence gap holds people back
Harris describes the confidence gap as the space between where we are and where we want to be. People often stay stuck because they wait for fear to disappear. Harris suggests that waiting for fear to go away can keep us stuck for years.

IDEA 1
Chasing happiness can trap us
Harris argues that the common pursuit of constant happiness can make people miserable. Trying hard to avoid unpleasant feelings often increases them, creating what he calls the happiness trap. His approach is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
IDEA 2
Common myths about happiness
Harris challenges ideas such as happiness being our natural state or that negative feelings mean something is wrong. He suggests that painful emotions are a normal part of a full life.
IDEA 3
Switch off the struggle
Harris describes a struggle switch: when it is on, we fight our feelings and they grow. Turning it off, by allowing feelings to be there, reduces the extra suffering caused by fighting them.

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