Ending the Struggle Against Yourself: A Workbook for Developing Deep Confidence and Self-Acceptance

by Stan Taubman

Book Overview

The mantra of self-esteem has by now reached us all: we hear that we should focus on our positive aspects and discover our hidden potential for greatness. Unfortunately, however, we live in the real... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874777631
• ISBN13: 9780874777635
• Release Date: October 1994
• Publisher: Tarcherperigee
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

what a book!

I am just about to complete this book and I can unequivocally say that it has had an absolutely huge impact on my life. I have grown in confidence and boosting my confidence was the reason for buying the book. Along with this, I have become far less self critical which is a key to becoming at ease with yourself. I dont judge people as much as I used to, and I now understand that dealing with insecurities can improve your life tremendously. I could list many more benefits but I will keep it to the above. There is a lot of writing to do and at times you will feel like you are back at school, however dont rush, if the book takes a year to get through, be content in that the benefits will last a lifetime.

A Different Approach

Stan's book takes a different approach in self help. The approach recognizes inner experiences and puts words to them in a unique way. Stan's wording of those innner experiences awakens something within that stirs slightly when reading. The gift is that whatever stirs continues to process and gain momentum when the book has been put away. There is a sacredness about that process. One of the outcomes from initiating that process is that the self recognizes it and gives thanks. The "thanks" manifest in an ease of being. When reading his book I was awed at the commonality of the lack of integrity and confidence across people. It was as if those issues were taken "out of the closet." This is not a book of directions to find answers. This is a book that serves as a catalyst for a process that results in being really satisfied with your self, no matter what consequences may result from external events. I have recommended this book to family, friends, colleagues, and clients. It is an amazingly "invisible" process that happens by simply reading. I feel content and happy in a way I'd previously only wished for. I've lost the anxiety worrying about what others might think or respond. I've lost the anxiety that came from trying to "fit in" or be the "right way" and gained an ease of being. It may sound trite, yet it is true, The Struggle is over.

A Masterpiece for Learning to Accept Yourself

If you are one that has struggled with self confidence issues and have always looked for acceptance/approval from other people or you find yourself alienated from others because you are unhappy, then this book is for you. I have bought many self help books and will admit to being a skeptic before I read the book. However, once I started doing the exercises and keeping a journal, I immediately began to learn more about myself and discovered why I have struggled with self confidence for so long. There are great exercises here that help you look back at specific events in your childhood and perhaps discover the root of your confidence issues. I was also glad to find that the author does not assume everyone that has confidence problems grew up in an environment with alcohol or physical abuse. He uses all kinds of examples that can help anyone consult their past for potential causes regardless of your background. This is a guide you can refer to over and over again.

of lasting value

I have found this book to be of lasting value and have returned to it time and again in the last five or six years when I get stuck. My first encounter with this book resulted in spending many hours over several months going through the material. Doing the exercises in this book and sticking with it for many months resulted in many positive changes in my life. I have read and looked at a lot of self-help books and find them lacking in depth or ability to effect change. Not this book. I recommend it highly.

A great book if you are willing to do the work

Taubman has created a great workbook to help uncover the inner negativity and battles we carry around. It isn't a great read. The benefits come from doing the assigned exercises. Going through the book is a long-term project (it took me more than six months), but it's worth sticking it out. This isn't a self-help fad-of-the-month title; it is a guide to a difficult and immensely rewarding journey of self-discovery.