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Here’s a refined summary of Stop Fear From Stopping You: The Art and Science of Becoming Fear‑Wise by Dr. Helen Odessky:
📘 Overview
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Authored by licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist Helen Odessky, drawing on over 15 years of professional experience (books.google.com).
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Published in November 2020 (paperback) and February 2021 (audio/CD) as part of the "What’s Stopping You?" self‑help series (amazon.com).
🔍 Key Concepts
1. Good Fear vs. Bad Fear
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Good fear is protective and adaptive (e.g., instinctively pulling over before a truck crash) (reallifecounseling.us).
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Bad fear, on the other hand, silently sabotages our goals, relationships, and dreams by fueling limiting stories (books.google.com).
2. Becoming “Fear‑Wise”
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Not about being fearless—it's about embracing fear as a signal, and learning how to manage it effectively through evidence‑based tools (books.google.com).
3. Practical Framework
Odessky offers a structured approach to managing fear, guiding readers to:
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Identify what they fear most.
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Apply practical psychological tools.
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Build actions aligned with their core values.
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Shift their relationship with fear to be “fear‑wise” rather than fearful (mangopublishinggroup.com, amazon.com).
✨ Real-World Impact & Praise
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Concise and relatable: readers say it "reads like talking to a very good friend" (amazon.com).
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Includes “Fear‑Wise” exercises that are practical and motivating—great for addressing fears of public speaking, rejection, decision-making, etc. (amazon.ca).
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Dr. John Duffy (author) endorses it for its calming, confidence‑boosting effect .
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Particularly useful for people looking for actionable steps rooted in psychology rather than abstract motivation.
👍 Who This Book Is For
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Anyone wanting to act courageously despite fear—be it in career, relationships, health, or personal ambitions.
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Readers of Feeling Good, Daring Greatly, or Fearless will find this book aligns well with that genre (books.google.com).
▶️ Listen Instead?
There’s also an audio CD version (released February 2021) if you prefer listening or want to revisit key sections aloud (amazon.com).
📺 Video Highlight
Dr. Odessky discusses how to tame fear during stressful events (like holiday anxiety)—take a look here:
Stop Fear From Stopping You: The Art and Science of Becoming Fear‑Wise (interview)
✅ Bottom Line
Stop Fear From Stopping You offers a compassionate, structured, and practical guide to understanding and living with fear—empowering, not minimising, it. It’s ideal for anyone ready to reclaim control and live according to their values, rather than being governed by fear.
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Here are some powerful quotes from Stop Fear From Stopping You: The Art and Science of Becoming Fear‑Wise:
🗣️ From Dr. John Duffy (in the book’s foreword):
“Join the thousands of others her words have helped and decide to take control. Start today. Start now.” (amazon.com)
This quote captures the book’s urgency and empowering tone—encouraging readers to take action immediately.
🛡️ On the purpose of fear:
“Because fear is complex, we cannot afford merely to be fearless. Just ‘letting go’ is not the answer. The real solution lies in learning to become fear‑wise.” (amazon.com)
Here, Odessky reframes fear not as something to be eradicated but as a guide to be understood and managed wisely.
🧠 Defining “bad fear”:
“Bad fear creates stories that cushion us from potential pain and failure—at the cost of our self‑esteem, success, and personal happiness.” (amazon.com)
This speaks to how fear can sabotage us quietly by weaving narratives that hold us back.
🚗 A real-life “good fear” moment:
“A few years ago…she feared that if another car hit them, her daughter’s life would be in danger. A few minutes after retreating…an 18-wheeler barreled into her car and demolished it. Her fear saved both her daughter’s life and her own.” (amazon.com)
An example of adaptive, life-saving fear in action.
📚 Summary of the “fear-wise” process:
“Identify the fears that stand between you and your goals
Develop tools to overcome fears
Develop a value‑based plan to pursue your goals
Change your relationship with fear and learn to become fear‑wise.” (amazon.com)
A clear, step‑by‑step roadmap straight from the author.
Would you like more quotes—perhaps from the exercises or reflections sections? Just say the word!
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