Specifically addresses the imposter syndrome (though concepts/strategies are similar to other self-help books about self-doubt and fear). A step-by-step guide to help you understand and overcome the imposter syndrome.
Pros:
Hibberd writes in a friendly, relatable, easy-to-understand way. She's relatively structured in that in every chapter, she tells you what you’ll be learning and what exercises or reflections to attempt. So despite the topic, it's a relatively easy read.

Cons:
1. It extremely repetitive.
2. While the chapters are structured, her thought process or content flow isn't always as structured. There are so many similar diagrams and flow charts (all seeming to say more of less the same thing) that I spent quite some time trying to figure out why she's showing them. And only got confused because there's no clear pattern or consistency (doesn't help that she uses certain words interchangeably and doesn't stick to 1 key framework)
3. I’d have liked much more research backing than just her saying “in all my years as a psychologist...." OK, there was SOME background data, but far from what I'd expect from a book like this

What it covers:
• What’s the Imposter Syndrome, where it comes from, and how it works, and the associated beliefs and responses (e.g. overworking and avoidance).
• How your underlying beliefs and coping strategies may reinforce one another to create a self-fulfilling prophecy and a vicious cycle; and
• How out to replace old/unhelpful beliefs with new/helpful ones. Learn specific strategies to tackle each of the elements perpetuating the imposter syndrome (e.g. secrecy, fear of failure, self-criticism, self-doubt, perfectionism, discounting positives, magnifying negatives) and start to shift your thinking and approach.

Book summary at: https://readingraphics.com/book-summary-the-imposter-cure/ ( )

Many people stroll through life feeling like they don’t deserve the good life that they have. They feel like an imposter and may expressly label themselves as such. When they receive compliments or praise, they reflexively deflect them by explaining that they were just lucky or that they have good helpers. Some explain that this was only due to their religion or family. Unfortunately, these statements tend to minimize one’s own appreciation of the talent and hard work that led to the accomplishment. A reply of “thanks” might be more appropriate.

In this work, Hibberd, an English psychotherapist, labels these and other behaviors as “Imposter Syndrome” and offers readers an opportunity to up their game. She really wants us to believe in ourselves instead of putting ourselves down. She seeks a reality-based approach instead of one where people denigrate their own accomplishments – and, in the long run, themselves.

Often, unintentionally, those who suffer from imposter syndrome tend to focus on minor details instead of the bigger picture. Or they procrastinate to avoid feeling defeated by their work. Or they overwork instead of embracing the rich life that their success offers. She offers so many examples with such detail that it’s hard not to identify with these feelings to some degree. In truth, as humans, we all feel like imposters sometimes.

The biggest weakness in this work is that it does not address how to help friends, co-workers, and family overcome these traits. Most of her findings are based on one-on-one therapy sessions. I’m really curious how to deal with this socially in the context of relationships besides psychotherapy. I’d love to learn how to help those around me embrace their life with the utmost passion.

This book directly addresses those seeking self-help through a book instead of relying on a counselor. However, this topic extends much deeper than that into topics like organizational leadership. Getting people to believe in themselves is not the privy of counselors but of those seeking to help people make the most of the life they live. Unfortunately, Hibberd’s approach neglects these opportunities. I’d really like to read a deeper dive with an exploration of wider implications. ( )