Dimensions
216 x 148 x 18mm
Achilles was the Greek hero of the Trojan Wars, a warrior who seemed invincible and won every battle - surely not a man to doubt his own competence? Yet Achilles, like us mere mortals, had a fatal flaw. The story goes that as a baby, his mother dipped him in the river Styx so its waters would render him immortal. The only part of him to remain untouched was his heel: this was the place where he could be fatally injured, if only others could see through the deception to his fatal, hidden flaw. The rest, as they say, is history . . .
This book is full of illuminating examples of those who suffer from such 'pseudo-competency'. It presents practical solutions to the problem of closing the yawning gap between people's own (low) assessment of themselves and others' (high) opinion of them in a particular field. Chapters deal with 'Achilles' at work, in love, as a parent and - one of the most intriguing cases - as an artist (painter, writer, musician - all types of 'creative block' are examined here). This is a fascinating study of the mechanics of self-doubt - and, more important, a powerful tonic for curing the crippling anxiety and stress caused by it.
