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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Playing Big summary
Tara Mohr
Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead
17 mins
Brief summary
Playing Big by Tara Mohr is a powerful book that offers practical advice and inspiring stories to help women overcome self-doubt and fear, and pursue their passions with confidence and courage.
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Playing Big
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Confronting the inner critic
If you feel like the voice of your inner critic – the one inside your head that points out every flaw, failure, and shortcoming – is unstoppable, it’s time to think again. That voice stops a lot of people, especially women, from speaking up, taking on new challenges, or pursuing their dreams.
But your inner critic isn’t actually your enemy. It’s a protective mechanism that evolved to keep you safe from risks, judgment, and failure. When you were younger, this voice helped you fit in and avoid social isolation. Now it continues its mission by trying to keep you in your comfort zone.
To keep you safe, the inner critic speaks in absolutes. You’ll notice it using all-or-nothing words like always, never, or everyone. This means thoughts like “You always mess this up,” or “Everyone will think your idea is terrible,” or “You’ll never get it right.” This voice often sounds eerily similar to a critical parent, teacher, or authority figure from your past.
You can begin to recognize your inner critic by paying attention to those times you feel suddenly deflated about your abilities. Notice when your thinking shifts from possibilities to limitations. These are moments when your inner critic has taken control of the situation.
To quiet this voice, begin by acknowledging it. Just naming it as your inner critic, and not you, immediately reduces its power. Then, thank the voice for trying to protect you, but firmly explain that you don’t need that protection right now.
Create even more mental distance by imagining this voice belongs to a character separate from yourself. Some people visualize their inner critic as a specific person or creature, like a snarky schoolmaster or a critical cartoon chipmunk. This separation helps you see these thoughts not as truth, but as just one perspective.
Start practicing a daily, two-minute meditation in which you observe your inner critic’s thoughts without judgment. This builds your ability to recognize when the critic is speaking, instead of your wiser self.
Remember that everyone experiences the inner critic – even the most accomplished leaders. The difference isn’t whether they hear that voice, but how they respond to it. With practice, you’ll learn to hear your inner critic without letting it determine your actions. Each time you recognize and move past your inner critic’s warnings, you strengthen your ability to play bigger in everything you do.
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What is Playing Big about?
Playing Big (2014) reveals how to overcome the inner barriers that keep you playing small and offers concrete strategies for finding your voice, facing fear, and defining success on your own terms. It provides a transformative framework for stepping boldly into your potential across all areas of life, from career and leadership to community involvement and personal relationships.
Playing Big Review
Playing Big (2014) is a thought-provoking book that empowers women to overcome their self-doubt and unleash their true potential. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers practical tools and strategies for women to step into their power and navigate the challenges of the professional world.
- Through inspiring stories and insightful exercises, the book helps women identify and overcome the internal obstacles that hold them back.
- With its refreshing perspectives on self-worth and success, the book sparks courage and encourages women to embrace their voices and play big in every aspect of their lives.
Who should read Playing Big?
- Emerging leaders hesitant to claim their authority or expertise
- People-pleasers struggling with setting boundaries at work and in life
- Anyone experiencing imposter syndrome, battling self-doubt, or feeling stagnant and unfulfilled
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Playing Big FAQs
What is the main message of Playing Big?
The main message of Playing Big is to help women overcome self-doubt and embrace their inner power.
How long does it take to read Playing Big?
The reading time for Playing Big varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Playing Big a good book? Is it worth reading?
Playing Big is worth reading for women who want to step into their true potential. It offers practical strategies and empowering insights.
Who is the author of Playing Big?
Tara Mohr is the author of Playing Big.
What to read after Playing Big?
If you're wondering what to read next after Playing Big, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Flip It by Michael Heppell
- Shift by Ethan Kross
- Next Move, Best Move by Kimberly Brown
- The Shape of Things Unseen by Adam Zeman
- Smart Until It's Dumb by Emmanuel Maggiori
- Love for Imperfect Things by Haemin Sunim