Self-help ideas expand our idea of what is possible. They make us believe in our dreams and think big. 'I'm going to do this!' we say, 'I'm going to be that!' No longer will we sell ourselves short.

How do we get to the point where pursuit of the dream is our daily norm? Susan Jeffers says people see fear in totally the wrong way. Rather than an indicator that you are reaching your limits, it is a green light to keep going; if you are not feeling any fear, you may not be growing.

At the beginning of the book, Jeffers sets out a number of 'fear truths'. The most profound is number five:

Pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness .

In other words, those who never take any risks ironically live with a dread of something going wrong. They seek security above all else, but the effect is chronic insecurity. It is actually easier (and infinitely more life-fulfilling), to try new things. The decision to incorporate more challenge into your life brings a feeling of security because you know you can tackle anything.

This type of straightforward insight is typical of Feel The Fear. It has an empathy that makes you feel you're not alone, crucial given the sense of isolation that fear causes. And there is a lightness of touch to the writing that invigorates as you get into it.

Embarrassed to buy a self-help book? Feel the fear and walk up to the counter anyway...