I Give Myself Permission: Take Risks. Be Imperfect. Live Boldly.

by George James

What would your life look like if you gave yourself permission to dream big, take risks, and let go of what’s holding you back?

It’s not easy to take risks—especially in a world that’s quick to judge, and judge harshly. Too often, fear of failure, perfectionism, or self-doubt keeps us stuck, and afraid of making the bold choices that could lead to extraordinary opportunities. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

In I Give Myself Permission, therapist and nationally recognized speaker George James shows you how to break free from the barriers you’ve built around yourself, so you can live the life you’ve always imagined. Drawing on real-life stories, expert insights, and practical exercises, this book will teach you how

Conquer the fear and anxiety that limit your potential Build the courage to take meaningful risks Challenge the beliefs that keep you stuck Embrace your unique path and purpose This empowering guide will inspire you to move beyond the self-sabotaging beliefs that hold you back, so you can start taking charge of your life! Whether you’re ready to take a leap in your career or relationships, or challenge yourself to do the things you've always wanted to do, but thought you couldn’t, George’s compassionate advice and actionable tools will help you step boldly into the person you’re meant to be.

It’s time to stop waiting for permission from the world—and start giving it to yourself.

Genres: Self Help, Mental Health, Psychology

168 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2026

Reviews

[Nathan Jolie]

I Give Myself Permission distinguishes itself from the crowded self-help genre by doing something most books in this space fail to do: it acknowledges that culture is not a footnote to personal development — it is central to it. Where we come from, how we were raised, and the social and cultural norms we inherited fundamentally shape how we relate to ourselves and others. This book is at its strongest when it takes that seriously.

Rather than presenting a universal framework and expecting the reader to conform to it, it invites a more contextually grounded form of self-understanding — recognising that the permission many of us need to give ourselves has been complicated, and in some cases actively suppressed, by cultural conditioning that goes largely unexamined in mainstream personal development literature.

Central to the author's message is a refusal of perfectionism. The reader is not asked to arrive fully formed, but to embrace their imperfections and live boldly regardless — a far more honest and liberating proposition than the polished transformation narratives that dominate this genre.

This is a thoughtful contribution to the field. Recommended — particularly for readers who have found conventional self-help literature too narrow in its assumptions about identity and lived experience.

[Joy]

I Give Myself Permission is a powerful and grounding read. Dr. George James invites readers to slow down, reflect, and honestly examine the barriers that keep us stuck, without shame or pressure to be perfect. This book is both compassionate and practical, offering insights that encourage courage, self-awareness, and intentional growth. If you’re looking for a book that challenges you to take risks, embrace imperfection, and live more boldly, at your own pace, this is a meaningful place to start.

[Amy Jones Sehgal]

“I Give Myself Permission” is a short, highly readable and accessible book filled with thoughtful reminders and wisdom for therapists and clients alike. While easy to read, each chapter carries something profound making it a great book to read through slowly, a chapter a day or a week, and reflect on the content and prompts. It’s a book I’ll absolutely be sharing with my clients. Thank you for writing this book!

[Mariam]

Short book, with worksheets to download and fill in. They were probably the most helpful part.