You've Got This: Seven Steps to a Life You Love

by Michaela Dunbar

From a rising clinical psychologist and founder of Instagram’s @myeasytherapy, an accessible, life-enhancing guide to re-framing self-doubt and negative thought patterns to unlock your potential

We all experience self-doubt and anxiety at certain points throughout our lives, some of us more often and more intensely than others. Anxiety is an emotion, a chemical reaction, and a fundamental part of being human. It can help us to stay alert and focused, spur us to action, and motivate us to solve problems. But left unchecked, it can have the opposite effect, holding us back and preventing us from living the lives we want.

In You’ve Got This, Dr. Michaela Dunbar introduces the program she’s developed after years of helping ambitious women master their anxiety and overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Dr. Michaela has identified the seven key ways high-functioning anxiety can manifest in our lives, from people-pleasing to becoming overwhelmed to the obsession with perfectionism, and shows us how to transform negative thoughts and paralyzing emotions into positive action. Dr. Michaela’s goal is to help you struggle less and thrive more. Instead of succumbing to self-doubt, Dr. Michaela teaches you how to set boundaries, avoid burnout, and free yourself from the traps of overthinking. Accessible, inclusive, and deeply informative, You’ve Got This is for anyone who wants to let go of limiting beliefs, overthinking, and anxiety, and learn to step confidently into a life they'll love.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology

224 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Excellent book. The author has a wonderful way of making complex ideas really accessible. Love the use of analogies and examples. I listened to the audiobook and really appreciated the high level of motivation that the author creates just by reading the book herself. It's very engaging.

I found myself wanting to make notes in the margins, so I'm definitely getting the paper copy and reading it again.

[Lindsay Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is officially my favorite self help book. It was not dry like every other one. Instead, it balanced humor and serious in a fun and engaging way. I like all the reflections and exercises.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up on the recommendation of a friend. It was good but not new information for me. But it’s written by a clinical psychologist and addresses self-doubt, anxiety, thoughts, emotions, being an HSP, etc. Good concise info for people that are looking to learn more about things.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I am not the sort of person who reads many self-help books. In fact, I don't think I ever actually have. But I found this book a few months ago and thought to myself "I'll read it eventually". Now that its the end of the year, and I'm looking to wrap up with a few more books, I thought now was the time. In fact, this couldn't have been a more perfect book to be one of the last few I read for the year 2023. I feel so seen after reading this, like when you tell a friend "read me for filth".

Some of the chapter topics may seem jarring by name, like when Dr. Dunbar refers to PTSD or trauma, but how she breaks it down is great. She shows us how even the littlest of things in life are forms of trauma that set things into motion for the rest of our life. She really helps you unpack things that either you consciously have suppressed or have never even considered/thought about. For example, one of my biggest take aways was about the idea of "burnout". I couldn't have agreed more, and now it has broadened my mind. There are a few case studies throughout the book in each of the different chapters, and I found those really impactful. A real-life-like situation that I could look at and say "Hey I've been there before" or "Hey maybe that's how I was feeling in a not-so similar scenario, but the sentiments are". Another thing I appreciated about Michaela's writing was it was to the point. She did not over emphasize or explain sections unnecessarily. Everything was also paced and placed so well within the context of the book. Very much appreciate that for someone new to this genre.

At times Dr. Dunbar references this for being about women, but it isn't just about empowering women. I feel I am still able to adapt Michaela's tips to my life, being a man. She's empowering all of us more than to just say "You've got this". I highly recommend, because I am likely going to need to do a re-read of this already so I can fill in some of the sections that are like a workbook. Have I mentioned how cute the interior is? I love these little and big illustrations throughout.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the terms “healing from trauma,” “imposter syndrome,” “boundaries,” and “neuroplasticity” are everywhere you look these days, they’re too often handled with clinical gloves- making them sterile and unapproachable. If you’re interested in learning more about them from an approachable source, Michaela Dunbar is the perfect answer.

This book flew by for me. The only reason I didn’t read straight through is because I kept pausing to complete the helpful journaling ideas presented throughout. While she has the credentials (she’s a successful clinical psychologist) to back up her words, she’s also more than willing to share life experiences to keep it real. Dr. Dunbar’s tone is warm, friendly, and empowering.

I hope this book opens up a broader audience to her work. I’ll definitely be taking her advice, and looking forward to more!

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Wave and Harper Business, and Dr. Dunbar for granting access to a digital ARC in exchange for review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've Got This was an inspiring book. Dr. Michaela Dunbar has developed a program after years of helping ambitious women master their struggles with anxiety and shares ways to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. The seven key ways she identifies anxiety's manifestation in our lives are fascinating and eye opening. I was surprised by how many things I personally identified with. Throughout the book there were reflective prompts to help the reader establish boundaries to live better balanced lives free from burnout and overthinking cycles. I came away from the book with a better understanding of anxiety in general and the work I need to do to lead a more confident and self-positive life.

[Lovely Loveday]

You've Got This is a comprehensive guide to achieving a fulfilling life in just seven steps. As a highly accomplished clinical psychologist, Dr. Dunbar's expertise is evident throughout the book. What sets her apart is her willingness to share her own life experiences, making the content relatable and authentic. Dr. Dunbar's writing is warm, friendly, and empowering. She provides practical advice and actionable steps that readers can implement immediately. Her approach is grounded in research and proven techniques, but she presents the information in a way that is easy to understand and apply.

[Ala · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and encouraging read, feels as if it was particularly aimed at young women. Dunbar’s empowering message of self-belief resonates with many readers, as evidenced by the positive reviews.
While the book offers some helpful advice and a positive outlook, it can feel somewhat self-indulgent at times. The personal anecdotes, while relatable, occasionally overshadow the practical advice.
Despite this, the core message of self-empowerment is strong and can inspire some readers to take control of their lives.

[Jessica Jang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book that would be very motivational for any woman I know. I'm grateful I was able to read it. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on anxiety and overthinking. I also liked how she talked about how we often compare ourselves, I know I do, and we have no idea what is happening behind the scenes.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for this advanced listening copy for an honest review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is kick ass excellent. I wish it was available in my 20’s, but at age 65 when I’m working on a more fulfilling life- this book is wonderful. I want to be strong and healthy for my senior years and the mind can’t be neglected in that pursuit. I feel like I’m working with a therapist who really gets it and cares about people finding fulfillment in life. Anyway got the book at the library and just bought a hard cover to keep by my bedside.

[Emily Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was super easy to read and came off very genuine. I really connected with some of the topics the author was discussing. She helped me to connect things in my life that I didn’t know were actually describable with what she was helping the reader with. I loved the advice in this book and will definitely try to implement what I have learned from now on!

[Mum With A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a great book written by an actual psychologist and without all the technical jargon. It is very easy to follow and love the examples and analogies. It was colourful and engaging. I'm in my late 30s, and I'm definitely looking to feel more free and stop pleasing others. It will be hard, but this has really got me thinking and will be helpful.

[Lexie Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I feel validated and seen/heard. This is the right self-help book I need to boost my confidence and decrease my self-doubt. I am constantly trying to better myself, but lately my doubt has been a deterrent. Insert Dr. Michaela’s book. I feel like this book has helped me a lot. Now it’s time to implement everything she has taught me.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some very good, generic advice in here about handling people and yourself that definitely spoke to me, but it's still very generic. Though it seemed sometimes like the solution to an internal struggle was too often breathe and/or meditate, which I found a little frustrating. May have to read again to reabsorb some of it. 3***1/2

[Grace Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! I recently bought her toolkit online too. It was listening to a friend!

[Kristen Cremer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this! I felt like it jumped around sometimes but it was an easy read and I’ll probably read it again

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t revolutionary with new ideas but it was really nice to read ideas that I have since forgotten about.

[Julia Chilver · Rating 4 out of 5]

All self help books are annoying because they tell you some kind of truth. This one is no exception.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible read, in plain language, has great tips on how to live your best life

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

5th audiobook