“Did I sound stupid?” “Should I have sent that email?” “How do I look?” Many of us spend a lot of time feeling self-conscious and comparing ourselves to others. Why do we judge ourselves so relentlessly? Why do we strive so hard to be special or successful, or to avoid feeling rejected? When psychologist and mindfulness expert Dr. Ronald Siegel realized that he, as well as most of his clients, was caught in a cycle of endless self-evaluation, he decided to do something about it. In this engaging, empowering guide, he sheds light on this very human habit—and explains how to break it. Through illuminating exercises drawn from both contemporary science and ancient traditions, along with moving, often funny stories, Dr. Siegel invites readers to stop obsessing so much about how they measure up. Instead, by accepting the extraordinary gift of being ordinary, we can build stronger connections with others, get more joy out of life, and taste the wonderful freedom of everything no longer being all about us.