Book Review

Moreo, Judi. You Are More than Enough: Every Woman's Guide to Purpose, Passion and Power. Stephens Press, 2007, $24.95.

A performance enhancement specialist, Moreo addresses the questions we all ask-male or female-"How do we become more successful and have a meaningful life?"

For over 25 years, Moreo has studied the habits of successful and motivated people and discusses in her new book how women should discover and release the fears that are holding them back; to think positive, ignite the spark of their creativity, overcome obstacles, and motivate themselves to set powerful goals and achieve them.

Moreo urges women to "associate for success," increase their power and influence, and build on faith in one's self through the use of imagination and visualization of the future they desire.

Although it may sound simple, indeed it is not. As a psychotherapist in private practice, I am often working with clients-men and women alike-who believe they possess the passion it takes to succeed if only they could just figure out what it is they want to do. This, I believe is the hardest piece of the puzzle. Sure there are some who know from early on what their destiny is. But there are far more of us who continue to search for that elusive passion that will move us to great things.

In her book, Moreo attempts to guide readers in discovering their inner purpose and passion, preparing us all for a more satisfying life. Her style is folksy and conversational and she includes a lot of examples of real-life stories to which readers can relate. She weaves her own experiences into her stories making the message one of help, hope and interest.

"When your self-esteem is anchored," she tells us, "you can focus on your goals and on what the other person is saying between the lines instead of taking the attack personally." An important concept to remember when communicating, it's valuable to keep in mind that we don't always say what we mean.

Some of Moreo's recurring concepts throughout You Are More than Enough include Opposite Thinking and Positive Simple Self-Talk (PSST) which manifests itself in the form of a pep rally and affirmations. Self-talk that is negative is harmful and keeps us down, and it's such an easy habit to get into. Some people come from very negative environments so it takes great effort to turn those messages around. Expose yourself to new opportunities, passions and enthusiasm, Moreo tells us.

Set goals-picture yourself living your dream

Moreo discusses 8 major areas of your life: Career, spiritual, educational, community, recreation, health, relationship and finance and poses good questions to consider and ponder. She teaches you how to set priorities, identify obstacles while learning to live in the comfort zone. Smart goals, she relates, arespecific measurable, agreed upon realistic and time-formed

 "Look forward, imagine a future of success," Moreo quotes others as saying and reaffirms for us. After all, we'll be spending the rest of our lives in the future so that might as well be the place we focus our attention.

The author talks about how to claim your power; in a nutshell, what has to happen for you to begin and be successful. A lot of it is just doing it. Most don't know just where to begin so pick anywhere, it doesn't really matter. Get started, experience what it feels like to have forward movement. Imagine you're there-Act as if.

Work on and develop your creativity, suggests Moreo. I recently read a story about a newscaster who realized during his college years that he wasn't at all creative. But he changed that by doing something about it. He began to take videos of his small children, among other things, and finally after amassing a collection, showed it around to local TV stations. Someone picked up on it and hired him! He's been involved in creative work ever since.

Although not new, Moreo's suggestions and techniques are time-honored and ones therapists use often. Believe anything is possible and that will help you get what you love. Think positively, live positively. Avoid criticism and negativity.

If you are unsure about your direction or what it is you want, try and figure out what makes you hesitate. Feel the fear, do it anyway, and learn to give up the fear.

The fear of failure and the fear of rejection are intertwined. Understanding it leads to ways to overcome it.

Moreo ends all 10 chapters will thought-provoking exercises. They will require some hard work, motivation and persistence. But they should lead to greater self-knowledge.

Applying such things as affirmations, visualization and vision-setting are also valuable tools to self-discovery.

You Are More Than Enough resembles other books with similar themes, such as Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way.

Reviewed by Susan Frissell, Ph.D.