The Success Trap

"Even for those not blessed with a grounding dose of self-doubt, the career success that seems for a while only to breed success can suddenly also bring burnout, a loss of the creative urge or a reluctance to strike out in new directions. By helping you through this high-achiever paradox, Amina Aitsi-Selmi can show you how to rekindle that sense of true purpose that gets the best out of you and all those who work around you." * Edwina Moreton OBE, former Diplomatic Editor, The Economist *
"As a society and as individuals we should want more from our working lives. Amina Aitsi-Selmi's insights, gathered from many years of coaching, help us understand why we accept less than we should and how we might go about making our work an integral part of living the best life we can." * Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive, The RSA *
"The Success Trap is a superb guide on how to overcome fear and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit within all of us. The principles in this book enable you to navigate career choices, discover passions and make the impossible possible. Learn to overcome the self-doubt plaguing your mind and listen to the maddening little voice in your head that says, 'What's really stopping me? Why wait for others to capitalize on my idea?' Only then can you begin your first steps towards making your dreams come true." * Michael Zhou, CEO, Living Sky Technologies, and Co-founder, Alibaba *
"Thanks to the fear of change, it can be agonizing for high achievers to move on from 'good' jobs that no longer feel fulfilling: it means choosing uncertainty and growth over the illusion of safety. But it's the path to a life of greater meaning and joy - and in this wise and generous book, Amina Aitsi-Selmi provides all the encouragement and practical guidance required for making the shift." * Oliver Burkeman, writer at The Guardian, and author, The Antidote: Happiness for people who can't stand positive thinking *
"Long-term achievement means finding long-term behaviours that will deliver success. Amina Aitsi-Selmi's considered thoughts start with science to embrace her extensive coaching experience. If you want to change your life, you need to change yourself, and this book will show you how." * Professor Michael Mainelli, Alderman and Sheriff of the City of London *
"I believe this book provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can all engage to work together to provide a better future in a volatile, uncertain and complex time." * Professor Virginia Murray FRCP, FRCPath, FFPH, FFOM, Head of Global Disaster Risk Reduction, Public Health England *
"Success and happiness are not the same thing. Yet despite this, many people stay in superficially successful but deeply unfulfilling jobs that they don't like. Aitsi-Selmi addresses this paradox, writing with compassion and insight into the modern world of work. Everyone who has ever worried about whether they are happy at work will find something valuable in this book, which provides an eminently practical approach to escaping the Success Trap and living a happier and more fulfilled life." * Professor Geraint Rees FMedSci, UCL Pro-Vice-Provost (AI), and Dean, UCL Faculty of Life Sciences *
"In a time of high uncertainty, we have to rethink how we approach our life and our careers. The Success Trap provides valuable insights into how we can all make smart and aligned career (and life) choices in a fast-changing world." * Dr Christian Busch, author, The Serendipity Mindset, and Director, CGA Global Economy Program, New York University *
"This is a timely and much needed book, especially now that the old world of work is being recalibrated and new ways of working are emerging. Toxic workplaces will not be able to survive and many people will want to break free to work at humane workplaces or work for themselves. I warmly welcome this book." * Professor Vlatka Hlupic, author, The Management Shift and Humane Capital *
"Amina Aitsi-Selmi has written a timely, deep and practical book. The illusion of stability and predictability is disappearing fast. We will all make many career choices in our lives. She explains how to make those choices by uncovering your individual answers to four fundamental questions: who are you, what do you value, what do you want and what do you love? Answering these questions, and breaking habits of thought and behaviour, creates freedom and awareness. You travel beyond fear of change or goal addiction to work that is fulfilling and meaningful, and Amina is your wise guide." * Dr Stephen Burt, Leadership Coach, and author, The Art of Listening in Coaching and Mentoring *