Book
Hendricks G. The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level. New York: HarperOne; 2010.
Why we cite it
Introduces the "Upper Limit Problem" — the concept that people have an internal thermostat for success and happiness, and unconsciously sabotage themselves when they exceed their comfort zone. Identifies four hidden barriers that trigger self-sabotage: feeling fundamentally flawed, disloyalty/guilt about surpassing family success level, fear of outshining others, and fear that greater success brings greater burden. Proposes a framework of four zones (Incompetence, Competence, Excellence, Genius) and argues that people settle in their Zone of Excellence rather than pushing into their Zone of Genius. Not empirically validated research — a conceptual framework from clinical and coaching experience — but resonates with established constructs such as self-handicapping and fear of success.
About the author
**Gay Hendricks** — Born 1945. PhD Counseling Psychology (Stanford University, 1974). Professor, Counseling Psychology Department, University of Colorado (21 years). Co-founded The Hendricks Institute (1989) with wife Kathlyn Hendricks. Author or co-author of 40+ books including *Conscious Loving* (1989), *The Corporate Mystic* (1996), and *Five Wishes* (2007). Hendricks works in the self-help/personal growth tradition, applying counseling psychology concepts to personal development. *The Big Leap* has sold 100,000+ copies.
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