What changes when inner wisdom becomes your guiding light?
Summary
Tara Mohr’s “Playing Big” isn’t a book about “getting ahead”—it’s a rallying cry for women who are done contorting themselves to fit into spaces never built with them in mind. Instead of striving, Mohr invites us to listen—to the deeper wisdom within that already knows what’s next.
This isn’t about leaning in louder. It’s about listening harder. It’s about trusting your inner mentor over external accolades, choosing calling over approval, and recognizing that fear isn’t a red flag—it’s a companion on the path to purpose.
Tara Mohr blends research, spiritual insight, and practical tools to help women stop playing small and start owning the impact they’re meant to make. If you’ve ever dimmed your brilliance out of fear of being “too much,” this is your guide home.
Note: This summary is intended for educational purposes and to promote thoughtful discussion on leadership ethics and organizational culture.
Key Takeaways
- Inner Mentor vs. Inner Critic
Most women are trained to listen to the voice of the Inner Critic. Tara teaches you how to access and trust your Inner Mentor—the calm, wise part of you that already knows the way forward. - Callings Over Credentials
You don’t need permission or another certification to lead. Mohr reframes leadership as answering your soul’s calling—not checking external boxes. - Redefining Fear
Fear isn’t always a danger sign—it’s often a sign of growth. Tara introduces two types of fear: Pachad (panic/fear of imagined things) and Yirah (awe/fear when stepping into something bigger). - Unhooking from Praise and Criticism
Playing big means releasing your addiction to validation. Mohr explores how attachment to praise and fear of criticism dilute leadership—and how to break free. - Message Before Marketing
She encourages you to focus on clarifying and embodying your message before you worry about visibility or “promotion.” Get rooted before you amplify.
Where to Find It
- Book: Available on Amazon as well as major booksellers.
- Audiobook: Perfect for leaders on the move—listen during your commute, workout, or morning routine. Available on Audible.
- E-book: For quick, on-the-go access. "Playing Big" is available through Kindle.
Shared Resources
- Podcast Episodes
- “Finding Your Inner Mentor” With Tara Mohr (Podcast: Pulling the Thread With Elise Loehnen)
- Tara Mohr delves into the transformative practice of connecting with one's inner mentor—a wise, compassionate voice within that guides beyond the inner critic. She discusses how embracing this inner guidance can empower women to overcome self-doubt and step into their authentic leadership.
- “Tara Mohr on How to Lessen Fear and Self-doubt” (Podcast: The One You Feed)
- ​In this episode, Tara Mohr explores how to quiet the inner critic and connect with your inner mentor to overcome self-doubt and pursue your calling. She shares practical tools for identifying fear-based thinking, reframing limiting beliefs, and taking courageous action aligned with your values.
- Free Resource
- Inner Mentor Visualization – This free, guided exercise, crafted by Tara herself, was created to help you connect with your future self and anchor into clarity.
Reflection Prompts
- Quieting the Critic
- “What does my Inner Critic usually say when I’m about to lead boldly? What role has that voice played in my life—and is it still serving me?”
- Why it works: Increases awareness of the unconscious fear loops keeping you small—and gives you space to choose a new voice.
- “What does my Inner Critic usually say when I’m about to lead boldly? What role has that voice played in my life—and is it still serving me?”
- Meeting Your Mentor
- “When I imagine my wisest, calmest future self—what does she know that I’ve forgotten? What is she encouraging me to step into?”
- Why it works: Creates a grounded anchor point for your decisions and leadership evolution.
- Why it works: Creates a grounded anchor point for your decisions and leadership evolution.
- “When I imagine my wisest, calmest future self—what does she know that I’ve forgotten? What is she encouraging me to step into?”
Additional Resources
- Course Recommendation:
- Speak & Inspire with Lisa Nichols via Mindvalley
- If you’re ready to voice your message more powerfully and lead from your truth, this course is an excellent companion to "Playing Big."
- Speak & Inspire with Lisa Nichols via Mindvalley
- Further Reading
- “The Confidence Code” by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
- Explores how confidence—not just competence—is a key factor in women’s leadership success, echoing Playing Big’s call to overcome self-doubt and act on your inner knowing.
- “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
- A raw and liberating guide to shedding societal expectations and embracing your wild, intuitive self—paralleling Tara Mohr’s invitation to follow your inner mentor over external approval.
- “The Way of Integrity” by Martha Beck
- Focuses on returning to wholeness by living in truth with yourself, aligning seamlessly with Playing Big’s message that personal alignment is the root of powerful, purpose-driven leadership.
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Invitation to Integrate
Reading this book isn’t about adding more to your to-do list—it’s about subtracting what no longer serves your leadership.
Your voice is needed. Your wisdom is enough. And your next move doesn’t have to wait.
If you’re ready to stop shrinking and start speaking from the center of who you are, the Powerhouse Leadership Accelerator is your space to practice that—in real time, with real support.
Join the waitlist or schedule a call with Sam Jump to explore what alignment looks like for you.
