Big Feelings by Mollie West Duffy and Liz Fosslien Summary

Big Feelings is a guide to navigating intense emotions like uncertainty, burnout, and regret. Authors Mollie West Duffy and Liz Fosslien blend personal stories, scientific research, and humorous illustrations to provide strategies for transforming overwhelming emotions into manageable challenges. The book addresses seven core feelings, offering actionable advice to help readers build resilience and find meaning in difficult moments.

This book is ideal for anyone struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional exhaustion, particularly in high-stress environments. It’s also valuable for leaders, HR professionals, and self-help enthusiasts seeking science-backed tools to improve emotional well-being. Fans of the authors’ previous work, No Hard Feelings, will appreciate its focus on personal rather than workplace-specific challenges.

Yes—readers praise its relatable anecdotes, practical frameworks, and visually engaging format. It’s been highlighted by Good Morning America and The New York Times for its fresh take on modern emotional struggles. The blend of psychology, humor, and actionable steps makes it a standout in the self-help genre.

The book explores seven emotions:

• Uncertainty: Reframing ambiguity as a catalyst for growth.
• Regret: Using it as a decision-making compass.
• Burnout: Identifying systemic vs. situational causes.
• Perfectionism: Detaching self-worth from productivity.
  Each chapter includes strategies like communication techniques for anger and mindset shifts for comparison.

While No Hard Feelings focuses on emotions in workplace settings, Big Feelings tackles broader personal challenges. Both books use research and humor, but the newer title delves deeper into individual resilience, making it more applicable to daily life beyond professional contexts.

• “We don’t resist change, we resist loss.” (Highlights how uncertainty often stems from fear of losing control.)
• “Anger is a signal, not a solution.” (Encourages constructive communication over suppression.)
  These quotes emphasize reframing emotions as actionable insights rather than obstacles.

Yes—the authors differentiate between systemic burnout (caused by external pressures) and situational burnout (temporary stress). Solutions include setting boundaries, prioritizing rest, and challenging productivity guilt. Real-life examples show how small behavioral changes can mitigate exhaustion.

The book argues perfectionism often masks fear of judgment. Strategies include embracing “good enough” outcomes, separating identity from achievements, and practicing self-compassion. Anecdotes illustrate how perfectionism stifles creativity and how to redefine success.

Some readers note the advice can feel repetitive if familiar with the authors’ prior work. Others wanted more depth on systemic issues contributing to burnout. However, most praise its accessibility and practical exercises for immediate application.

While not exclusively workplace-focused, concepts like managing anger during feedback or overcoming comparison with colleagues are directly applicable. The “productivity guilt” section is particularly relevant for remote workers and leaders aiming to foster healthier team cultures.

Mollie West Duffy (organizational development expert) and Liz Fosslien (workplace culture strategist) combine research from IDEO, Harvard Business School, and Fortune 500 companies. Their work at Humu and contributions to Harvard Business Review lend credibility to their insights on human behavior.

Yes—tools include:

• The Regret Replay: Analyzing past decisions without self-judgment.
• The Anger Iceberg: Identifying hidden emotions beneath surface anger.
• Burnout Audits: Assessing stressors across physical, emotional, and mental domains.
  These exercises are designed for quick implementation and long-term habit formation.

Post-pandemic challenges like remote work fatigue and economic uncertainty make the book’s themes timelier than ever. Updated examples in later editions address AI-driven workplace changes and societal shifts, ensuring strategies remain applicable to modern stressors.