The Courage to be Ordinary

The inspiring guide to letting go of competition, reducing stress, and living a happier, more authentic life – from the 15-million-copy bestselling author of the Japanese self-help phenomenon, The Courage to Be Disliked

Are you exhausted from trying to be exceptional? It’s time to break the cycle of burnout and choose ordinary.

In The Courage to be Ordinary, Ichiro Kishimi speaks to everyone burned out by hustle, comparison and the pressure to prove their worth. His message is disarmingly simple: stop trying to stand out.

Being ordinary isn’t failure – it’s freedom. Freedom from constant competition, from chasing approval, from feeling habitually tense. Letting go of the need to be special will finally give your strengths the space they need to shine.

It’s time to release the pressure and embrace the superpower you really need to succeed: The Power of Ordinary.

© Ichiro Kishimi 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026