top 10 books on confidence

18 Best Self-Confidence Books Reviewed and Ranked (2021)

We also have separate book guides on  self-esteem ,  social anxiety , and  body language .

There are 18 books in this guide. To help you choose, these are my top picks. – Top pick overall – Top pick self-esteem – Top pick success in life – Top pick dealing with people – Top picks specifically geared toward women

Top pick overall

1. The Confidence Gap

Author: Russ Harris

Of all the books on confidence I’ve reviewed, this is hands down the best one. Why? It has the opposite approach to traditional pep-speech books.

It’s science-based: It helps you apply ACT ( Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ) which is well supported in hundreds of studies to make people feel significantly more self-confident.

My only critique would be that the author condemns many other methods to develop confidence that might still have some value, like visualizations. But this is a minor complaint, and it’s hands down my top recommendation for this list.

Do get this book if…

1. You want to build your overall confidence and self-esteem. 2. You dislike peppy self-help.

Do NOT get this book if…

You want a book that focuses specifically on a certain area in life. (Well, I still think you should get this one, but there are other books you can read first). See my other top picks below.

4.6 stars on Amazon .

Top pick self-esteem

2. The Self Confidence Workbook

Author: Barbara Markway

GREAT book with advice that’s been thoroughly proven in studies to build up self-esteem.

Barbara Markway is a renowned psychiatrist in the field. Even though it’s a workbook it’s not dry but encouraging and positive.

Read my review of this book in my guide on self-esteem books .

Top pick success

3. The Magic of Thinking Big

Author: David J. Schwartz

Cult book on how to set up a system for daring to think bigger and feel motivated. It’s on how to overcome fear of failure, set up goals that help you grow, and how to think positively.

This is the previous generation of self-help (And was published in 1959): Less research-based and more bravado. If you have oversight of this, it’s still a great book.

You want a confidence book specifically to be more successful in life.

You want something up-to-date, using only well-researched methods. If so, get The Confidence Gap .

4.7 stars on Amazon .

4. Psycho-Cybernetics

Author: Maxwell Maltz

This book also belongs to the previous-generation self-confidence books that lacks many of the ideas you’ll see in newer books like The Confidence Gap.

However, compared to the other old classics (like The Magic of Thinking Big or Awaken the Giant Within) this one is a bit different.

It focuses on visualization exercises. It helps you visualize yourself in a more confident state.

Later studies have backed up that there’s some truth to this. And this is still, 40 years after it was written, a well-renowned book.

Verdict: Don’t read this book INSTEAD of The Confidence Gap or The Self Confidence Workbook . But if you want to, you can read it TOGETHER with those books.

4.8 stars on Amazon .

5. Awaken the Giant Within

Author: Tony Robbins

This is a classic on self-confidence. Still, much of it builds on The Magic of Thinking Big (that came out 33 years before this one).

Verdict: Read The Magic of Thinking Big first. If you want more, or if you’re a big Tony Robbins fan, read this book.

6. The Power of Self-Confidence

Author: Brian Tracy

Another cult classic on confidence. However, like the two books above, it belongs to a previous generation of self-help that is less science-based and more about pep talk.

Verdict: This is an amazing book. But if you feel too low, it just creates a disconnect. Instead, I’d recommend any of the top books on this list first.

4.5 stars on Amazon .

Top pick on dealing with people

7. How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing with People

Author: Leslie T. Giblin

This book is from 1956 – so it’s a 50s view on society. However, basic human psychology doesn’t change so the principles are still surprisingly well-aged.

This book is focused specifically on confidence in interacting with people. However, it’s not written for people with social anxiety but rather for those who want to improve from already being okay, and especially in a business setting.

If you’re already OK off socially and want to be more confident in business settings.

You have social anxiety or nervousness around people that holds you back. Instead, see my book guide on social anxiety .

8. The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self-Confidence

Author: Robert Anthony (Not to be confused with Anthony Roberts, hehe)

Another one of the previous generation confidence books that’s not based on science. Much of what is taught in this book is great. But it has nothing to do with science.

It talks about personal magnetism as if it was some kind of magic force. Sure, there is something we can call personal magnetism, but it comes down to acting in a way socially that people respond favorably to, not magnetic fields or quantum physics.

Verdict: If you’re OK with giving the author a pass for these ideas and just pick up on the good stuff, this book will still be a valuable investment. But before you read it, there are better books you should read, like the Confidence Gap .

4.4 stars on Amazon .

Confidence through body language

9. Presence

Author: Amy Cuddy

This is a great book on confidence, but it’s a niche that won’t be for everyone. This one doesn’t focus on that general nervosity we can feel around new people or self-doubt. It’s more about how to be confident at certain challenges like holding a speech etc. And it’s focused on her research field on power posing.

Also, there are much more actionable books on the subject.

Other research has shown that if you’re self-conscious, the idea of focusing on your posture can make you MORE self-conscious.

You’ve already read other books on self-confidence, like the ones higher up in this guide.

1. You want advice on how to be more confident around new people. 2. You are held back by self-consciousness today. Instead, read The Self-Confidence Workbook .

Confidence books specifically for women

These are the books where the author talks specifically to women.

For women in their career

10. The Confidence Effect

Author: Grace Killelea

This book focuses on how women often feel less confident than men even if they are just as competent, which has been confirmed in many studies.

Be aware that it does contain a lot of self-promotion of her company that can be annoying at times. Overall, a great book.

Verdict: This is the best book on the topic of confidence in career for women. However, I still think The Self Confidence Workbook is a better read on self-doubt. But if you want something on career, you should definitely get this one, too, as it covers work-related issues that the workbook doesn’t.

11. Wire Your Brain for Confidence

Author: Louisa Jewell

This book actually wouldn’t have had to be marketed only toward women because the science behind it is universal.

Overall, this is a great book. It focuses on positive psychology. Personally, I still prefer The Confidence Gap over this one. The reason is that this book takes some liberties in how it interprets studies that are made in one area of life and translates it straight off to another area of life.

The Confidence Gap is more thorough.

You want a positive psychology confidence book specifically for women

You want something that covers self-confidence, and self-doubt more thoroughly. If so, rather go with The Confidence Gap .

4.2 stars on Amazon .

For women in the middle of their career

12. The Confidence Code

Authors: Katty Kay, Claire Shipman

This is a good book even though it’s clinical and can be a tough read. The main idea is that women have less self-confidence than men and that it’s 50% genetics and 50% in your control.

The book seems to fit women in mid-life best.

You’re a woman in mid-life who are interested in the theory behind confidence

You want a pure step-by-step guide. If so, get The Self Confidence Workbook .

For young girls

13. The Confidence Code for Girls

Author: Katty Kay

This book is specifically for girls in their tweens and teens. It has stellar reviews and is one of the best-ranked books during my research. Research-based.

Verdict: If you have a young daughter and want to help her improve her self-confidence, get this book.

Honorary mentions

14. the art of extraordinary confidence.

Author: Aziz Gazipura

This book starts off OK but just doesn’t deliver. It’s too rudimentary, like if he’d hired a freelancer to just finish the book.

Verdict: There’s for sure some valuable advice in this book, but there are much better books on the topic (Like the ones I recommend earlier in this guide)

15. Confidence Hacks

Author: Barrie Davenport

This is a list of 99 pieces of advice on how to be more confident. Because each tip is just a 200-word nugget, it doesn’t go in-depth into anything.

Verdict: If you really love lists and don’t want to commit to something more in-depth, sure, get this book. But be aware that it doesn’t have the same potency as the book at the beginning of this guide.

3.62 stars on Goodreads. Amazon .

16. You Are a Badass

Author: Jen Sincero

This book targets millennial women and encourages them to be more assertive and get what they want. It’s high on pep and low on well-researched strategies.

Verdict: If you dread workbooks and want something easy to consume with a sassy language, I think you can appreciate this book. However, if you do follow the principles of, say, the Confidence Gap , I’m certain that you’ll come out a more confident person at the other end.

Books to be cautious about

These are books that have little evidence of working.

17. Ultimate Confidence

Author: Marisa Peer

I know that a lot of people like this book, but it’s based on the idea that you can hypnotize yourself into confidence.

There’s just no evidence for that you can become permanently confident through hypnosis. Yes, she has great reviews, but she’s also written a book on how to hypnotize yourself into losing weight.

In-between the pseudo-science there’s some good advice. But if you want to be confident, there are much better books.

18. Instant Confidence

Author: Paul McKenna.

Another popular hypnosis book. The author claims that hypnosis will make you confident.

However, I can’t find any study that shows an effect beyond placebo.

But if you believe in it and you feel more confident (even if it’s just placebo) it has still helped you, so why not.

However, CBT and ACT are proven in hundreds of studies to work, so I’d go with that instead. (With for example The Confidence Gap or The Confidence Workbook)

Beyond the hypnosis part, the book does contain some valuable advice, but nothing you won’t find in any other self-help book.

This author has also written the books “I can make you rich”, “I can make you thin”, “I can make you happy” and “I can make you sleep”, which to me makes him less trustworthy. I prefer books written by experts that focus on a specific area.

Is there any book that you think I should review? Let me know in the comments below!

David Morin is the founder of SocialSelf. He's been writing about social skills since 2012. Follow on Twitter or read more .

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20 BEST BOOKS ON CONFIDENCE TO SKYROCKET YOUR SELF-ESTEEM

Self-confidence is a key component of success. In fact, the lack of self-confidence is something many people point to when they feel like they aren’t succeeding in their relationships, career, or at life in general. It’s for this reason that I felt compelled to create this particular post on self confidence books.

Because let’s admit it.  At one time or another we’ve all blamed ourselves and our lack of confidence for why something didn’t go as planned in our life.

It could have been that date that didn’t go so well, the botched job interview, or even that business deal that fell through.  Whatever the case may be, most of the time it was a lack of confidence that was the culprit.

We say to ourselves, “I just don’t have enough confidence.” But that’s not true. 

It’s not true, because confidence is not something we have, rather, it is something we create. So, a better way to phrase our challenges with confidence would be, “I just can’t create enough confidence right now.” Here’s why…

CONFIDENCE IS A CHOICE

Confidence is a state of mind, a feeling, and a way of being that can be created at will. So, in a way, it’s a choice.

When you come to understand this, you’ll be able to turn on your confidence at a moment’s notice.  And when you know how to do this, you’ll start finding more of the success you seek.

Now I can tell you this truth over and over again until I am blue in the face, but, it will never be real to you until you’ve deeply ingrained this fact into your own mind.

And the best way to ingrain this fact into your own mind, is to become a student of confidence . Now you don’t have to sign up for college courses to become a student of confidence.

To become a student of confidence all you have to do is… read.  You must read and study books on the subject of confidence.

Simple right?  So where should you start?

Start with this list.  I’ve pulled together a list of the best books on building self-confidence that I’ve ever come across.  No doubt, there are hundreds of books on confidence, but let’s be honest, who (aside from Ph.D. students) has the time to read hundreds of books on a single topic?

Exactly, hardly anyone!

So, if you want to master confidence and improve your self-esteem,  just read a handful of the following books recommended on confidence and you should be good to go.  You don’t have to read hundreds of books on confidence to learn the fundamentals.  Trust me, this handful of books will do the trick.

Every book provides something different, yet, every single one also confirms what I just said…

Which is, that how confident you become is completely up to you, because confidence is all in your head . So, behold the 20 books you must read if you ever wish to master self-confidence:

BEST BOOKS ON CONFIDENCE

Note:  We’re reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

1. Feel The Fear and Do it Anyway

‘Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway’ is a classic book by the late Dr. Susan Jeffers.  In this book, Susan Jeffers offers up solid advice for overcoming the paralysis and inaction that stems from being fearful and lacking confidence.  Susan Jeffers pulls her knowledge from many years of research, and lecturing on the topic of transforming fear, indecision, and even anger into power, action, and extreme confidence.

The book contains a handful of practical insights and exercises that you can immediately implement to help you come to the realization that confidence is something to be nurtured and cultivated, much like a muscle.

This book is both an eye-opener and a solid book to begin with on your journey towards building your confidence. So, if you’re in need a book that can deliver a solid dose of boldness, read this book.

2. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

Fear, doubt, and worry can be debilitating.  Possessing just one of these problems can indeed stop the best of us from reaching the heights of success we seek.

How so?  Because fear and doubt kills self-confidence. And a lack of self-confidence kills action. And if success demands anything, it demands that we have enough self-confidence to take appropriate action.

That said, this book is comprised of many recipes Mr. Carnegie pulled together from night classes he would teach to adult students on how to overcome worry so they can get busy living.

‘How to Start Worrying and Start Living’ is a cure for anyone who wishes to eliminate the debilitating effects of fear and worry from their lives, so they fortify their confidence and get on with succeeding in their life.

3. Unstoppable Confidence

This book touches on NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) to help you get out of your comfort zone and master your self-confidence.    If you are unfamiliar with NLP, it is basically a scientific approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy that delivers practical ways in which you can change the way you think, view past events, and approach your life.

NLP is huge in sales world, as it is needed by many to fortify their minds against constant rejection.

Much of this book uses ideas and concepts that Tony Robbins suggests for improving self-confidence, and they’ll work for you too.  ‘Unstoppable Confidence’ can teach you how to harness confidence levels that will make you, well… unstoppable.

4. Think and Grow Rich

‘Think and Grow Rich’ is so much more than a confidence book, it is a success book.  However, the author, Napoleon Hill, understood that success requires a strong foundation built on self-confidence.

As such, the book provides a handful of potent insights and formulas that can help you gain the confidence you’ll need to start growing more successful, and yes even richer in your life.

This book is a must read for every person.  If you practice his self-confidence formula alone , you can dramatically improve your confidence in no time at all.

5. How to Talk to Anyone

Many people are confident in just about everything they do.  But for some people, when it comes to talking to people, they clam up, get anxious, and come across as less than self-assured.

If you’ve ever felt a lack of confidence when communicating with colleagues, strangers, or the opposite sex, this book can help you with crushing those feelings of uncertainty. Not only does this book educate on the nuances of confidence, but it gives you practical and effective tactics that you can employ immediately that will make you appear poised and self-assured, even if you’re not 100% there mentally. In other words, this book will help you fake it till you make it.

Having confidence when speaking with people is one of the most important skills you could acquire for successfully navigating your way to the top of your career.  So, if you know your confidence lacks in the ‘people department’ then you must read this book.

6. The Magic of Thinking Big

David Schwartz Ph.D . has created a masterful book with ‘The Magic of Thinking Big’ , which is why over 6 million copies of the book have been sold.

In this book, Dr. Schwartz touches on many key areas that we all need to improve on to start succeeding in life.  Much of the book revolves around improving how you think about situations, people, and your future.  It deals with how to improve you attitude and perspectives, which in turn will help you to start taking the action necessary to reach your BIG goals.

Chapters 3 ‘Build Confidence and Destroy Fear’, Chapter 10 ‘Get the Action Habit’, Chapter 11 ‘How to Turn Defeat into Victory’, and Chapter 13 ‘How to Think Like a Leader’ are the most effective chapters for building your self-confidence.

All in all, this is one of my favorite self confidence books, and its probably the one confidence building book you can’t afford to miss.

7. How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking

Dale Carnegie has created the perfect toolset for helping people dial into their confidence at will.  This book contains multiple confidence boosting tips that will help you acquire poise, increase your memory, improve the delivery of your message, and appear more charming to everyone you interact with.

This book was created to teach people how to overcome their fears of public speaking; however, the strategies he provides to help you increase your confidence to speak in front of large audiences can also be applied towards overcoming other confidence issues in other areas of your life.

How you ask?  Because when you master public speaking, you simultaneously wipe out your timidity and gain the courage and assurance to deal with people.  In short, confidence gained in one department will help you gain the confidence you may need in others.

8. You Are a Badass

‘You Are a Badass’ by Jen Sincero, is not specifically geared towards improving confidence; however, it covers a wide range of self-improvement topics that when combined, can help you strengthen your over all sense of self, and with that, your confidence.

Within the book there is a chapter specifically for confidence, titled, ‘Fear Is For Suckers’.  This chapter provides some great perspectives on fear and confidence that can help you significantly boost your confidence.

9. Presence

Amy Cuddy is the famous TED talk professor who first acquainted us with power poses and using our physiology to increase our confidence levels.

Well, she helps deliver a similar message in this book, and she does it with detail and backs it all up with solid research.

When you read this book, be prepared to learn about the power of your personal story, how to overcome impostor syndrome, and how to utilize you posture to level up your confidence.

As a student of confidence, this is one book you won’t want to miss .

10. The Confidence Gap

This book is a great confidence book to compliment the others already mentioned.  This book does what it says, it fills the confidence gap.

How does it do this?  Well, it does this by giving the readers a different perspective on dealing with their confidence or lack thereof.  Russ Harris offers a novel solution to confidence by encouraging you to form a different relationship with your confidence, instead of trying to force yourself to overcome your confidence limitations.

In this book you will learn about the power of mindfulness and some techniques for keeping your negative thoughts and feelings at bay so your confidence levels can soar.

This book is certainly worth the read and it will truly help fill some of the confidence gaps we all face .

11. The Power of Self-Confidence

Brian Tracy is a seasoned sales/business guru who knows a thing or two about success.  Truth is, it is hard to lose with Brian Tracy in your corner.  He’s pushed out countless resources ranging from self-discipline, to time-management, to self-confidence.

And in just about all of his resources, you’ll hear him mention the importance of your inner-game, of your mindset and how you feel about yourself.

Without a doubt, this book will help you understand why it is so essential to have faith in your abilities and believe in yourself.

Read this book and build the unshakable confidence you know deep down in your heart you are capable of wielding.

12. The Art of Extraordinary Confidence

Comfort is the kiss of death to success.  And in this book, you will learn why.

As such, you’ll find plenty of admonishments in this book to step outside of your comfort zone, and in so doing, dramatically strengthen your confidence levels.

If you are okay with real-talk, truth, and zero punches being pulled, you will enjoy this book.  Beware though, this is not a PG book.  It will speak to you as an adult, so be prepared for a good push .

13. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem

This book will wake you up to what true confidence is all about.  Author, Nathaniel Branden provides firm answers to questions we all have related to our confidence and self-esteem.

If you’re looking for answers, you’ll find them here.  You’ll learn what self-esteem really is, you’ll learn why it is so important to cultivate it, how you can increase your own self-esteem levels, and what role our external environment (other people) plays in our confidence levels.

Without a doubt, you’ll be sure to find many ‘Aha!’ moments in this book, and a solid foundation to building up your self-esteem , and with it, your confidence.

Related: Become an Extrovert, Even If Shy

14. Unleash The Warrior Within

‘Unleash The Warrior Within’ is authored by former Navy SEAL Richard Machowicz.  And as you’d suspect, he provides tons of confidence boosting strategies that he acquired from his time in the military.

Richard has you break down your fears into smaller, bite sized components, making them much easier to attack.  He also spends time educating his readers on the importance of mindset.

As a fan of the warrior ethos , I enjoy how the author combats those areas of our lives that can hold us back and keep us from doing what we need to do most to achieve our goals.   If you want more confidence, read this book, you can’t go wrong.

15. Psycho-Cybernetics

Don’t let the name of this book scare you.  It may sound daunting and super scientific, but rest assured that the material contained within it will be easy to digest and better yet, easy to implement towards building up your self-confidence.

The author of the book, Maxwell Maltz holds a Ph.D. and lays out his years of his experience and observation on how powerful our self-image is when it comes to helping us achieve the results we are after. 

You’ll learn about the power of perception, self-esteem, and how large a role our own self-image can play in our ability to achieve. In addition to this, you’ll learn some powerful strategies you can employ to immediately and positively impact your confidence levels. 

So, If you’re looking for a time tested book on confidence that is based in science, this is a book everyone should read .

16.  The Power of Positive Thinking

I know what your thinking, what does positive thinking have to do with Confidence.  But here me out.  This book, with out a doubt belongs in this selection of the best books on confidence because of the wisdom provided chapter after chapter by the late great Norman Vincent Peale specifically for helping its readers lead a more positive and confident life.

Now, just as a heads up, the wisdom provided in this great book does have religious undertones too them; however, this is exactly where much of the power of this book comes in to play.  So, if you are not religious, or don’t care for biblical references you can skip this book and read all the others, BUT, I assure you, you’ll be cutting yourself short if you do so.  If you’ve read all the confidence books in the world, and yet you still feel like you are coming up short in the confidence department, well then you’ll definitely want to invest in this book.  It WILL help your conquer your confidence and self-esteem challenges and instill in you the faith to conquer your internal/external fears .

17.  Negative Self-Talk and How to Change It

This is a great book to add to your library of books that can help you boost your confidence levels.  The premise of the books revolves around what negative self-talk is, why you should work to minimize the amount of it you do, and how to go about doing so.

It really is a great tool/book to consider for helping you build your confidence because of the important role our self-talk plays in how we feel about ourselves.  Essentially, lots of negative self-talk leads to feeling less confident and less negative self-talk essentially leads to feeling more confident.

As such, this is a worthy book to own to help you get a handle on your negative inner voice, and as a result, positively improve your confidence levels.

18. The 5 Second Rule

Mel Robbins brings a whole new definition to confidence in this book . She’ll help dispel the myth the confidence is merely a lack of belief in yourself, but rather, it’s the willingness or unwillingness to try.

Without a doubt, you’ll walk away from this book realizing that confidence is related to action. And you’ll begin to realize that confidence doesn’t start with belief, but rather, confidence starts with action. And since Mel’s book is primarily about action, we could not deny adding her book to our invaluable list of books on confidence.

So, use this book to push yourself to be better than your excuses and bigger than your fears.

19. Daring Greatly

Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly is the wake up call we all need. She doesn’t pull any punches and definitely tells it like it is in this book. Which is why it made the cut for our no B.S. list of self-confidence books. The biggest take away you’ll get from this book is that it is okay to be vulnerable. Her book provides a great combination of solid research and casual storytelling that will help you ease into being more being more vulnerable. And the more vulnerable you allow yourself to be, the more confident you’ll become as you come to realize you can handle whatever it is life is happening to throw your way.

So, if you’re looking for a book to dare you to step outside of your comfort zone, to be bigger than your anxieties, and to get you living and leading more confidently, then this book is a must read .

20. Never Finished

This last book is not your typical confidence book. It doesn’t give you tips or strategies to specifically zero-in on your confidence. In fact, Goggins states it himself in the book, it’s not a self-help book. But, what this book does do, is it helps you reframe your thinking.

‘Never Finished’ provides insight after insight to help you see yourself in a different light. It also includes stories that demonstrate that you are more than you are, and that you can do more than you’ve done. All in all, the lessons within this book will improve your mental strength and ultimately help you become aware of your true potential.

So give this book a read if you’re serious about building up your confidence, because there’s nothing more confident than a mentally strong person who believes in their abilities and their limitless potential.

Bonus Confidence Resource

‘Go Fearless’ is a synthesis of the best confidence building strategies from many of the self confidence books just mentioned.  After going from outgoing and confident to feeling shy and withdrawn for many years, I set out to re-discover the confidence and fearlessness I had in my youth.  After learning how to bounce back into the outgoing and confident person I knew I was capable of being, I decided to share what I learned.

This resource does not waste your time with drawn out stories or background, it gives you exactly what you need to know, NOW, so you can get started on building your confidence ASAP.

If there were ever a shortcut to learning how to master self-confidence, this would be it.  It’s a confidence building tool, and a true call to action. And the best thing about it, is it’s free.

So, if you’re looking for a no B.S. guide to help you start living your life with confidence, go read this free resource and ‘ Become Fearless ’!  Your future self will thank you for it.

Check out this solid list of books I found.  If you’re looking for a few books to help you boost your confidence, these will help! TheSTRIVE.co Tweet This

Final Words on These Self Confidence Books

There you have it, the 20 best books you can read to get started on mastering the one thing that can make all the difference in how much success you’ll find in your life; confidence.

After you’ve read these books for self-confidence, you’ll realize that having a sense of confidence is nothing but a sense of power within yourself, a sense of certainty that you can pull off just about anything.

Read this collection of the best books on confidence and you’ll surely gain the understanding and awareness that you actually have power to create a more confident you at any moment in time.

Till you reach your aims,

PS – If you’ve enjoyed this collection of confidence books, then you’ll most likely also enjoy this piece on ‘The 7 Ways to Gain Instant Confidence’.

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10 STRATEGIES ON HOW TO BECOME FEARLESS AND CONFIDENT

If you’re searching for effective strategies on how to become fearless and confident in yourself then this article is for you. However, before we provide those strategies, it’s important to know that we all have choices to make in this life, and some of those choices are constant. We all must choose on a daily basis, between shirking opportunities for growth and expansion, or leaning in to face our challenges fearlessly with full acceptance of the outcome.

Choosing the former leads to stagnation, less freedom, less happiness and ultimately unfulfilled potential. While on the other hand, the latter leads to more joy, freedom, abundance, and potential fulfilled.

“THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS IS FREEDOM…AND THE SECRET TO FREEDOM IS COURAGE.” –  THUCYDIDES  –

Without a doubt, there are fears and doubts that keep the majority of people living out their lives in quiet desperation, only to go to their graves with their gifts, dreams, talents, and aspirations still left inside of them. In fact, the late Wayne Dyer once stated, “The number one regret of the dying is ‘I wish I had the courage to live the life I wanted rather than doing what others wanted of me.’”

Thus, it is for this line of reasoning that we decided to publish this resource, to provide you with actionable strategies that you can use to build confidence in yourself. The type of confidence that would allow for you to to live life fearlessly starting today.

With that being said, after researching numerous books, and experimenting with a variety of different tools, (meditation, affirmations, guided visualizations, hypnosis etc…) we discovered a handful of best-practices that you can immediately employ to start building confidence in yourself quickly.

We’re confident, that if you attempt to conquer your fears using the insights provided on this page with complete commitment, you will begin to experience noticeable progress in your self-belief, confidence, and your ability take more action.

In other words, you will become more confident, fearless, and thus more inclined to transform yourself into the type of action-taker your dreams require you to be.

So, if you’re ready to learn about the 10 best strategies for becoming fearless and confident in yourself starting today, let’s dive right in:

HOW TO BE FEARLESS AND CONFIDENT IN YOURSELF

1. BELIEVE (HAVE FAITH) IN YOURSELF

This first confidence-building strategy simply consists of having faith in yourself. We understand that this may seem difficult to do. But once we show you the why behind how this works, you may just become inclined to make your leap of faith.

This “why” that we’re referring to consists of a simple process. It’s only one process, but we aim to illustrate it in two different ways.  Thus, the two diagrams below are meant to inform you, as well as act as an incentive to encourage you to continue using the other strategies we will be providing to you. 

With that said, both of these diagrams are important to comprehend, but the diagram that is best to keep in mind as you utilize the other strategies we’ll be recommending, is this first one, Diagram 1 . 

We suggest that it is kept at the forefront of your mind, and used as a foundation as you strengthen your confidence muscles. We recommend this because of the substantial life enhancing effects that can result from you believing that you can become not just uber-confident, but fearless.

So, without further ado, here is the first diagram, your foundation, and your strong reason as to why you should become fearless.

DIAGRAM 1: 

This diagram (see on next page) is a model for life enhancement.  When we comprehend how this model impacts our life, we can equip ourselves with the conviction that is needed to jumpstart our intentions for facing our fears. 

The model demonstrates how you can actually decide to crush your fears, and take steps to continually suppress those fears, while at the same time setting yourself up for future success.

When you observe the model on the next page you will notice that it is cyclical.  You should also take note, that the model spirals in a direction that is toward a stronger, increasingly improved you, which naturally translates into a brighter future for you.  

You’ll notice when looking at this model (especially in comparison to the second diagram provided just after this one) the word ‘Increased’ . 

This entire model is impacted by the decision to increase our belief that we can become fearless, and an increase in our belief of ourselves.  As a result, a bigger brighter, more fulfilled future can ensue.  

The premise of the model is this: If you force yourself to have certainty about your abilities, an absolute belief that you can handle whatever it is you are undertaking, you will place in motion a positive life enhancing process. 

When you decide to increase your belief that you can do something, you will influence your potential for actually being able to do that thing well.

Having the sense that you have increased potential to accomplish something, you will in effect be more likely to take (increased) action to fulfill that potential. As you begin taking more action, and doing so with full faith in your potential and ability to execute flawlessly, you will begin to get better results.

Having these improved results will reinforce your belief in yourself, and in your abilities.  In turn, the whole process will restart anew, and every recurring time, it will be from an even stronger, more confident position.

In summary :   with a decision to believe in one’s self, one’s potential to execute will increase.  Consequently, one will be inclined to take even more action, whereby, one will inevitably see more improved results.  As time goes on, this process will compound all results.  Therefore, it is vital to begin from a position of belief, to get onto the path towards living fearlessly.

DIAGRAM 2: 

Diagram 2 is very similar to Diagram 1, just illustrated above.  This diagram was included primarily to provide additional context in relation to the power of belief.  Its purpose is to demonstrate what the opposite effects are, if we get started on the wrong foot.

This diagram, unlike Diagram 1, is on a negative spiraling path towards a diminishing life.   It is different in that it consists of a cycle of decrease.  In essence, when we allow for things, people, or our own negative opinion of ourselves to negatively impact our belief in ourselves and our abilities, we will inevitably experience a level of diminishment in our potential.

Through this feeling of diminished capabilities, we will in effect act less on the fulfillment of our goals.  Like most people, when something seems futile, we are less inclined to persevere.  As a perfect example of cause and effect, our lack of action (or our half-hearted action) leads to substandard results.

And the cycle goes on.  Those less than stellar results reinforce our lack of belief in ourselves (again), which as a result decreases our outlook on our potential even more so.  In turn, this ultimately reduces even further, our desire to act, yet again bringing even worse results, etc.

This phase can go on indefinitely to eventual physical, spiritual, and professional defeat. Something we do not want for you, or anyone.

The most critical aspect to take away from this strategy to build confidence in yourself (considering both diagrams), is that it is critical that we start all of our undertakings from a place of belief.

If you begin having any doubts as you implement any of our other strategies, or begin to feel your inner cynic start to come out, just come back to this first strategy and simply reacquaint yourself until you are ready to move forward with faith.

It is vitally important that you believe you can actually learn how to become more confident.  It is important to believe that you can do amazing things, because without belief, you can not, nor ever will, become a fearless version of your former self.

So, first things first, have faith in yourself!

“IF YOU MUST DOUBT SOMETHING, DOUBT YOUR LIMITS.” –  PRICE PRITCHETT  –

2. INTERNALIZE THESE 6 TRUTHS

This next confidence boosting strategy consists of six very important truths that when deeply understood, can assist you in the easing of your apprehensions. [1]  

We suggest you attempt to internalize these truths.  By doing so, you will be conditioning your mind to release the stress that you may have built up around your fears and apprehensions in the past. Here they are:

• Fear and angst never goes away fully, not as long as we are growing, stretching, and striving for more.  Fear, angst, and uneasiness then, is but a natural consequence of striving.
• To start feeling confident and good about ourselves, we have to take some type of definitive steps/actions to improve the situation or ourselves.
• The only way to get rid of the fear or angst of doing something is to go out and do that thing which which is causing us unease.
• Fear and doubt art things that is experienced by everyone.  To be human, is to fearful and doubtful. Fear and doubt are natural byproducts of growth; it’s a byproduct of placing ourselves in unfamiliar territory, outside of our comfort zones.   We are all human, and thus we all experience fear and doubt.
• Living with the regret and the feeling of helplessness the stems from not tackling your fears or seeking to suppress your doubts, is more frightening than having decided to face your fears head on.
• The more attention we give to our fears without doing something to combat them, the stronger they will grow, and the more paralyzed you’ll feel when you decide to conquer them.

Speaking these six truths out loud whenever fear begins to creep up in our mind, can do wonders for quelling any anxiousness we may be feeling.

It’s like preparing for a big game or battle against a worthy opponent.  The more you know about your opponent, the less frightening it is.  The less frightening the opponent appears, the more willing we are to face it.

3. PRACTICE THESE SIX ACTIONS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF

There are six practical actions will be helpful for you to keep in your ‘back pocket’ so-to-speak, so they can be easily accessed when the time comes for proactively building confidence in yourself.

This step, also includes a diagram that conveys how taking action works toward curing our fears.

It is critical to know, that action builds confidence and cures fear.  As such, find a way to isolate your fears.  Once you do this, you can then begin to take constructive action to face those fears.  Taking action on the thing you fear most is highly effective.  If you don’t take action, your fears will grow.

Project (or force) your confidence.  Here are some ways to do this:

a. Force yourself to sit in the front row of your training classes, sit nearest the boss in meetings, put yourself out there, etc.

b. Speak up.  Participate.  Engage.

c. Make sure you make and keep eye contact with everyone with whom you speak.  Force yourself to not instantly look away. Establish your presence.

d. When you walk, walk with purpose. Consider walking 25% faster. [2]

e. Smile big and act as if you were confident.  Fake it till you make it.  

f.   Stand tall, and act like a person with pride.  People respond more positively to such a presence, which will up your confidence.

Take time to actively envision yourself successfully executing that thing which you fear.  Many times, our fears are tied up in our perception that we can’t or won’t be able to do something well.  A simple action that we can take to calm our nerves about a fear of our inability to do something is to imagine, over and over again, our doing that thing well, or perfectly.  Doing so will not only ensure you do that thing better, but you will have less angst leading up to the doing of that thing.

Take massive action to only allow positive thoughts in your mind.  Watching or reading the news, allowing ourselves to think negatively, being around gossipers, or participating in gossiping, will detract from your confidence, and thus incubate your fears.

Practice following what your conscience tells you is right.  In other words, listen to your gut.  By doing so, you will prevent a toxic guilt complex.  Trust your gut.  If something feels wrong, it probably is, so don’t do it.

Release your fear of other people, and of their judgements.  Remember that other people are just as human as you.  Also keep in mind, that people more often than not, really mean well.  And deep down inside, they are actually nice, and don’t have the negative judgements of us that we typically conjure up in our minds.

Be sure to review the ‘Take Action Diagram’ on the following pages, as it will help illuminate why taking action on your fears is helpful.

Once you have reviewed the diagram, consider coming back to the actions mentioned earlier, and pick any item, and decide to take action on it today.

TAKE ACTION DIAGRAM

We are fearful of those things that are outside our comfort zone. The unknown has always brought discomfort to even the greatest of us. This model objectively demonstrates how when we take actions/risks towards facing our fears, we eventually make progress towards overcoming those fears. [3]

Imagine yourself standing within the center of the model, which is your existing comfort zone.  As you take incremental risks, you move outward on this model, to higher level risks, acquiring new levels of confidence in the process.  This level of confidence then allows for you to keep moving (outward) towards that main fear, until you’ve faced it.  At this point, the discomfort of doing that fearful event again should be much less severe, as you have graduated into your newly attained comfort zone.

This model also demonstrates why even after we’ve accomplished a fear inducing goal, why we may continue to still have fears.  It’s important to note, that in most cases, the fear we are experiencing won’t be the same fear as before.  As we choose to stretch ourselves to accomplish bigger or more challenging goals, new fears will arise due to the uncertainty of accomplishing those goals. 

4. LEVERAGE THIS SELF-CONFIDENCE FORMULA

The following Self-Confidence Formula was derived from Napoleon Hill’s classic book, ‘Think and Grow Rich’ . [4]

We have found that it has the most optimal effect when it is read consistently, in its entirety, and aloud with deliberate energy every morning just after waking up. 

By reading this mantra daily as a ritual, noticeable changes to your confidence levels may be experienced.  As such, you will be positioning yourself to approach your fears with the heightened courage needed to conquer them.  Here it is:

1. I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my Definite Purpose in life.  Therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action towards its attainment, and I here and now promise to take such action.

2. I realize the dominating thoughts of my mind will eventually reproduce themselves in outward, physical action and gradually transform themselves into physical reality.  Therefore, I will concentrate my thoughts for 30 minutes daily upon the task of thinking of the person I intend to become, thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture of that person.

3. I know through the principle of autosuggestion that any desire I persistently hold in my mind will eventually seek expression through some practical means of attaining the object.  Therefore, I will devote 10 minutes daily to demanding of myself the development of self-confidence.

4. I have clearly written down a description of my Definite Chief Aim in life.  I will never stop trying until I have developed sufficient self-confidence for its attainment.

5. I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure unless built upon truth and justice.  Therefore, I will engage in no transaction that does not benefit all whom it affects.  I will succeed by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use, and the cooperation of other people.

I will induce others to serve me because of my willingness to serve others.  I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness and cynicism by developing love for all humanity because I know that a negative attitude towards others can never bring me success.  I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself.  I will sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory and repeat it aloud once a day, with full faith that it will gradually influence my thoughts and actions so that I will become a self-reliant and successful person.

COMPANION RESOURCE: 

As part of this strategy, we’ve also included the following mantra, which was written by Walter D. Wintle . [5]  

This mantra is a great reminder of the power that thought has on our life outcomes.  We’ve included it because it is such a helpful reminder on the power belief and mindset can have on how we show up in life.

With constant review, it can strengthen your belief in your ability to will change, and to use your mind to defeat the challenges that lay before you.

MINDSET MANTRA

Related: Mantras For Success

5. BUILD CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF WITH AFFIRMATIONS

If you are not familiar with affirmations, they are essentially statements said to oneself, with conviction about a perceived truth.  They are a way of programming one’s mind into believing what you are telling it. 

Affirmations can be useful for strengthening our minds against a number of self-limiting beliefs.  They are especially affective for helping people manage a lack of confidence. And they are great to use if you have a strong sense of fear towards doing something.

If you want to learn more about what affirmations are, and how to make them work for you, we highly recommend you read the Psychology Today article, by Ronald Alexander Ph.D. titled: ‘5 Steps to Make Affirmations Work for You’.

The following phrases are some of the most powerful Fear Conquering affirmations you can use.  They are most impactful when read daily, out loud to yourself.  It is especially effective if you look into a mirror, directly into your eyes, when reciting these affirmations. This is known as the mirror technique, of course it’s not 100% necessary, especially if you are driving, etc.

For the sixth one, just fill in the blank with whichever issue you are having doubts about. Or fill it in with any issue that fills you with anxiety due to self-perceived feelings of inadequacies. 

For example; if you have doubts about your strength as a leader, recite the following: “I am a strong leader.” 

Similarly, if you fear you are not good public speaker, you can recite the following:  “I am a great public speaker.” 

And, if you fear you are not a good conversationalist, recite the following:  “I am a great conversationalist”. And so on and so forth.

You can also easily interchange the adjective of Great on this sixth affirmation with whichever you wish to be more of. For example, you can use good, powerful, successful, calm, peaceful, happy, etc. instead of Great.

• I AM FEARLESS.
• WHATEVER HAPPENS TO ME, I CAN HANDLE IT.
• I EXUDE CONFIDENCE.
• I AM POWERFUL, POSITIVE, AND ENERGETIC.
• I LOVE MYSELF, AS WELL AS OTHERS.
• I AM A GREAT__________________.

If you’re looking for a really thorough list of affirmations to build confidence in yourself, and more about affirmations in general, use these resources:

• Affirmations For Confidence
• What Are Affirmations?
• Do Affirmations Work?

With that said, this next section includes a helpful diagram that can help you track how affirmations are impacting your feelings of empowerment over time.  The exercise is optional, but it can help you observe and track progress.

PAIN TO EMPOWERMENT CONTINUUM DIAGRAM: 

This is a powerful diagram that the late Susan Jeffers, Ph.D. inspired via her book, ‘Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway’. [6]    It has served as a very useful way to track my progress on my feelings of confidence. 

With the knowledge that you can track how you feel about yourself, and how you perceive yourself in terms of handling your fears, you can gradually improve your situation.   That which gets measured, can improve. 

As such, this diagram is an excellent way to track your progress towards becoming more empowered via the affirmations you used, (or can be used to track your feelings of progress for the implementation of all mentioned strategies), towards building your confidence.  How you measure yourself is purely subjective and relative to your situation, but then again, so is fear.

An important thing to keep in mind, is that the secret to handling our lack of confidence, is our ability to move ourselves from a place of pain (see left side of diagram), to a place of feeling empowered (see right side of diagram).  When we are in a place of pain, we feel helpless, we feel depressed, have a feeling of paralysis (Can’t, Won’t, or Don’t want to do Anything), and are generally apathetic. 

However, when we are empowered, we feel we are capable of making decisions. We have more energy, we take more action, and we conduct ourselves from a place of passion.  Observe the diagram below.

When you’re feeling empowered, you’ll make better choices and have more energy. You’ll also take more action, and feel a stronger sense of passion and well being in your life.

PAIN TO EMPOWERMENT TRACKING

Consider tracking the impact the affirmations are having on you at the end of each week. Practice your affirmations diligently, and then measure how you feel in each area to if they are working.

Take inventory of your progress towards becoming a bit more confident and a lot more fearless for the next 66 days, using the ‘pain to empower’ diagram.  Simply add a check mark along the spectrum, pinpointing how you feel your empowerment levels rank on a scale from 1 – 8 at the end of every week  (1 being the worst, and nearest to pain, and 8 being the best and nearest to feelings of empowerment).   

Tracking like this can help to provide a sense of accomplishment. And that sense of accomplishment can help you push through the entire duration of the process.

Here is what that measurement and tracking process could look like:

Quantify Results to Make Measurable Progress:   Wherever you place your check mark on each of the four spectrums, you can use the location (1 -8) of that check mark as the number to enter in the boxes below.   By doing this, you put a number to your progress.  

In fact, at the end of each week, you can tally up your score for each spectrum (divide it by 4) and then enter it into the TOTAL SCORE box at the bottom.  By quantifying your improvement, you can make measurable progress over time.   For instance, the hypothetical total score on the next page is the total of each spectrum score, divided by 4.  i.e. 7+4+6+8 = 25   so then 25 ÷ 4 equals 6.25  

If you’re total score grows throughout the following weeks, keep doing what you’ve been doing, as a growing score signifies that you’re moving in the right direction.

Related: Affirmations For Success

6. INCREASE YOUR CONFIDENCE WITH VISUALIZATION

Cheryl Lossie, Ph.D., is a former lecturer of public speaking for Clemson University, and retired public-speaking lecturer who specialized in teaching some of the most fearless people on the planet, the U.S Special Forces, how to overcome their hesitancy of speaking in front of people, and how to do it well. 

When we interviewed Dr. Lossie about what she recommended to her students (the fearless Special Ops folks) for overcoming their fears of public speaking, she informed us that it was to simply practice visualization.

Her recommendation coincided well with much of our research and experiences for overcoming fears. In fact, it also aligned with some of Tony Robbins’ research on how to overcome fear as well.   As such, a great mental exercise to help you build confidence in yourself, is to simply practice visualization.

As a best practice to visualize effectively, it is recommended, that you sit in a quiet place, with no distractions. You’ll want to close your eyes, and then take 2 to 5 minutes to imagine yourself executing flawlessly (in addition rebounding flawlessly, if things do go as planned) that thing which you are so afraid of doing. 

For example:

• If afraid of public speaking, see yourself giving a flawless presentation.  Also, see yourself getting that standing ovation or that positive response you are seeking from your audience once you’ve finished wowing them.
• If it’s conducting an important staff-meeting, see yourself taking charge and crushing that meeting.  Imagine in detail exactly what you plan on saying, how you will say it, and think what you will say in response to other attendees at the meeting.
• If it’s presenting a sales presentation to a client, see yourself giving a perfect sales presentation.  Imagine also, every objection that might come your way, and see yourself handling those objections with grace and confidence.
• If it’s approaching that beautiful girl at the coffee shop, imagine yourself striking up a conversation confidently, and holding a great engaging conversation with the person.  Imagine everything that could go right.

You may be asking yourself, ‘Is building confidence really this easy?’ And the answer to that question is yes, it is that easy, so long as you put in the time to visualize your ideal outcomes.

With that said, let’s move on to our next confidence building strategy.

7. BUILD CONFIDENCE WITH ENCOURAGING QUOTES

Below you will find 20 power quotes that you can reference at your leisure.  Once you have read all of them, consider coming back to the ones that really speak to you.

The quote that moves you the most is the quote that will be most helpful to read when you need to take action on anything that you are resistant to do.

1. “Fear, the worst of all enemies, can be effectively cured by forced repetition of acts of courage.” – Napoleon Hill

2.  “Fearlessness isn’t a divine gift.  Fearlessness is a daily practice.” – Robin Sharma

3.   “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” – Paulo Coelho

4.  “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” – Les Brown

5.   “There is only one way to avoid criticism:  Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” – Aristotle

6.   “A human becomes fearless by accepting his/her fears.  It is not a question of bravery.  It is simply seeing into the facts of life and realizing that these fears are natural.” – Osho

7.    “He who is not every day conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

8.   “Safe is Risky” – Seth Godin

9.    “Life is being on the wire, everything else is just waiting” – Karl Wallenda

10.    “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly ” – Robert F. Kennedy

11.    “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” – T.S. Eliot

12.    “Greatness lives on the edge of destruction” – Will Smith

13.  “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage” – Anais Nin

14.    “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot: but make it hot by striking” – William B. Sprague

15.   “It is never too late to be what you might have been” – George Elliot

16.   “The most important thing to remember is this:  To be ready at any moment to give up what you are for what you might become. ” – D.E.B Dubois

17.    “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.  Dream.  Discover.” – Mark Twain

18.   “The only person who never makes mistakes is the person who never does anything” – Dennis Waitely

19.    “People who don’t take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year.  People who do take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year.” – Peter Drucker

20.   “It is only by risking our persons from one hour to another that we live at all” – William James

If you’re looking for additional quotes to boost your confidence and help you life life fearlessly, these collections will do the trick:

• 100 Best Quotes on Courage
• 70 Confidence-Boosting Quotes
• 35 Quote For Fearlessness
• 25 No Guts No Glory Quotes

8. BUILD CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF WITH THESE KEY QUESTIONS

The following four questions will bring new levels of clarity to every situation where a lack of confidence is involved.  It is suggested that you honestly ask these questions of yourself. 

Similarly, when faced with a future challenge or situation which induces anxiousness in you, ask yourselves these questions, and wait for your inside voice to answer the question for you.

After doing so, you should find that these questions have a calming effect on you, thus, gently banishing the fears that your mind has potentially built up around the task at hand. With that said, here are the questions:

Question 1:  What is really on the other side of this thing I am fearing at the moment?

The answer is always… NOTHING.

Question 2:  If I knew that I could handle anything that came my way, what would I possibly have to fear?

The answers is… NOTHING.

Question 3:  If the worst possible outcome related to doing this thing that is making me so afraid, actually happened, would I be able to handle the outcome?

The answer is…YES.

Question 4:  If I let this fear get the best of me, and allow it to keep me from doing that which  am afraid to accomplish, will I, on my deathbed, regret that I had not made the decision to do that thing which I so feared?

The answer is… IT IS UP TO YOU .

Related: Books For Confidence

9. DIGEST THESE CONFIDENCE-BUILDING TED TALK VIDEOS

To help you increase your confidence while simultaneously minimizing fear and its shrewd ability to limit our lives, we’ve curated four classic Ted Talks you should watch.  Our hope is that you’ll watch them and learn some new tactics that you can use to build your confidence and overcome your fears rapidly.

Here are the videos:

VIDEO 1:  AMY CUDDY

This is an extremely inspirational video by Social Psychologist Amy Cuddy.  She provides amazing insight into how research is starting to suggest that we are influenced by our own non-verbal communication to ourselves. 

In short, she reveals how our non-verbal’s (like body language) can influence how we think and feel about ourselves. Put another way, she demonstrates how you can manipulate your body to build confidence in yourself.

All in all, it’s full of great information to help you build confidence so you can become fearless.   Her last suggestion is what is most important.  “Fake it till you Become it”.  

VIDEO 2:  TIM FERRISS

Author of ‘Tools of Titans’ and productivity guru Tim Ferrids gives a nice intellectual breakdown on how he learned to deconstruct his fears so he can eventually conquer them.  If you watch the video till the end, he eventually ties all of his examples together to help you understand how you can overcome fear. 

His last two messages are by far the most important.  “Fear is your friend.” and “What is the worst that could happen?”

VIDEO 3:  JOE KOWAN

An entertaining and uplifting video that details how singer-songwriter  Joe Kowan eventually learned how to overcome his fear of being on stage.  Joe does this by ritually singing a stage fright song that he created before every event he does. 

It’s very powerful and it is a must watch for those who need to build confidence for getting on stage or in front of large groups of people.  Click on the image above to learn how to fearless and confident through learning.

VIDEO 4:  JIA JANG

Author of ‘Rejection Proof’, Jia Jiang, provides a very funny, informative, and helpful video for overcoming our fears.  He starts slow, but his message really picks up steam half way through.  By the end of the video, you will have laughed a dozen times and you will most certainly have gained some powerful insights for overcoming your fears and dealing with rejection. 

Jia Jiang’s last statement really knocks it out of the park, when he admonishes that we embrace our fears, because it is in doing so, that we are bound to discover our biggest opportunities.

10. FIND YOUR LIGHT

Why are we so afraid to do what we truly want in this life?  Why are we always letting other people’s opinions drive the decisions we make? 

Too many of us tuck our dreams and true interests away in some small corner at the first sign of disapproval from others. We don’t follow our own heart, we don’t we follow our light.  Why?

Robert Greene, said it so well in his book ‘Mastery’, as he pinpoints exactly what happens to so many people. In fact, it is what happens to all of us when we don’t follow our true inclinations.  He states the following:

“Conforming to social norms, you will listen more to others than to your own voice.  You may choose a career path based on what peers and parents tell you, or on what seems lucrative.  If you lose contact with your inner calling, you can have some success in life, but eventually your lack of true desire catches up with you.  Your work becomes mechanical.  You come to live for leisure and immediate pleasures.” [7]

So, if you are afraid to do what you truly want in this life, don’t be.  You only have one life to live, and none of us are getting out of here alive anyway.

If you are always letting other people’s opinions drive the decisions you make, or cause you to doubt yourself, with respect all due respect, stop!  Your opinions and interests matter, what interests you is important .

No more tucking your dreams and true interests away, no more hiding your talents because others may disapprove of them.  If you want to live a confident and fearless life, you have to follow your dreams .

This is the last act, because it requires the most self-examination and courage to act on your insights; however, it also harnesses the most potential to help you become confident, act boldly, and live fearlessly.  

Thus, to help you follow you fire, your light, your dreams, you first need to know exactly what it is that YOU want .  Thus, this strategy is an exercise to help you discover what your calling is, so you can follow it.

Once you’ve completed the self-discovery process, focus on bringing it to life by making plans to live it.

FIND YOUR CALLING EXERCISE

Below is a tool to help you find your light, your fire, or whatever you want to call it.

Ultimately, it is a questionnaire that will help you bring more clarity to your life. Improved clarity leads to confidence, and confidence leads to action, and action eventually turns into results.

Give it a look here: Find Your Light Guide

IMPLEMENTATION

By answering all of the questions in the guide provided, and giving each one your sincere and thorough consideration, you’ll discover a deeper awareness of who you are, what makes you happy, and what you should be doing with your life. All of these things will help you build confidence in yourself.

When every decision you make, every action you take is aligned with the fulfillment of the life objective you discover from this exercise, you will, without a doubt, have the confidence to truly live fearlessly.

BUILDING THE CONFIDENCE TO LIVE LIFE FEARLESSLY

A final word of caution. There is nothing more crushing in your pursuit of becoming your absolute best or in deciding to become who you truly want to be, then by having someone within your inner circle question your intentions and doubt your possibilities. 

“THERE IS NOTHING ENLIGHTENED ABOUT SHRINKING SO THAT OTHER PEOPLE WILL NOT FEEL INSECURE AROUND YOU.  WE ARE ALL MEANT TO SHINE.”    –  MARIANNE WILLIAMSON  –

As you’ve probably experienced, fear and doubt can spread swiftly like a virus.  As such, you must take proper precautions to make yourself immune to its infection. 

A good starting point, in making yourself immune, is to understand that doubters are simply afraid.  They are afraid of not living up to their potential, afraid that you may outshine them.  These individuals, will claw and scrape, and try to hurt you, to keep you fearful of life, fearful of your very best .

Often times, they don’t do this consciously. It’s their subconscious insecurities that compel them to lash out. And they lash out at you because they have yet to find the courage to face their fears and pursue their potential as you do.

If possible, remove these doubters from your life.  Remove, as best as you can, anyone who doubts your potential. Remove anyone who doubts your skills, your abilities, your choices, your greatness. 

If you can’t completely remove these people from your life, then distance yourself from them.  Spend as little time around them as possible, so as to minimize their negative influences on you. 

If distancing yourself from them is not an option, then you must create a mental firewall to negate their negativity, to negate their doubts.  A simple way to do this, is to convince yourself that their judgement no longer holds the weight that it once had.

Begin at once, to see yourself as a lion, and ‘them’ as the sheep (because that’s what they are). Reinforce your mental firewall with the following thought….

“A LION DOESN’T CONCERN HIMSELF WITH THE OPINIONS OF THE SHEEP.”    –  ANONYMOUS  –

A final word of encouragement. Congratulations, you now know how to be fearless and confident. You are truly equipped with the tools to become as confident as you want to be.  The choice to embrace your new found confidence and live life fearlessly is now solely up to you.

We encourage you to decide to be confident today, to make the decision to believe that you can handle whatever this world throws at you.  If you make this simple decision, and practice our recommended strategies, you will in effect be choosing to be fearless, and as a result, you will be. 

If the fears and doubts begin to creep back in, remember that you can rely on the power of belief and the power of pursuit, to drive your fears away.

As you move forward to build confidence in yourself, towards taking on new and greater challenges, we are sure everything in life will begin to change for you. 

Believe that you can do whatever it is that you wish to do.  Have faith in yourself, have faith in your vision, believe that you deserve the best, because my friend, you do. 

STRIVE To Go Fearless!

[1] Susan Jeffers Ph.D., Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway (New York: Ballantine Books, 2007), 22.

[2] David J. Schwartz Ph.D., The Magic of Thinking Big (New York: Prentice Hall, 1965), 52.

[3] Susan Jeffers, Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway (New York: Ballantine Books, 2007), 36.

[4] Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich (Connecticut: THE RALSTON SOCIETY, 1938), 57,58.

[5] Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich (Connecticut: THE RALSTON SOCIETY, 1938), 59, 60.

[6] Susan Jeffers Ph.D., Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway (New York: Ballantine Books, 2007), 26.

[7] Robert Greene, Mastery (New York: Penguin Group, 2012), 13,14.

COPYRIGHT © TheSTRIVE, 2023.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

THE SELF-CONFIDENCE FORMULA

Self Confidence is everything.  In fact, if you don’t have it, your chances of finding serious success in any endeavor is going to be limited.

Now, we are not saying you can’t succeed without confidence.  But, we are saying that it will be difficult to gain massive success without it.  And massive success is the key word.

Don’t believe us? Try naming one extremely successful person who isn’t self-confident.

Exactly.  We couldn’t come up with a name either.

What is Confidence?

Now, confidence isn’t the same as charisma. Too many people get the two mixed up. Charisma is when someone has a compelling attractiveness about them, a charm if you will, that allows them to typically inspire devotion in others. However, confidence on the other hand, is the deep knowing that you can do something. It is a calmness of mind that stems from having trust in your ability to do a certain thing well.

Of course people succeed all the time without having the charisma of Winston Churchill, Neil Patrick Harris , or Matthew McConaughey, but succeeding without confidence is a completely different story.

“One of the key factors of legendary success is to learn how to generate your own self-confidence.” – Robin Sharma

Without Confidence You Won’t Do This….

Here’s why.  When you lack self-confidence, you essentially don’t believe in yourself.  And when you don’t believe in yourself, you won’t take action .

Needless to say, the less action you take, the less likely you’ll be to run into opportunity.  And without opportunity, you can’t really find success.

Why?  Because success is never something that is given.  Success is something that is always earned.

And success keeps her distance from those who don’t take action.

You can’t seize your moment, or take risks on those slivers of opportunity that rarely present themselves, if you are not taking action.

In short, we can’t succeed, we won’t succeed, without first having self-confidence.

If success requires anything…. above all else it requires action, and action requires self-confidence.

Related: Lacking Self Belief? Read This

Can You Teach Yourself Confidence?

The great news is, you can teach yourself how to be more confident. You can increase your confidence levels because confidence, much like a muscle, can be strengthened by use. And if you can teach yourself confidence, you can take more action. And if take more action, you can be become about as successful as you want to be.

More confidence will lead to more action, and more action will lead to more success.

Related: How to Become an Extrovert

The Key to More Action

With that being said, we want to give you a powerful tool that will help you become more confident.  We want to give you a key to taking more action , and from that action, the attainment of more success.  This key, is called the self-confidence formula.

This self confidence formula is a simple tool that various members of our team still use daily to gain and maintain the confidence needed to crush our days.

This tool has been a big part of our morning routine for years now, and it has helped us strengthen our belief in our ability to do…. well, just about anything!

This formula that we use stems from Napoleon Hill’s classic book, ‘Think and Grow Rich’.   If you haven’t read the book yet, then we highly recommend you read it [ Click Here to Download for Free ]. 

Of course, you don’t have to read the book before putting this effective confidence formula to work for you.

The formula is essentially a declaration that you read to yourself. It contains a handful of hidden affirmations (auto-suggestion) that will gradually work on your subconscious minds.

It is suggested that you read it aloud, with an open mind, and with faith that it can help fortify your confidence. It will require some faith on your part, but I can assure you, if you believe in it, it will work.

Related: Think and Grow Rich Quotes

So without further ado, below is your new highly effective confidence tool that you will be sure to benefit from. Here you go:

• I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my Definite Purpose in life. Therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action towards its attainment, and I here and now promise to take such action.
• I realize the dominating thoughts of my mind will eventually reproduce themselves in outward, physical action and gradually transform themselves into physical reality. Therefore, I will concentrate my thoughts for 30 minutes daily upon the task of thinking of the person I intend to become, thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture of that person.
• I know through the principle of autosuggestion that any desire I persistently hold in my mind will eventually seek expression through some practical means of attaining the object. Therefore, I will devote 10 minutes daily to demanding of myself the development of self-confidence.
• I have clearly written down a description of my Definite Chief Aim in life. I will never stop trying until I have developed sufficient self-confidence for its attainment.
• I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure unless built upon truth and justice. Therefore, I will engage in no transaction that does not benefit all whom it affects. I will succeed by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use, and the cooperation of other people. I will induce others to serve me because of my willingness to serve others.  I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness and cynicism by developing love for all humanity because I know that a negative attitude towards others can never bring me success.  I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself.  I will sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory and repeat it aloud once a day, with full faith that it will gradually influence my thoughts and actions so that I will become a self-reliant and successful person.

Related: Self-Confidence Affirmations

Final Thoughts

There you have it!  A powerful and simple way to increase your confidence, and it’s free and available for you to use whenever you want.

Please don’t underestimate the power of this self-confidence formula.

Trust us when we say, it has the ability to level up your life.  We promise you. But, you’ll have to have a little faith and apply it habitually.

“What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail?” – Elanor Roosevelt

To do so, consider reading this formula daily so that you make it habit to build your confidence .  The changes it will make in how you feel will amaze you. But ever more amazing, will be how other begin to notice the shift in your presence.

Moreover, you’ll impress yourself by how much more daring you’ll be in your own life.  Your new-found willingness to take more action, will undoubtedly open new doors for you.

It’s time to unleash that extremely confident titan residing deep down inside of you. Use this confidence formula to awaken that giant from its slumber! Your successful future-self, will thank you for it!

Till next time,

PS –  If you enjoyed this resource and found value in it, then you’ll enjoy this confidence booster and this list of great reads .

10 BEST WAYS TO STOP NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

When you woke up this morning, stumbled over to the mirror, and had a good long gander, what was the first thing you said to yourself? Did you give yourself a solid pep talk, remind yourself how awesome you are and think about all the ways you were going to crush it today? Probably not. You let that trash-talking peanut gallery in your head make you feel like you’re inadequate. Enough! If you’re going to take on the world and conquer it, you’ve got to know how to stop negative self-talk.

Negative self-talk is a symptom of something greater than just a lack of self-confidence. It can stem from years of not feeling support, an unending string of what we perceive to be failure, and an inability to see our potential. The roots of pervasive negativity can go all the way back to our childhood and manifest because we have unfinished business there, or it can be because we never developed a sense of resilience.

Overcoming negative self-talk isn’t merely an exercise in changing our mindset (although, that is a vital component for transformation), but a process which we have to be open to, so we can realize that on the other side of “I can’t” is an infinite world of “I absolutely can!”

You know that ol’ adage, “If we don’t respect ourselves, how can we expect anyone else to respect us?” The same goes for negative self-talk. We can’t lean on others to believe in us if we’re sitting in the back row doing an audit on our life instead of realizing that we are exceptional. So let’s dive in and learn some strategies to change our inner conversations and overcome negative self-talk for good.

HOW TO STOP NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

1. Call Your Critic By Name

Don’t roll your eyes, hear me out. You have been throwing shade at yourself for so long, you probably don’t even recognize when you’re being negative. That inner critic has latched onto you like a parasite and it’s time to set it free.

Give that critic a name, something funny. And every time you hear or catch yourself thinking something negative or critical, talk to your inner critic as if it were a person. Let it know it’s gunning for a break-up, and it’s just a matter of time.

If you feel comfortable enough, share the name of your inner critic with your friends and family so when they recognize you being negative, they can keep you accountable.

2. Talk it Out to Overcome Negative Self-Talk

Keeping with the theme of reaching out to friends and family, overcoming negative self-talk is a journey. It doesn’t happen overnight. And chances are, the ones closest to you (including your boss) have suffered alongside you. They are just as invested in your becoming a happier, more positive person as you are.

So when you feel yourself slipping into the doldrums, shoot a text to a trusted confidant and run those thoughts by them. If you’re mid-rant, telling yourself how useless you are, wouldn’t it be liberating to have someone chime in to tell you how smart, hardworking and kind you are?

Of course. It’s going to take a few battles to win the war, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of trusty troops.

3. If You Can’t Get Positive, Go Neutral

There is no pill for overcoming negative self-talk (though some may disagree). It takes work. Placing pressure on yourself to be all rainbows and sunshine right out of the gate only sets you up for failure, putting you in a headspace where negativity begets negativity.

Take baby steps. Start with very simple language changes. Swap out sentences like, “I can’t do this” or “this will never,” with phrases like, “I just need more time” and “maybe this can.”

This may seem trivial and ridiculous, but we’re talking about the power of language. Think about how destructive your language has been to you and your life. If you’re not ready to fully commit to complete transformation , let’s at least crack the door open, and explore some possibilities.

4. Stay in the Moment

Whew! This is a tough one, especially when one of your favourite things to do (subconsciously) is to focus on the absolute worst case scenario of everything in life. But unless you’ve discovered time travel, you have absolutely no idea what is going to happen.

Stop focusing on the “what if” and get your head in the game by being comfortable with the “right now.”

5. Get Off the Guilt Trip

Avid negative self-talkers love to pack their bags and head out on the most epic guilt trips. Guilt tripping lets you take inventory of every single minute thing that you didn’t get done, and then you get to revel in your failure to complete things. What about focusing on all the things you accomplished instead?

If you want to overcome negative self-talk, take 15 minutes out of your day every day and write down everything you accomplished. No detail is too small. From brushing your teeth, to closing a sale, to doing a load of laundry. You’re getting stuff done; you’re just too focused on what you feel like you should be doing.

6. Stop Pretending to Read Minds

Unless you’ve been side-gigging as a psychic, you have absolutely no idea what’s going on in someone else’s head. Read that again. If they haven’t told you, you have no idea what someone else is thinking.

So why are you creating negative dialogues about what they might be thinking about you? You need to stop attaching meaning to everything someone says to you, and stop fabricating stories that say bad things about you.

7. Surround Yourself With Positive People

Sure, opposites attract, but rarely do individuals who regularly engage in negative self-talk attract happy, positive people, and there’s good reason for that; happy people like to surround themselves with other happy people. If you exist in a circle of negativity outside of yourself, what hope do you have of making a transformation?

Make some social adjustments. If you’ve got family members who are enabling you or engage in negative self-talk, take a step back. Tell them you love them, but you need to make some changes for your mental well being.

8. Shift Your Perspective to Stop Negative Self-Talk

Pffft! Easier said than done, right? Sure, but totally worth a try. Take an inventory of your fears, your concerns, your challenges. Write them out, and read them back to yourself. Now write down why you think you’re incapable of overcoming these things.

Are they really so difficult? Are you asking yourself to climb Everest with no equipment next weekend? Are you being asked to solve world hunger by 2023? How dire are these issues you’re facing? You can absolutely push through whatever is holding you back from unleashing your potential. 

9. Simplify Your Social Media Influences

Don’t panic, I’m not telling you to get off social media…completely. What I am asking you to do is to take a deep dive on who and what you are letting influence your inner dialogue on the social media landscape.

Are you following positive people and brands? Do you spend hours and hours disappearing down social media rabbit holes, only to come up for air feeling even less adequate than when you swiped into the app? Clear the decks! If you’re not following accounts that make you feel like a rock star, or share positive narratives, you do not need them in your life right now.

10. Become Someone Else’s Hype Person

Helping others makes us feel good. It gets those endorphins pumping. But it also has a sneaky way of making us feel better about ourselves, and we tend to hold our chins a little higher. Consider taking on a mentorship role to someone in your life.

It could be a friend starting a business or a colleague who needs some support in getting that next promotion. Engaging in supportive dialogue with someone we care about can retrain our brains into quieting our own inner critics.

Final Thoughts on Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk is akin to cancer. It can permeate every aspect of our life, impacting our career aspirations, family and friend dynamics, and relationships. The great news is, it’s not a permanent state of being, it’s a choice.

Like everything in life, anything worth having requires time, effort and dedication, but once you cross that threshold into living a more positive existence , everything gets easier from there on out. So, if you’re ready to overcome negative self-talk for good, put these tips to good use daily.

PS – If you enjoyed this article on how to stop negative self-talk, then you’ll enjoy this read on how changing your mindset can can change your life, and you may even find value in these powerful affirmations for confidence .

100 INSPIRING COURAGE QUOTES TO HELP YOU FEEL COURAGEOUS

If you’re searching for some inspiring courage quotes then you’ll love this page. Before we dive into them however, know this…

We all need to look within and dig deep now and again, to remember that we have what it takes to live the life of our dreams. If that’s you, looking for that little nudge of encouragement, or help remembering that you can rise to the occasion, then you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re searching for quotes about courage, we’ve got them here. We’ve curated some of the most encouraging words on the importance of being brave, courageous, and fearless from some of the world’s greatest minds. Our hope is that they’ll give you the courage to unleash that inner bravery that will help you live your best life . So, without further ado, if you’re ready to dive into some of the most powerful courage quotes of all-time then let’s dive in: 

100 Courage Quotes to Help You Unleash Your Inner Lion

1. “Fortune favors the bold.” – Virgil

2. “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide

3. “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

4. “Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.” – George A. Sheehan”

5. “To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.” – Soren Kierkegaard

6.  “Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne

7. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

8. “He who is brave is free.” – Seneca

9. “Messenger boy: The Thessalonian you’re fighting, he’s the biggest man I’ve ever seen.  I wouldn’t want to fight him. Achilles:  That is why no one will remember your name.” – Troy

10. “Courage is fear holding on a minute longer” – George S. Patton

11. “ If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.” – Marcus Garvey

12. “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” – Babe Ruth

13. “There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.” – Buddha

14. “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali

15. “In any given moment, we have two options: To step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” – Abraham Maslow

16. “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. Cummings

17. “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” – C.S. Lewis

18. “Courage is knowing what not to fear.” – Plato

19. “All our dreams can come true , if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

20. “The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.” – Tacitus

21. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” – J.K. Rowling

22 . “Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.” – Amelia Earhart

23. “Just as courage is the danger of life, so is fear its safeguard.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

24 . “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel

25. “Courage is a love affair with the unknown.” – Osho

26. “From caring comes courage.” – Lao Tzu

27. “He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy.” – Socrates

28. “Most of us have far more courage than we ever dreamed we possessed.” – Dale Carnegie

29. “You will never do anything in this world without courage.  It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” – Aristotle

30.  “The secret to happiness is freedom…  And the secret to freedom is courage.” – Thucydides

31. “Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

32. “Freedom is a system based on courage.” – Charles Peguy

33. “Courage is action, not talk.” – Jeff Rich

34. “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius, and a lot of courage, to move in the opposite direction.” – Albert Einstein

35.  “Valor grows by daring; fear by holding back.” – Publilius Syrus

36. “If you could get up the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed.” – David Viscott

37. “I have a lot of things to prove to myself. One is that I can live my life fearlessly.” – Oprah Winfrey

38. “Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” – Seneca

39. “Courage conquers all things: it even gives strength to the body.” – Ovid

40. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela

41.   “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage.  If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it.  Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie

42.  “Courage is on display every day, and only the courageous wring the most out of life.” – Zig Ziglar

43. “You can’t test courage cautiously.” – Annie Dillard

44. “Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared.” – Eddie Rickenbacker

45. “What you are afraid to do is a clear indication of the next thing you need to do.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

46. “People don’t follow titles, they follow courage.” – William Wells Brown

47. “Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit.” – Baltasar Gracian

48. “Of all forms of caution, caution in love is perhaps the most fatal to true happiness.” – Bertrand Russell

49. “Trust the still, small voice that says, “ this might work and I’ll try it.” – Diane Mariechild

50. “The brave may not live forever, but the cautious don’t live at all.” – Ashley L

Halfway There

You’re more than halfway through these courage quotes, great job! We hope they are providing you with the inspiration and courage you’ll need to go after the life you want.

If you’re not 100% fired up yet, well, keep reading until you feel 100% belief in yourself. You got this, let’s go!

51. “The greatest test of courage on the earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.” – R.G. Ingersoll

52. “Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse

53. “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” – Winston S. Churchill

54. “Do not be afraid I am with you.” – Isaiah 43:5

55.  “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy

56. “Great people do things before they’re ready. They do things before they know they can do it.” – Amy Poehler

57. “Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of courage and I promise you something great will come of it.” – We Bought A Zoo

58. “Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

59. “Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use.” – Ruth Gordo

60. “One man with courage is a majority.” – Thomas Jefferson

61. “Life is too short to not be fearless for what you want .” – Nate Lee Morales

62. You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.” – Brene Brown

63. “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quite voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.”

64. “Anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” – J.K. Rowling

65.  “Courage is resistance to fear, master of fear, not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain

66. “The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost

67. “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflections.” – Thomas Paine

68. “Fight hard when you are down; die hard—determine at least to do—and you won’t die at all.” – James H. West

69. “Never forget that no military leader has ever become great without audacity.” – Karl Von Clausewitz

70. “The devil whispers, “You can’t withstand the storm.” The Warrior replied, “I am the storm.” – Unknown

71. “To uncover your true potential, you must first find your own limits and then you have to have the courage to blow past them.” – Picabo Street

72. “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair

73. “Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.” – Maggie Kuhn

74. “We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

75. “Live Dangerously and you live right.” – Goethe

76. “Life is being on the wire, everything else is just waiting.” – Karl Wallenda

77. “Courage is Grace Under Pressure” – Ernest Hemingway

78. “Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it.” – T. Scott Mcleod

79. “Glory gives herself only to those who have always dreamed of her.” – Charles de Gaul

80. “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” – Goethe

81. “Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.” – Raymond Lindquist

82. “Sometimes you don’t realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness.” – Susan Gale

83. “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

84. “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” – Dale Carnegie

85. “Be Fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” – Courage Quote

86. “Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

87. “Courage is looking fear right in the eye and saying, “Get the hell out of my way, I’ve got things to do.” – Unknown

88. “Sometimes the biggest act of courage is a small one.” – Lauren Raffo

89. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill

90.   “Fate loves the fearless.” – James Russell Lowell

91. “One man scorned and covered with scars still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable stars; and the world was better for this.” – Don Quixote

92. “Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live .” – Dorothy Thompson

93. “Have the courage to act instead of react.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

94. “He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery!” – Anne Frank

95. “The only person who never makes mistakes is the person who never does anything.” – Dennis Waitely

96 . “Cowards die many deaths before their deaths, the valiant never taste of death but once.” – William Shakespeare

97. “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” – Billy Graham

98. “Courage is the standing army of the soul, which keeps it from conquest, pillage, and slavery.” – Henry Van Dyke

99. “To be successful we must do things that unsuccessful people do not want to do. Those things require levels of courage.” – R. Harpe

100.  “Courage is the ladder on which all other virtues mount.” – Clare Booth Luce

Bonus Quote on Courage

We have one last addition to these courage quotes that we’d like to add.  It is a courage quote that every student of success must never forget.  Here it is, straight from the mouth of the  ‘Dean of Personal Development’…

“All You Need Is The Plan, The Roadmap, And The Courage To Press On To Your Destination.” – earl nightingale –

Final Words On Courage

There you have it friends, the best of the best when it comes to courage quotes.  Did you enjoy them?  If so, please share using any of the social share buttons below…  Spread the fire!  Also, if you enjoyed these courage quotes, you’ll probably really enjoy our popular No Guts, No Glory Quotes.

With that being said, we hope you’ll leverage these courageous thoughts and words of wisdom to start living the empowered and successful life you were meant to live.  

Till next time, 

PS – If you enjoyed these courage quotes, then you’ll likely enjoy this courage enhancing + confidence boosting resource: Go Fearless

50+ SELF-ESTEEM QUOTES TO INSPIRE YOU TO REACH FOR THE STARS

Having high self-esteem and confidence is critical to living a high quality life, and these quotes about self-esteem and confidence can help.  Without a strong sense of self and confidence in one’s abilities, life can be a struggle.  Low self-esteem can impact your professional success, your relationship success, and whether or not your reach for the stars and the best life has to offer. Consequently, having a low self-esteem and lacking confidence can greatly impact how your life turns out in general.

“Beauty Begins The Moment You Decide To Be Yourself.” – coco chanel –

So, considering how important having a high-self esteem is to living life to the fullest, we’ve pulled together these handful of quotes about self-esteem and confidence for you to use the next time you start doubting yourself and your self-worth.

Please use them to remind yourself that you are more capable and powerful then you know. Leverage them as encouragement to reach for the stars and unleash your potential into the world. So, without further ado, enjoy these top inspiring quotes about self-esteem and confidence :

BEST SELF-ESTEEM QUOTES FOR LOW-CONFIDENCE

1.   “Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.”  –  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

2.   “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.”  –  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

3.   “The greatest discovery of my generation, is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitude of mind. ”  –  William James

4.  “Low self-esteem is like driving through life with your hand-break on.”  –  Maxwell Maltz

5.   “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  –  Ralph Waldo Emerson

6.  “The only thing that’s keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself.”  –  Tony Robbins

7.  “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”  –  Buddha

8.   “To establish true self-esteem we must concentrate on our successes and forget about the failures and the negatives in our lives.”  –  Denis Waitley

9.   “If you don’t love yourself, nobody will. Not only that, you won’t be good at loving anyone else. Loving starts with the self.”  –  Wayne Dyer

10.   “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”  –  Sir Edmund Hillary

11.  “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”  –  Brené Brown

12.   “When you have confidence, you have a lot of fun.  And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.”  –  Joe Namath

13.   “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  –  Ralph Waldo Emerson

14.   “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie

15.   “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”  –  Helen Keller

16.    “All confidence is acquired, developed.  No one is born with confidence.” – David J. Schwartz

17.   “Self-esteem is made up primarily of two things: feeling lovable and feeling capable.” – Jack Canfield

18.   “Successful people have fear, successful people have doubts, and successful people have worries. They just don’t let these feelings stop them.”  –  T. Harv Eker

19.   “Confidence is a habit that can be developed by acting as if you already had the confidence you desire to have. ”  –  Brian Tracy

20.   “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”  –  William James

21.   “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”  –  Lucille Ball

22.   “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”  –  Norman Vincent Peale

23.   “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.” – Kurt Cobain

24.   “The strongest single factor in prosperity consciousness is self-esteem: believing you can do it, believing you deserve it, believing you will get it.”  –  Jerry Gillies

25.   “The man who does not value himself, cannot value anything or anyone.”  –  Ayn Rand

26.   “Respect yourself and others will respect you.”  –  Confucius

27.   “Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment .”  –  Thomas Carlyle

28.   “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”  –  Judy Garland

29.   “You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” – Brené Brown

30.   “Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth .”  – Anonymous

31.  “Confidence is not “they will like me”.  Confidence is “I’ll be fine if they don’t.”  –  Anonymous

32.   “Look well into thyself;  there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look.”  –  Marcus Aurelius 

33.   “In my mind, not just this year, always, I am always the best.  And I am always going to say that.”  –  Cristiano Ronaldo

34.   “If you are not in the process of becoming the person you want to be, you are automatically engaged in becoming the person you don’t want to be.”  –  Dale Carnegie

35. “Someone else’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.” – Les Brown

36. “To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.” – Robert Morley

37. “My self-esteem is high because I honor who I am.” – Louise Hay

38. “You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise Hay

39. “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

40. “The only thing that matters in life, is your own opinion about yourself.” – Osho

41. “Only make decisions that support your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth.” – Oprah Winfrey

42. “To love yourself right now, just as you are, is to give yourself heaven. Don’t wait until you die. If you wait, you die now. If you love, you live now.” – Alan Cohen

43. “One’s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered.” – Michael J. Fox

44. “Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward.” – Roy Bennett

45. “Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.” – Helen Keller

46. “Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself.” – Robert Collier

47. “The most delightful surprise in life is to suddenly recognize your own worth.” – Maxwell Maltz

48. “Watch your thoughts . Every thought accepted as true is sent by your brain to your solar plexus — your abdominal brain — and is brought into your world as a reality.” – Joseph Murphy

49. “I used to hate feeling embarrassed, but then I realized nobody’s watching and nobody gives a damn.” – Barbara Corcoran

50. “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” – Steve Jobs

51. “The self-image is the key to human personality and human behavior. Change the self-image and you change the personality and the behavior.” – Maxwell Maltz

Bonus Quote on Self-Esteem

Bonus: Alright, here’s our last and final self-esteem quote. We believe it packs a punch, and can be used as a catalyst to dive into conquering your confidence challenges for good. Enjoy:

“No One Will Believe In You Until You Believe In You.” – ROBIN SHARMA –

One of our main goals here at The STRIVE is to help you believe that you have what it takes to be who you want to be, do what you want to do, so you can leverage that belief to strive to live the life you’ve always imagined for yourself.

And that’s where these self-esteem quotes come in, and what we love about them so much. Because quotes have the ability to uplift and inspire the reader.  And in the case of these quotes about self-esteem and confidence in particular, we hope they succeeded in encouraging you to believe in yourself . But most importantly, we hope these quotes help you realize deep down, that you do have a lot to offer this world, and that you have what it takes to shoot for the stars.

With that being said, we believe in you, but what matters most is that you believe in you , and that is a feat that is entirely up to you.

So, till you reach your aims,

PS – If you enjoyed these self-esteem quotes, then you’ll love these trust yourself quotes !

35+ FEARLESS QUOTES TO HELP YOU BE FEARLESS AND LIVE BOLDLY

Being fearless is not about never being afraid. It’s about feeling the fear, and diving in anyway. Fearlessness is oftentimes about being scared to death, but still saddling up to take on whatever beast or challenge that lies ahead of you. And because sometimes, filling our minds with a few strong quotes related to being fearless can embolden us to do what we must, we’re publishing these handful of fearless quotes for you.

So, if you’re seeking some inspiring words to help you be more fearless, then this page is for you. We’ve rounded up the most powerful fearless quotes to give you the courage to stand tall, take more risks, and never back down.

With that being said, if you’re ready for some encouraging words to help you become fearless, let’s dive in:

BEST FEARLESS QUOTES

1. “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” – Elbert Hubbard

2. “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” – Moliere

3.  “I’m not afraid of dying, I’m afraid of not trying.” – Jay Z

4.  “The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it.” – Debbi Fields

5. “When there is no peril in the fight there is no glory in the triumph.” – Pierre Cornielle

6. “If you never want to be criticized, for goodness’ sake don’t do anything new.” – Jeff Bezos

7. “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there’s something inside you that’s greater than any obstacle.” –  C.D. Larson

8.  “One finds limits by pushing them.” – Herbert Simon

9.  “Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.” – Benjamin Disraeli

10. “The arch enemy of mankind, is FEAR.” – Napoleon Hill

11. “There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.” – JFK

12.   “Without dreams, there can be no courage. And without courage, there can be no action.” – Wim Wenders

13. “Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.” – Wayne Dyer

14. “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” – Paulo Coelho

15. “Fear, much like resistance, is nothing but the human motive of aversion.” – The STRIVE

16. “Failure is an option here.  If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.” – Cher

17. “The beautiful thing about fear is that when you run to it.. it runs away.” – Robin Sharma

18.  “Fear kills more dreams that failure ever will.” – Anonymous

19.  “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmache

Related: Fearless Motivation Quotes

20.  “Your largest fear, carries you greatest growth.” – James Allen

21.  “If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it.” – Elon Musk

22.  “Don’t let the fear of what could happen make nothing happen.” – Anonymous

23.  “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” –  William G.T. Shedd

24.  “Cultivate a fearless approach to life, attack everything with boldness and energy.” – Robert Greene

25. “To escape fear, you have to go through it, not around it.” –  Richie Norton

26.  “Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.” –  Ralph Waldo Emerson

27. “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain

28. “Freedom lies in being bold.” – Robert Frost

29. “Before you can become a millionaire, you must learn to think like one. You must learn how to motivate yourself to counter fear with courage.” – Thomas J. Stanley

30. “Fate loves the fearless.” – James Russell Lowell

31. “The more you are motivated by love; The more fearless and free your action will be.” – Dalai Lama

32. “Once you become fearless, life becomes limitless.” – Anonymous

33. “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennet

34. “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” – Woody Allen

35. “Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

36. “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

37.  “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” – Paulo Coelho

38. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart

39. “Fearlessness is the first requisite of spirituality. Cowards can never be moral.” – Mahatma Gandhi

40. “There is no illusion greater that fear.” – Lao Tzu

41. “Regret is the heritage of people who choose to live a fear-driven life.” – Taneka Rubin

42. “The eagle has no fear of adversity. We need to be like the eagle and have a fearless spirit of a conqueror!” – Joyce Meyer

43. “Being fearless isn’t being 100% not fearful, it’s being terrified but you jump anyway.” – Taylor Swift

44. “FEAR has two meanings: ‘Forget Everything And Run’ or ‘Face Everything And Rise.’ The choice is yours.” – Zig Ziglar

45. “We grow fearless by walking into our fears.” – Robin Sharma

46. “To many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” – Les Brown

47. “Let fear be a counselor and not a jailer.” – Tony Robbins

48. “Fears, even the most basic ones, can totally destroy your ambitions. Fear, if left unchecked, can destroy our lives. Fear is one of the many enemies lurking inside of us.” – Jim Rohn

49. “The key to success is to start before you’re ready.” – Marie Forleo

50. “Life begins where fear ends.” – Osho

51. “Courage above all things, is the first quality of a warrior.” – Karl von Clausewitz

52. “Fears are a kind of prison that confines you within a limited range of action. The less you fear, the more power you will have and the more fully you will live.” – 50 cent

53. “Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive – the risk to be alive and express what we really are.”  –  Don Miguel Ruiz

54 . “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” – Jack Canfield

55. “Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them.” – Rabindranath Tagor

Bonus Fearless Quote

Bonus: Alright, here is one last bonus quote that we think deserves special attention. We hope it inspires you as much as it inspires us. Here you go:

“Fear Doesn’t Go Away. The Warrior And The Artist Live By The Same Code Of Necessity, Which Dictates That The Battle Must Be Fought Anew Every Day.” – Steven Pressfield –

Final Thougths

There you have it friends, some of the best fearless quotes to help you conquer the timidity that would keep you from living your greatest life.

May these handful of fearless quotes serve you well, as you strive to reach your goals and unleash your potential

Till you reach your aims, Go Fearless , and…

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I start believing in myself again?” then this article is for you. We know everyone falls into a rut sometimes where we don’t have as much belief in ourselves as we used to. We know everyone, from time to time experiences those days where our self-confidence somehow gets thrown out the door, leaving us feeling uncertain and unsure of ourselves. The good news is, we have a few great tips to help you find out how to start believing in yourself again.

There is no doubt that lacking self belief can leave you struggling to find your way through life with little hope for significant change. In short, not believing in yourself can make the future look bleak. Fortunately, you can find your way back to a more confident and assured you, if you try. And you can do it today!

So, what happens when you start believing in yourself? Well, you’ll start having more hope for starters. And with more hope, you’ll be more inclined to take action. And with every action you take to build yourself up, and create a better future for yourself, your confidence and belief in yourself will grow.

So, let’s get you started on this journey of reclaiming your self, and with it, your future. Just follow these seven steps. They’ll show you how you can start believing in yourself again, and help you feel like you’re on top of the world again.

7 Best Ways to Start Believing in Yourself Again

1. Practice Loving Yourself

Believe it or not, self-love leads to self belief. It’s extremely difficult to gain faith in yourself if you don’t love the person that you are on the inside. You have to find confidence in yourself. [1] This means loving the person you see in the mirror every single day for all of their good and bad qualities.

So, ignore any of those small pesky voices that try to put you down or say that you are less than you are. Keep your chin up, and never forget that you have a purpose and that your life matters.

But ultimately the, main thing to take away from this step, is to realize that you are unique, invaluable, and loved by others. And if others can love you, you can love you. That said, once you find a way to truly love yourself, you can then take the first step towards believing in yourself.

2. Realize All Personal Failure Is Not Your Fault

The affairs of the world has made many people feel as if they were lost in a tornado. People’s lives have been turned upside down both professionally and personally. Some people have lost their jobs, while others their house, family, etc…

Hardship and failure abounds, but in all reality, often times failure is not your fault. Some of the most prepared and successful people fail. [2]

So, figure out the difference between the times failure might have been your fault and the times when everything was out of your control. Do this, and you’ll slowly begin to see your worth. You’ll realize that you can move forward once you understand failure happens.

You may even come to the realization that failure can be a stepping stone to something greater. And that it can in fact be exactly what you need to get you to your next level in life.

3. Treat Yourself The Way You Treat Others

It is easier to start believing in yourself when you begin treating yourself the way you treat others. Think about it, you wouldn’t usually tell others they are worthless and a failure, right? No, of course you wouldn’t because you believe in those people you respect and love around you. You are patient with them. And you’re willing to lend a hand and help them up when life is tough.

So, do the same for yourself. Give yourself the opportunity to talk and be open just as you do those around you. The way you treat yourself is a direct link to your feelings. If you give yourself positive affirmations, you’ll feel happy and lifted up.

However, on the flipside, if you continually tell yourself that you’re worthless, you’ll feel sad and slightly depressed. So be sure you take care of yourself the way you would take care of your best friend. [3]

4. Feed Your Spirit

It’s important to feed your spirit and mind with positive things. Be careful what you watch on television and what you read each day. Feed your mind with interesting and positive topics.

Ask respected colleagues about the great things they’ve done in their life. Ask them how self belief lead them to become the person they are today.

Seek out inspiration in quotes and documentaries. Read about topics that will help you figure out your next steps in life. Read about facing your fears and being confident.

All of these things may seem small, but they will make a difference to your mind and spirit. And if you do them long enough and often enough, you’ll essentially be able to rewire your brain to be confident , which will in turn help you believe in yourself more.

5. Take A Step Forward

When life knocks you down, get up and don’t look back. It’s crucial that you practice self love by moving forward. You may feel like giving up or just staying down in the dirt.

But you don’t want to stay down too long, because you will eventually begin to doubt yourself if you stay down long enough. So pull yourself up by your bootstraps and move forward.

Don’t think about looking back because you may get stuck staring at the past. You’ll start to wonder about things you could have done differently. [4]

If you want to start believing in yourself again, you’ll have to live in the present and look towards the future. So, consider brainstorming the best possible outcomes in your life, and then start taking steps in the direction towards your desired outcome. And it doesn’t matter how small the step is either, just take one step one at a time.

If you to this, one day you’ll notice how far you’ve come, and those days will be a distant memory.

6. Know You Choose Your Reactions

Start believing in yourself by knowing you are in charge of your reality. You do this by deciding how you react to good or bad news. Now, we understand that you might not be able to change the things happening to you, but you can change the way you react to them.

Yes, you might be angry and confused when you lose your job or a loved one passes away. But there is nothing you can do to change those types of outcomes. The only thing you can do is control the way you handle the situation.

You determine the positive outcomes of negative things because of the way you react. Those lacking self belief get stuck in the negative outcomes. They don’t try to find a way out because they’re scared to face their own reality. It might be tough, but you can face anything with a positive mind .

7. Accept That You Are Not Perfect

It’s hard for many people to understand that they aren’t perfect. Social media makes it seem like so many people are leading these amazing lives. We think we must be positive and happy or we are worthless. This isn’t true.

Sometimes there are positive people that have tough lives. This is because they accept the pain. They know life is going to be tough at times. They know they endless optimism won’t make life easier, but it will help them handle the harder things and move forward. It’s okay to accept the pain and anguish in life.

The trick is to be honest about it. The trick is to forgive yourself for the pain in your life. Understand that sometimes you are going to be negative, and that’s okay. As long as it does not take over your self worth, you can feel the pain at times. Embrace the imperfect times then let them go.

Related: Believe In Yourself Quotes

Bonus Tip To Help You Start Believing In Yourself

This last tip is related to correcting the issue by taking back control of your mind with force. A lot of the times, we don’t believe in ourselves because of alot of negative self-talk that we have going on in our minds. But, that negative chatter can be silenced with affirmations, especially if they are affirmations for help you improve your confidence.

So, if you’ve tried all the steps above, and you still find yourself wondering “How do I start believing in myself?” then you absolutely should give affirmations a try. Use these confidence affirmations , they’re a good place to start.

Self belief is something that isn’t created overnight. You might work years on yourself to boost your confidence and self worth. Just know that you are unique and the effort put forth will be worth the fight.

Give yourself the love you deserve by taking it a day at a time. It’s time to be your own best friend. And you can start by taking the first step and give yourself a few compliments today. Without a doubt, if you do this one little thing, you’ll start feeling better and you’ll usher in a more self-trusting and positive chapter in your life.

PS – If you enjoyed this post on how to start believing in yourself, then you’ll love this article on dealing with self-doubt .

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27 Books to Improve Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, and Self-Image

From the charismatic doctor to the energetic motivational speaker or the loving and friendly teacher, at each level and each age, people are more driven toward those who come across as self-reliant and confident.

Self-esteem, self-worth, and self-image are all counterparts of the umbrella term ‘self-love.’ They are constructs that denote the way we look at ourselves, perceive ourselves as individual entities, and portray our personalities to the world. Confidence is the key to a fulfilling life, and having high self-esteem is where it all begins.

Self-esteem develops from childhood. The way we interact, observe, and listen to others’ communication patterns can play a significant role in shaping how we see and feel about ourselves.

Building self-esteem and self-reliance is a matter of concern today, and thanks to the recent advancements in science and literature, we now have the right answers to it.

This article lists some of the best books available on self-esteem and related topics. The resources are practical and evidence based, and suggest effective ways we can implement the knowledge in our everyday lives.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Self-Compassion Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will not only help you increase the compassion and kindness you show yourself but will also give you the tools to help your clients, students, or employees show more compassion to themselves.

This Article Contains

The 10 best books on self-esteem for adults, 3 good books that address low self-esteem, 3 self-esteem books for kids (incl. picture books), what books on self-esteem are recommended for teenage girls, 3 books on self-worth, 3 recommendations on self-image, 2 audiobook recommendations, a take-home message, frequently asked questions.

Carmen Jacob, a famous life coach and holistic counselor, presented a list of the best books on self-esteem that shouldn’t be missed. Here are the top 10 from her list.

1. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem: The Definitive Work on Self-Esteem by the Leading Pioneer in the Field – Nathaniel Branden

The author has creatively presented the benefits of developing self-esteem based on six pillars. The book explains why self-esteem is an essential requirement for a healthy body, mind, and personality, and suggests practical ways for nurturing it.

The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is a highly recommended book for mental health professionals, teachers, and parents who wish to empower themselves and others with a definite sense of self.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – Brené Brown

The book pleasantly invites readers to know that they are more than what they think themselves to be. The author explains how normal it is to feel unworthy and ‘low’ at times.

Brown offers some meaningful and scientific strategies to accept our inner critic and use it to embrace our ‘imperfect’ life in the best possible way.

Find the book on Amazon  or find more self-acceptance books here .

3. What to Say When You Talk to Your Self – Shad Helmstetter

This accessible self-help guide is filled with cutting-edge information on how to practice positive self-talk . It provides practical tips on how to counter feelings of low self-worth and take charge of your happiness.

The book follows a smooth and straightforward approach and is relatable for readers of all ages.

4. Ten Days to Self-Esteem – David D. Burns

Ten Days to Self-Esteem by David Burns takes readers through a glorious journey of acknowledgment and self-discovery. The book talks about acceptance, compassion, and innovation as vital components to building a secure self-belief system within oneself.

The methods and examples mentioned here are individualized and embrace human fallibility. The book is practical, evidence backed, and effectively applicable in today’s context.

5. What’s Right With Me: Positive Ways to Celebrate Your Strengths, Build Self-Esteem, and Reach Your Potential – Carlene DeRoo and Carolyn DeRoo

The book is inspirational and helps readers cultivate a firm sense of self. It scientifically explains why positive thinking is the starting point to healthy self-esteem and talks about the different small or big lifestyle tweaks that can help us get there.

6. Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny! – Tony Robbins

The book follows a step-by-step approach to becoming more self-dependent and in control of ourselves. For those struggling to find meaning in their lives, this book can be an eye-opening guide for increased self-love and acceptance.

7. The New Psycho-Cybernetics – Maxwell Maltz

This book by Dr. Maxwell Maltz is helpful for goal setting and executing vital life plans. He has frequently updated his work to include contemporary aspects of the resources.

As readers say, ‘from weight management to professional success,’ there is no aspect that is left untouched here.

It is a recommended read for professionals in demanding jobs or students who are about to start their work life.

8. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind – Joseph Murphy

This book follows an entirely new approach, blending parts of religion, culture, literature, and science to explain what happiness means and suggest ways to cultivate it within ourselves.

This enlightening book on self-love and self-power is an excellent read for people from all walks of life.

9. Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Steven C. Hayes

The process of ACT helps us differentiate between pain and suffering, and the book Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life focuses on this aspect of wellbeing. Author Steven Hayes has brought forth some of the most useful scientific techniques to overpower temporary struggles and look at the bigger picture.

This book is a revolutionary approach to dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress disorders. It helps readers learn how we can positively address our pains and discover our strengths within the suffering to enjoy a fulfilling life.

10. Healing Your Emotional Self: A Powerful Program to Help You Raise Your Self-Esteem, Quiet Your Inner Critic, and Overcome Your Shame – Beverly Engel

Healing Your Emotional Self addresses a wide range of early life experiences that profoundly affect a child’s self-esteem and suggests successful ways of dealing with them.

The book is insightful for parents, teachers, counselors, and anyone who deals with childhood and adolescent issues and wants to delve deep into the underlying causes of low self-esteem.

Dr. Berni Sewell, an experienced health scientist, energy healer, and established author, mentioned the following books in her articles on self-love and self-power. These books, as she suggests, are great reads for anyone who wishes to explore their true potential and make the most of their lives.

1. You Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay

Author Louise Hay has shared some significant first-hand experiences, including her life situations, about how people can turn things to their favor by merely thinking and feeling positive about themselves.

2. The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living – Dalai Lama

The Art of Happiness is a collection of the Dalai Lama’s stories, meditations, and messages on the ways we can invite happiness back into our lives.

The book presents a series of one-on-one conversations the author had with different people at different points in life. It is a cornerstone book for endless inspiration, self-love, and meaningful existence – a must-read for all.

3. Matrix Energetics: The Science and Art of Transformation – Richard Bartlett

After experiencing a life-changing event, the author discovered the science of energy transformation, which, according to him, could be a quick and permanent heal for people struggling with self-esteem issues.

The book talks about his research and how readers can apply his rules to get rid of their insecurities and thrive. A different yet exciting approach to building self-esteem, you can find this book on Amazon .

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Recommended by The New York Times and other prestigious magazines and newspapers, here are some self-help books that aim to help parents and professionals raise confident and self-reliant kids.

1. It’s Okay to Be Different – Todd Parr

His book, It’s Okay To Be Different , is an easy-to-read, accessible, pictorially represented manual with stories and illustrations on how children can love and trust themselves.

The book encourages kids to build character strength, embrace diversity, and learn to accept their minds and bodies.

2. The Lion Inside – Rachel Bright

The primary aim of author Rachel Bright is to cultivate the habit of talking about what a child feels and what drives their actions or reactions.

With inspiring texts that promote self-esteem and confidence, The Lion Inside is a recommended read for kids aged 5–12 years.

3. I Am Enough – Grace Byers

Keeping humanity above everything, author and activist Grace Byers has brought us the most essential tips on how children can learn their purpose of living and use rational thinking to perceive life events.

Teenagers are often victims of low self-esteem. From having an attractive body to having an ideal relationship, adolescents carry a considerable burden of being ‘perfect.’

Thankfully, we have an affluence of books and resources that address low adolescent self-esteem and suggest scientific ways to overrule them.

The following list of books was advocated by Denise Witmer, a famous parenting coach and author, as some good reads for uplifting self-esteem in teenage girls.

1. Chocolate for a Teen’s Soul: Life-Changing Stories for Young Women About Growing Wise and Growing Strong – Kay Allenbaugh

From first love to first jobs and first heartbreak, Chocolate for a Teen’s Soul offers an energetic approach to looking at teenage troubles and preventing them from taking a toll on self-confidence .

2. The Real Rules for Girls – Mindy Morgenstern

The book addresses issues like parental discord, love life problems, menstrual and hormonal ups and downs, and emotion management.

3. Get Over It! How to Survive Break-ups, Back-Stabbing Friends, and Bad Haircuts –  Beth Mayall

From coping with stress to dealing with academic under-achievements and familial expectations, this book offers straightforward and practical steps that girls can follow to feel better about themselves.

Matt Valentine, a self-published and renowned self-help author, mentioned the following books as some of the best resources for enhancing a sense of self-worth .

1. The Magic of Thinking Big – David J. Schwartz

Author David J. Schwartz believes that unless we are ready to acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, we can never break loose from the trap of under-confidence.

Written in accessible English and a conversational tone, this book is excellent for self-empowerment at the very core.

2. Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill

Author Napoleon Hill has talked about building confidence and generating happiness in life by enhancing mental faculties. The book is all about developing a strong self-system that won’t be easy to break.

An insightful and motivating resource for all ages, this book is available in paperback and digital forms.

Find this book on Amazon .

3. The Power of Positive Thinking – Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

The Power of Positive Thinking has a modern approach and follows a personal tone. The author has beautifully explained the value of having our own space and how we can use it for the betterment of ourselves.

From goal setting to executing life plans, this book has everything you need to stand up on your feet again.

Find the book on Amazon or find more goal-setting books .

Self-image , or the way we perceive ourselves, is a significant component of our identity. The following books have been suggested as useful resources on improving self-image by eminent authors and researchers like Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jessica Smith, and Diane Ackerman.

1. Who Moved My Cheese? – Spencer Johnson

The book has components of realism, spirituality, positive interventions, and lifestyle modification tips, all of which aim to show readers how they can adapt to life more efficaciously.

With the quirky metaphor of cheese, the author has taken a deep dig into successfully driving ourselves to a happier life. A highly recommended read and a personal favorite self-help book, this can truly get the ball of self-motivation rolling.

2. Mindsight: Change Your Brain and Your Life – Daniel J. Siegel

He introduced the term ‘mindsight’ to refer to the integration of brain science and psychotherapeutic techniques. Through his writing, Siegel has conveyed how we can use inclusive approaches to address real-life problems and successfully come out of them.

The book comes with a selection of case studies from the author’s practice, and each example is followed by practical measures on how readers can implement the steps in their lives.

Siegel has taken into consideration the problems that come with a poor self-image, including social phobia and relationship distress, and has offered reliable ways to deal with them through mindsight.

3. Body Confidence: The Scientific Approach on How to Shine From Within – Dr. Katherine E. Iscoe

Dr. Katherine Iscoe’s book sheds light on cultivating positive body image and celebrates radical self-acceptance . The book is divided into three segments, each addressing a crucial aspect of the self-system.

The author has scooped out vital points on the emotional impacts of criticisms and bullying, and has offered state-of-the-art measures to minimize the harm. It is recommended for adolescents, women, and anyone who wishes to identify their strengths and look beyond short-term failures.

Recommended as top self-help audiobooks by The New York Times and the BABCP Magazine, here are some all-time favorite resources for bringing out the best in yourself.

1. Overcoming Low Self-Esteem –  Melanie Fennell

The book emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-recognition.

It runs through the different aspects of high self-esteem and guides listeners to learn and administer the rules on themselves.

2. Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone – Brené Brown

The author strongly points at the fact that if we are happy with ourselves and do not wait for others to approve or disapprove of our actions, we can call on our high self-esteem and courage.

The book navigates through all the mundane problems that can damage the self-system, including money, obesity, relationship abuse, and bullying. It has provided a clear roadmap to dealing with each of them for a better self-understanding. With a personal touch and a storytelling tone, this book can be the silver lining to anyone struggling to thrive.

17 Exercises To Foster Self-Acceptance and Compassion

Help your clients develop a kinder, more accepting relationship with themselves using these 17 Self-Compassion Exercises [PDF] that promote self-care and self-compassion.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Self-esteem and confidence hold in all aspects of our lives. From academic achievements to social bonds, with the right self-system, we can flourish and seek happiness from within. As the saying goes, “ To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness .”

Knowing about self-reliance and self-esteem can prepare us for the journey and accelerate our success. The books and resources in this article can mark the beginning of building our inner potential and giving ourselves a realistic view of the true meaning of self-contentment.

Whether it’s related to goal setting or self-acknowledgment, the real power lies within us, and this is what most authors and researchers have tried to express in their works. To learn from our mistakes, utilize the learning for future actions, and respect ourselves before we expect others to respect us: that is the real power of self-esteem.

For more practical applications to improve your self-esteem , read our article detailing self-esteem worksheets and activities.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Self Compassion Exercises for free .

The five areas of self-esteem, according to Nathaniel Branden’s theory, are (Moss & Maki, 1998);

• self-awareness,
• self-acceptance,
• self-responsibility,
• self-assertiveness, and
• self-transcendence.

These areas reflect different aspects of self-esteem and can be cultivated through various means, including self-reflection and personal growth activities.

Yes, self-esteem is related to self-image from a scientific perspective. Self-image refers to a person’s perception of themselves, while self-esteem refers to their overall evaluation of their worth or value as a person, and research has found that there is a strong correlation between the two constructs (Matsuba et al., 2012).

The four types of self-esteem are (Bosson et al., 2000);

• high explicit and high implicit self-esteem,
• high explicit and low implicit self-esteem,
• low explicit and high implicit self-esteem, and
• low explicit and low implicit self-esteem.
• Allenbaugh, K. (2000). Chocolate for a teen’s soul: Life-changing stories for young women about growing wise and growing strong. Fireside.
• Bartlett, R. (2009).  Matrix energetics: The science and art of transformation. Atria Paperback.
• Bosson, J. K., Swann, W. B., & Pennebaker, J. W. (2000). Implicit and explicit self-esteem: A review of conceptualizations, measures, and controversies. European Review of Social Psychology, 11(1) , 1-63.
• Branden, N. (1995). The six pillars of self-esteem: The definitive work on self-esteem by the leading pioneer in the field. Bantam.
• Brown, B. (2010). The gifts of imperfection: Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are. Hazelden.
• Brown, B. (2017). Braving the wilderness: The quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone.   Vermilion.
• Burns, D. D. (1999). Ten days to self-esteem. William Morrow.
• Byers, G. (2018). I am enough. Blazer + Bray.
• Dalai Lama. (2009). The art of happiness. Riverhead Books.
• DeRoo, C. (2006). What’s right with me: Positive ways to celebrate your strengths, build self-esteem, and reach your potential. New Harbinger.
• Engel, B. (2007). Healing your emotional self: A powerful program to help you raise your self-esteem, quiet your inner critic, and overcome your shame. John Wiley & Sons.
• Fennell, M. (2016). Overcoming low self-esteem: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques (2nd ed.). Constable & Robinson.
• Hay, L. L. (1984). You can heal your life. Hay House.
• Hayes, S. C., & Smith, S. (2005). Get out of your mind and into your life: The new acceptance and commitment therapy. New Harbinger.
• Helmstetter, S. (2017). What to say when you talk to your self. Park Avenue Press.
• Hill, N. (2009). Think and grow rich. Sanage.
• Iscoe, K. E. (2019). Body confidence: The scientific approach to how to shine from within. MyFiziq.
• Johnson, S. (1999). Who moved my cheese? Vermilion.
• Maltz, M. (Author), & Kennedy, D. S. (Ed.). (2002). The new psycho-cybernetics. Prentice Hall Press.
• Matsuba, R. K., Fassett, K. M., & Smith, J. J. (2012). The relationship between self-concept clarity and self-esteem. Self and Identity, 11(4) , 409-427.
• Mayall, B. (2000). Get over it! How to survive break-ups, back-stabbing friends, and bad haircuts. Scholastic Paperbacks.
• Morgenstern, M. (2000). The real rules for girls. San Val.
• Moss, W. L., & Maki, D. E. (1998). Nathaniel Branden’s self-esteem theory. Journal of Counseling & Development, 76(4) , 394-404.
• Murphy, J. (2011). The power of your subconscious mind. Martino.
• Parr, T. (2009). It’s okay to be different. Little Brown Books for Young Readers.
• Peale, N. V. (2003). The power of positive thinking: A practical guide to mastering the problems of everyday living. Touchstone.
• Robbins, T. (1992). Awaken the giant within: How to take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny. Simon & Schuster.
• Schwartz, D. J. (1987). The magic of thinking big. Fireside.
• Siegel, D. J. (2012).  Mindsight: Change your brain and your life. Scribe.

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What our readers think.

awesome list!

Thanks to you for publishing such an amazing article. I have trouble finding good book recommendations in one place but you listed everything in this one article.

Thank you so much, from my heart.

Thank you for your lovely list. I realised I badly needed to work on my self worth but needed a guide through the many books on the subject. Thanks to you I have whittled many down to six. So far so good. Onward and upward.

I work with women out of jail and in recovery. I also have a nine year old granddaughter that I would like to help with self esteem

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I need.

Thanks for the list. Found so many book that are helpful Which i have added to my own reading list as well.

Thanks for putting this list together! Many useful books I’ve added to my reading list 🙂

Very good list! All of your book recommandtaions articles are amazing! I would also add Kristin Neff’s books here, but other than that the list is very good.

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Create a Life You Love

17 Best Books for Self-Esteem, Self-Confidence, and Self-Worth

July 4, 2023 by Mick

Reading the best books on self-esteem provides new perspectives and practical strategies to build unbreakable confidence.

I used this knowledge to overcome self-doubt too.

Although books never substitute action, understanding the principles and tactics to improve self-confidence increases effectiveness.

The books that made it through the selection process provide a unique perspective. That’s why I categorized the best books on self-confidence to help you address your specific issue:

• Best overall book on self-esteem: The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
• Best overall book to build confidence: The Confidence Gap
• Best self-confidence book for women: The Confidence Code
• Best workbook on confidence: The Self-Confidence Workbook
• Best for more self-compassion: Self-Compassion
• Best for vulnerability and courage: Daring Greatly
• Best book to overcome fear: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
• Best book to develop self-love: You Can Heal Your Life
• Best counterintuitive approach: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
• Best book for inner peace: The Art of Happiness
• Best for personal empowerment: You Are a Badass
• Best for positive self-talk: What to Say When You Talk to Your Self
• Best for personal freedom: The Four Agreements
• Best for self-discovery: The Happiness Project
• Best in non-verbal communication: Presence
• Best for creative confidence: Big Magic
• Best confidence book for introverts: Quiet

Do you prefer the audiobook version?

Read my comprehensive review of Audible .

Now, let’s dive in!

#1: The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem

Book summary: The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is a comprehensive guide that dives into the six essential elements for building and maintaining self-esteem. You’ll gain insights and exercises to enhance your self-worth, boost confidence, and create a fulfilling life.

Who’s this book for: Anyone looking to improve and strengthen their self-worth should read this book. It’s the best self-esteem book on this list to lay a solid foundation.

About the author: Nathaniel Branden, PhD, was a psychologist who dedicated his career to understanding and promoting the importance of self-esteem in personal development.

Get your copy here

#2: The Confidence Gap

Book summary: The Confidence Gap presents evidence-based techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you overcome self-doubt and fear. ACT empowers you to live a more fulfilling life by accepting difficulties and challenges and developing a commitment to act in alignment with your values.

Who’s this book for: Anyone who seeks more self-confidence benefits from this book. You’ll learn practical and proven strategies to overcome self-doubt, develop self-belief, and conquer your fears.

About the authors: Russ Harris and Steven Hayes are psychologists and experts in ACT. They dedicated their careers to improving people’s mental well-being and helping them overcome psychological challenges.

#3: The Confidence Code

Book summary: The Confidence Code explores the psychology and science behind self-confidence. The book provides practical strategies and insights to help women build their confidence and excel in various aspects of life, including work and relationships.

Who’s this book for: Women who want to understand, develop, and explore the dynamics of confidence in different areas of life will love this book.

About the authors: Katty Kay and Claire Shipman are accomplished journalists who extensively researched women’s issues. In this book, they combine their experience and expertise to empower women.

#4: The Self-Confidence Workbook

Book summary: The Self Confidence Workbook provides an effective step-by-step approach to help you build confidence. You’ll gain practical exercises and techniques to identify and challenge self-doubt, develop self-compassion, and cultivate a strong sense of self-esteem.

Who’s this book for: The self-confidence workbook is great if you prefer an active learning style and seek a structured guide to improve your self-esteem.

About the author: Barbara Markway, PhD, is a psychologist with years of experience in clinical practice, specifically on confidence. Co-author Celia Ampel is a psychology writer and researcher.

#5: Self-Compassion

Book summary: Self-Compassion presents a transformative approach to self-care, guiding you to cultivate self-acceptance and embrace your imperfections with kindness. The author shows how self-compassion leads to greater resilience, well-being, and personal fulfillment through research-based practices and personal anecdotes.

Who’s this book for: Do you struggle with self-criticism? Then you’ll love this book to build a more compassionate relationship with yourself and improve your emotional well-being.

About the author: Kristin Neff, PhD, is a leading researcher and expert in self-compassion. She dedicated her work to promoting self-compassion as a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.

#6: Daring Greatly

Book summary: Daring Greatly explores the concept of vulnerability and encourages you to embrace it as a path to courage and fulfillment. The author’s research and personal stories highlight the power of being vulnerable to foster meaningful connections, creativity, and resilience.

Who’s this book for: Look no further if you want to develop the courage to be vulnerable. Embracing vulnerability unlocks authenticity, connects you more deeply with others, and makes you more resilient in uncertainty and shame.

About the author: Brené Brown, PhD, is a researcher, storyteller, and public speaker. Her work on vulnerability, courage, and shame led to significant insights into our emotions and connections.

#7: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

Book summary: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway offers practical advice and empowering insights to, you guessed it, overcome your fears. This book provides tools to shift your perception, challenge self-limiting beliefs, and develop the courage to take action despite fear.

Who’s this book for: Fear keeps most people from achieving their dreams. And this book will help you overcome fear and hesitation to unlock new opportunities on your personal and professional journey.

About the author: Susan Jeffers, PhD, was a psychologist and self-help author. Her empowering message of facing fears and living a courageous life inspired millions of people worldwide.

#8: You Can Heal Your Life

Book summary: You Can Heal Your Life introduces positive affirmations and self-love as powerful tools to heal and transform yourself. It provides unique insights to let go of limiting beliefs and create a life filled with love, joy, and abundance.

Who’s this book for: This self-esteem book is a great choice if you seek self-healing, personal empowerment, and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection for self-confidence.

About the author: Louise Hay was an author and motivational speaker known for her transformative work in the self-help field.

#9: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Book summary: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck challenges conventional wisdom and encourages you to focus on what truly matters in life. The author offers thought-provoking ideas on embracing life’s uncertainties, defining your personal values, and finding meaning in a world obsessed with superficial success.

Who’s this book for: Do you want a refreshing and counterintuitive perspective on happiness, confidence, and authentic living? Then this book is for you. Although it’s not directly about building confidence, it provides unique insights that helped me develop more self-esteem. 

About the author: Mark Manson is a bestselling author and blogger known for his straightforward and unfiltered approach to personal development. His work encourages you to confront uncomfortable truths and live in alignment with your core values.

#10: The Art of Happiness

Book summary: The Art of Happiness combines the wisdom of the Dalai Lama with the insights of psychiatrist Howard Cutler to explore the keys to lasting happiness. In other words, you gain Eastern perspectives with Western reflections. Their discussions on compassion, mindfulness, and inner peace offer practical advice for finding confidence, joy, and fulfillment in everyday life.

Who’s this book for: You’ll love this book if you’re drawn to Eastern ideologies and want to incorporate its principles on compassion and mindfulness into your life. I loved this refreshing read on happiness and inner peace – providing perspectives to increase your self-esteem.

About the authors: The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, widely respected for his teachings on compassion and peace. Howard Cutler, MD, is a psychiatrist who collaborated with the Dalai Lama to bring his teachings to a wider audience.

#11: You Are a Badass

Book summary: You Are a Badass is a motivational and humorous guide encouraging you to embrace your inner power and overcome self-doubt. You’ll learn practical strategies and transformative exercises to unlock your potential and create your desired outcomes.

Who’s this book for: This is the best book on self-confidence if you seek personal empowerment. The book offers a simple but effective way to transform your mindset, boost confidence, and pursue your goals.

About the author: Jen Sincero is a bestselling author and success coach known for her no-nonsense approach to personal development.

#12: What to Say When You Talk to Your Self

Book summary: What to Say When You Talk to Your Self explores the power of positive self-talk and its impact on success. You’ll learn how your internal dialogue shapes your beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. And how you can reprogram your subconscious mind for positive change.

Who’s this book for: Struggling with negative self-talk? This book teaches you how to harness the power of positive self-talk to improve your self-esteem and unlock greater personal and professional success.

About the author: Shad Helmstetter, PhD, is a self-help author and behavioral researcher. He specialized in the study of self-talk and its influence on our behavior.

#13: The Four Agreements

Book summary: The Four Agreements present powerful principles to achieve greater personal freedom and happiness. These ideas stem from the ancient Toltecs, an indigenous civilization known for their wisdom, artistry, and spiritual teachings.

Who’s this book for: Are you looking for the best self-esteem book with a spiritual touch? Then you’ll love this option. Learn how to break free from self-limiting beliefs, create meaningful relationships, and live an authentic and fulfilling life.

About the author: Don Miguel Ruiz is an author and spiritual teacher. Drawing from his Toltec heritage, he shares their teachings and tools to help you transform yourself and live in alignment with your true self.

#14: The Happiness Project

Book summary: The Happiness Project is about the author’s year-long journey to explore various strategies to increase happiness. The book provides practical daily tips for finding joy, gratitude, and purpose.

Who’s this book for: Self-discovery leads to self-understanding. And greater self-awareness enables you to align your life with what matters most to you. So this option is the best book on self-esteem if you struggle with who you are and the direction for your life.

About the author: Gretchen Rubin is a bestselling author and happiness expert. Her unique blend of research and experiences made her a leading voice in positive psychology, focused on living a more meaningful existence.

#15: Presence

Book summary: Presence explores how embodying your personal power and adopting expansive body language can enhance confidence and influence. The author combines scientific research, personal stories, and practical advice to help you unleash your authentic self, overcome self-doubt, and succeed in challenging situations.

Who’s this book for: Your body language is a powerful tool to build confidence and increase your presence. And you’ll love this book to excel in high-pressure situations such as job interviews, public speaking, and social interactions.

About the author: Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist specializing in nonverbal behavior and its impact on emotions, thoughts, and behavior. She also gave one of the most viewed TED Talks .

#16: Big Magic

Book summary: Big Magic guides you to embrace creativity and live a more fulfilling and vibrant life. You’ll gain insight and practical advice to overcome your fears, tap into your creative potential, and pursue a life driven by curiosity and passion.

Who’s this book for: Many creatives struggle with confidence. And this is the best book on self-esteem if that sounds like you. Reading this book helps you overcome creative blocks and live a more expressive life.

About the author: Elizabeth Gilbert is best known for her bestselling memoir “Eat, Pray, Love.” Her captivating storytelling and insightful reflections empower you to embrace your creative journey fueled by curiosity, courage, and authenticity.

Book summary: Quiet explores the power and value of introversion in a society that favors extroverted traits. The book contains research and interviews that shed light on the strengths and contributions of introverts. You’ll also gain insights for deeper self-understanding and strategies to thrive in an extrovert-oriented world.

Who’s this book for: You may struggle with confidence as an introvert like I did. And it’s only when you accept and appreciate your strengths that your life will change. I wish I had read this book in my teenage years.

About the author: Susan Cain is an author, speaker, and advocate for introverts. Her work sparked global conversations about introversion and its value in various aspects of life, including work and relationships.

What’s next?

These are the best books on self-esteem and confidence today, providing fundamental insights and exercises. 

Reading these books leads to deeper self-understanding, a broader perspective, a healthier mindset, and practical tools for action.

Knowledge provides an excellent starting point. 

But you only build unbreakable confidence through action. So ensure you take action on the advice in these books. Start small. And take on bigger challenges and fears as you become more confident.

Here are additional resources to inspire consistent action:

• Best guided journals with prompts
• Course: Double Your Confidence & Self Esteem
• Audiobooks: Audible (get a free 30-day trial)

In addition, check out the best confidence building courses for adults .

And if you want more valuable insights and guidance to live a fulfilling and authentic life, then sign up for the weekly newsletter below to receive my best stuff straight into your inbox.

Mick is a personal growth enthusiast and was able to use it to transform his life. He now helps others pursue their dreams, create positive change, and build better lives through self-improvement.

The 32 Best Books on Confidence and Self-Esteem to Read in 2024

All products were independently selected by our editors and contributors. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Did you know that low self-esteem and lack of confidence can make you feel unsafe and lonely?

The same goes the other way around as well. Feeling lonely or unsafe can lower your self-esteem and confidence. These four things (self-esteem, confidence, feeling unsafe and lonely) are interconnected, decreasing or increasing one another.

You see? Building (up) your confidence and self-esteem can solve, automatically, many other things about which you’re not happy.

Wait no more! Make the first step into a blissful and content life; find out (from the experts in the field) how you can increase your self-esteem and confidence.

Check out below the best books on confidence and self-esteem:

Table of Contents

1. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem: The Definitive Work on Self-Esteem by the Leading Pioneer in the Field – Nathaniel Branden

2. the gifts of imperfection: let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are – brené brown, 3. what to say when you talk to yourself – shad helmstetter, 4. ten days to self-esteem – david d burns m.d., 5. what’s right with me: positive ways to celebrate your strengths, build self-esteem, and reach your potential – carlene deroo,‎ carolyn deroo, 6. awaken the giant within: how to take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny – tony robbins, 7. the new psycho-cybernetics – maxwell maltz, dan s. kennedy, 8. the power of your subconscious mind – joseph murphy, 9. get out of your mind and into your life: the new acceptance and commitment therapy (a new harbinger self-help workbook) – steven c. hayes, spencer smith, 10. healing your emotional self: a powerful program to help you raise your self-esteem, quiet your inner critic, and overcome your shame – beverly engel, 11. self-esteem: a proven program of cognitive techniques for assessing, improving, and maintaining your self-esteem – matthew mckay, patrick fanning, 12. 10 simple solutions for building self-esteem: how to end self-doubt, gain confidence, & create a positive self-image (the new harbinger ten simple solutions series) – glenn r. schiraldi ph.d., 13. soul without shame: a guide to liberating yourself from the judge within – byron brown, 14. the untethered soul: the journey beyond yourself – michael a. singer, 15. self-compassion: the proven power of being kind to yourself – dr. kristin neff, 16. presence: bringing your boldest self to your biggest challenges – amy cuddy, 17. the psychology of self-esteem: a revolutionary approach to self-understanding that launched a new era in modern psychology – nathaniel branden, 18. the self-love experiment: fifteen principles for becoming more kind, compassionate, and accepting of yourself – shannon kaiser, 19. you are a badass: how to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life – jen sincero, 20. emotional intelligence: why it can matter more than iq – daniel goleman, best self-confidence books:, 21. feel the fear . . . and do it anyway – susan jeffers, 22. the power of self-confidence – brian tracy, 23. the confidence gap: a guide to overcoming fear and self-doubt – russ harris, steven hayes ph.d., 24. unf*ckology: a field guide to living with guts and confidence – amy alkon, 25. reach your mountaintop: 10 keys to finding the hidden opportunity in your setbacks, flipping what you’ve heard on its head, and achieving legendary goals – jeff davis, 26. ultimate confidence: the secrets to feeling great about yourself every day – marisa peer, 27. the art of extraordinary confidence: your ultimate path to love, wealth, and freedom – dr. aziz gazipura psy.d., 28. the ultimate secrets of total self-confidence: revised edition – robert anthony, 29. the confidence code: the science and art of self-assurance—what women should know – katty kay, claire shipman, 30. the magic of thinking big – david j. schwartz, 31. daring greatly: how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead – brené brown, 32. the unlimited self: destroy limiting beliefs, uncover inner greatness, and live the good life – jonathan heston.

As the title says, in this book, you’ll discover the fundamental principles and building blocks for increasing your self-esteem.

This book can make you say “Aha!” on almost every page. You’ll understand yourself better, offer yourself more compassion, and by the time you finish reading it, you’ll see the good in you, your value and worth.

This book is for you if you’re willing to commit and dive deeply into the subject of building your positive self-esteem .

I say “commit” because you’ll benefit fully from this book if you see it as study material (taking notes, making personal observations, putting into practice the exercises, and open your mind to the fact that you’re a much better person than you think).

“The gift of imperfection” is one of those books that can change your life and the way you feel about yourself.

In this book you’ll discover:

• How to feel good enough .
• Your major do’s and don’ts to become happier and like yourself as you are.
• How to avoid labeling yourself with things detrimental to your well-being, self-esteem, and confidence.
• Tips to keep your soul in a good mood.

If you want to lead a whole-hearted life, be more thoughtful, build confidence, develop a positive mindset, and feel better about yourself, then this bestseller book is for you.

It will teach you the importance of self-worth, self-acceptance, self-improvement, and self-love.

If you suffer from low self-esteem and lack of confidence most likely you’re beating yourself up mentally or verbally.

You might not even realize you’re doing it because putting yourself down might have become a habit; it might seem to you the natural way of being, especially if you’ve been mistreated as a child.

This book is teaching you how to be more disciplined about the way you think and be aware of how your thoughts translate into your behaviors and actions.

If you feel stuck in nagging, self-doubting thoughts, talking yourself down, and lack of courage to pursue your dreams, this book is for you.

Learn how to speak to yourself the way you deserve, reminding yourself that you are your own best friend.

“Ten Days to Self-Esteem” can teach you how to:

• See life more objectively.
• Avoid jumping to faulty conclusions about yourself, your experiences, and others.
• Keep the peace and harmony in your relationships (especially in the most important one – the relationship to yourself).
• Make the difference between what people say or think about you and who you, actually are.
• Sort out what you feel about yourself based on facts and what is based on subjective opinions.

This book is for you if you want to know how to recognize and change the distorted thinking patterns that caused you to feel unhappy about yourself.

“Ten Days to Self-Esteem” might take a bit more than ten days to change your perception of self. Yet, once you put the book down, your life will be changed for the better forever.

This book is, probably the most positive challenge for your self-related thoughts. It helps you see your strength, positive character traits, skills, talents, and gain a new perspective about yourself.

Can you see yourself in a dirty mirror? Not really. Right? Clean the mirror in which you look at yourself and see your true self; see what is right about you!

If you tend to remind yourself mostly of your faults, flaws, and shortcomings, neglecting what is impressive about you, this book is for you.

If Tony Robbins has something to teach you, that something is how to change yourself and take control of your life.

Change happens even when you stay still. Therefore, it’s only logical to embrace change and lead its direction instead of abandoning yourself at the will of chance.

This book will take you on a pleasant journey of self-discovery and self-esteem building. It helps you become more aware of your strengths and how to use them to reach your potential.

Yes, change is not easy to accept, but this book will show you the right way to change: No struggle, no resistance, no doubt, no regrets.

This book is for you if you suffer from low self-esteem, lack of confidence, motivation, and negative self-beliefs.

This book teaches you how to revive your natural guiding system to excel at everything you do, be happy, and see yourself in a more positive light.

You are not born with low self-esteem or lack of confidence. Therefore, your pre-installed program is a driver to reach the sky.

Maxwell Maltz talks (in this book) about how your imagination can make you or break you; how to use it to your advantage instead of putting yourself down.

Overcome a negative self-image by cleaning up your beliefs, behaviors, and thoughts. These are things passed down or imposed on you by others that you’ve used to hypnotize yourself to believe and take them as the natural order of things.

This book is for you if you feel stuck in self-negative thoughts, low self-esteem, and lack of confidence that created a distorted (negative) self-image in your mind.

Your subconscious mind is like a sponge that takes in all the information available in your environment. Then, it sorts out what to keep in, based on your filters (beliefs, values, perspective, and personality traits).

You’ll discover in this book how to:

• Take advantage of the power of your unconscious mind.
• Rediscover yourself, your potential, and value by understanding why you think and behave the way you do and make the necessary adjustments.
• Change and improve the perception of yourself.

There are some religious references in this book but at its core are mainly secular ideas, principles, and views of the world.

How hard or how easy is it for you to let go of the past?

In this book you will find out how to:

• Make the difference between unavoidable pains as part of being human and avoidable pains caused by a lack of mental toughness, negative thinking, or distorted perceptions of yourself.
• Improve your self-image, self-esteem, and confidence by accepting yourself as you are.
• Change your vocabulary to be more in line with what you want to achieve in life.
• Stay in the present moment and be more mindful.
• Accept the fact that some painful experiences are useful to your personal growth and you must live through them, instead of avoiding them.

This book is for you if your lack of confidence and low self-esteem cause you pain you don’t know how to deal with and feel stuck.

We develop most of our defense mechanisms in childhood.

Most people who suffer from low self-esteem are carrying this pain from the time they were unable to:

• Protect themselves.
• Bring logical arguments as to why they are different than what others might think or say.

As children, most of us didn’t have a voice, didn’t dare to stand up for oneself, didn’t even have the knowledge we can refute others’ opinions and judgment. Because of these facts, our defense mechanisms can be faulty, ineffective, and cause further grief and pain.

In this book, you’ll discover how to leave the past behind , feel better about yourself, understand that whatever happened to you it was not your fault.

This book is for you if you live as an adult with the consequences of an unhappy upbringing:

• Being bullied.
• Emotional abuse.
• Or, by no one’s direct fault, as a child, no one taught you how to deal with life and accept, love, and respect yourself.

This book is a comprehensive approach to increase your mental toughness, define more accurately who you are, your value, and worth.

If you suffer from low self-esteem this book is for you:

• It contains exercises and examples you can use in your recovery.
• It’s easy to digest and put into practice.
• It helps you avoid sabotaging yourself.
• It shows you how to deal with the internal voice (pathological critic) responsible for low self-esteem.
• It’s teaching you how to break the cycle of self-judgment.

In this book, you’ll find out ten practical ideas on how to build your self-esteem, complete with examples and exercises. It helps you re-evaluate yourself and discover your true self, value, and worth.

The tone of the book is easy to understand, kind, compassionate and well researched.

This book is for you if you struggle with self-esteem, or if you want to understand better and help a loved one (your child, a friend) to increase their self-esteem.

Do you have days upon days when your inner voice seems unable to find good things to say to you and about you? Then this book is for you.

You’ll discover in this book ( “Soul without Shame: A Guide to Liberating Yourself from the Judge Within” ):

• The reason why you may have developed the habit of judging yourself harshly.
• What are the mechanisms behind this habit.
• How come you never found (until now) a way to change it.
• Become aware of your judge within that, instead of lifting you up, puts you down.
• Ways to make your internal dialogue pleasant and useful.
• How to heal your soul of the pains you suffered for years caused by low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

Suffering from low self-esteem can make you feel as if you’re in a constant war with the world and yourself.

This book shows you the way to end the war and bring peace and harmony into your life, gently caressing your soul, compassionately healing your old wounds.

It will make you feel free, helping you to let go of nagging, cynical, and self-doubting thoughts.

This book is for you if you want to learn more about:

• Finding your happiness within.
• Ways to relax and be more tolerant of yourself no matter what happens.
• Understanding that those voices living inside your mind (torturing you day in and day out) are not your voice, you are a mere listener.
• Preventing unfortunate events and experiences from the past to tint your present and future.
• How to make peace with yourself.

We can’t talk about self-esteem without talking about the need to offer yourself compassion. Compassion and being kind to oneself helps you understand:

• Yourself better.
• Why you do what you do.
• You don’t need to be perfect to be loved (perfection is not required, nor useful).

In a society where you’re pushed and pushed to compete, succeed, be your best at all times, this book is a breeze of fresh air that allows you to breathe and recognize your real value and worth; see yourself in a more objective light and appreciated more the good things about you.

If you too feel tired of trying to satisfy those around, living by their standards, and need a gentle nudge to give a hug to your soul, accept yourself as you are, this book is for you.

The aim of this book is to help you improve your self-esteem and confidence in social gatherings, presentations, and public speaking. That is an important skill to learn because (willingly or not), almost every day you have to speak in front of more than two or three people. Is it not?

Amy Cuddy based this book on a lot of scientific research, stats and figures. Therefore, the book is filled with practical advice, tips, and techniques to use to present yourself in public in the best light possible.

You’ll discover in this book:

• The power of (your) personal story.
• How to overcome being too self-conscious and heal yourself of the Imposter syndrome ( ”I don’t deserve to be here.” )
• Body postures that make you feel and look confident.
• The impact the way you carry yourself has on your mood and how you feel.

In this book, you’ll discover how to:

• Evaluate yourself fairly.
• Understand yourself better.
• Stop blaming yourself.
• Feel worthy to be alive.
• Live your life by your own standards.
• Protect yourself from the negative influence of others.

If you’re searching for a tool to stop others to manipulate your thoughts and emotions to make you feel less than your real value, this book is for you.

This book will help you develop a deeper and meaningful relationship with yourself, love yourself more, accept yourself as you are (with the good and the less good- no one is perfect).

You’ll discover in this book almost everything you need to know about how to make your relationship with yourself pleasant enjoyable and loving:

• The magic of self-care, compassion, trust, and acceptance.
• How to let go of the past.
• Appreciate yourself, where you are, and how you get got there.
• Be more present for yourself and determine the course of your life.

If you want to know what are the principles (and how to apply them) of self-love and self-acceptance to increase your self-esteem this book is for you.

This book will help you become uncompromisingly true to yourself and stop being afraid to show to the world the real you.

You see? Self-esteem is not limited to what you believe about yourself but also having the courage to present to others the best you possible and standing up for oneself, determining the course of your life.

If you suffer from low self-esteem and lack of confidence, most probably, the words you’re saying most often are “I’m sorry.” Don’t you? If that’s true for you, decide today to change “I’m sorry” with ”This is who I am and how I am, and I will not apologize for it” .

If you want to find out how to stop relying on others’ opinions to validate your value and worth, this book is for you.

I guess you already discovered you couldn’t satisfy everyone no matter how much you try; in the end, you must strive to be yourself, please yourself, and those who matter to you.

Low self-esteem and lack of confidence are the product of your mind based on incomplete (or erroneous) information.

You don’t suffer from low self-esteem (or lack of confidence) because you’re not good enough, but because you developed the habit of choosing to see mostly your negative points rather than the positive ones.

Even though this book is not strictly talking about self-esteem and confidence, it’s one of the most excellent tools you can use to build them up.

In this book, you’ll find the five crucial skills of emotional intelligence:

• Self-awareness (here are self-esteem and confidence).
• Self-regulation.
• Motivation.
• Social skills.

This book is for you if you want to increase your self-esteem and confidence, develop the ability to handle better difficulties and setbacks, pressure and anxiety. In other words, make a step up and become the master of your emotions so that you can use them to your advantage.

Related: 23 Best Books on Emotional Intelligence

Discover in this book what the fear is, how you might develop fears, and how to overcome them.

Most times, the lack of confidence comes from fears that stop you from even trying. You can’t be confident about a skill until you prove yourself that you can do it.

We all have fears, from the most successful ones to the lazy couch potato. Yet, the successful ones use their fears to build a doable plan of action, to sort out what’s achievable from unrealistic desires and dreams.

If you want to know how:

• To go from victim to creator.
• How it happened to you to fear the things you’re afraid of.
• Make great decisions in spite of feeling afraid (e.g., Fear of failure , fear of success , fear of rejection, fear of being judged) and determine the course of your life based on your values, desires, and dreams and not your fears.
• Know what are your valid objections (for not doing something) and what are excuses caused by fears.

If you want to know all of that and a bit more, this book is definitely for you. Conquer your fears and become more confident.

Brian Tracy’s writing style is liked by many people because it’s simple, unpretentious, straightforward, and contains a lot of wisdom. Reading this book might give you the feeling that the author knows you personally like he knows what you’re going through, your challenges and obstacles.

If you want to become more confident, have the courage to pursue your dreams and aspirations, this book is for you.

This book shares many of my ideas about confidence.

Confidence starts with action, proving to yourself what you can do and what you need to improve; it doesn’t come about in a vacuum; it doesn’t just happen to you; it comes from your successes, small and big.

• What is the mental gap that can prevent you from even trying to move forward.
• How to jump over that gap.
• Understand why you (sometimes) have negative thoughts and emotions that can (actually) be useful to you.
• How to be more objective about what success means.
• Move from fear and become more courageous.
• How to evaluate your options objectively and become confident and successful.

This is a helpful and entertaining book on how to improve your self-confidence based on scientific research and discoveries about the human mind.

Reading this book, you’ll feel challenged but also inspired to change those things that keep you on the spot and preventing you from reaching your potential.

This book is for you if you want to become more confident and learn it in a relaxed and fun way. (If someone is in the room with you when you read this book, they will ask “What is so funny?” because you’ll laugh a lot.)

In this book, you’ll discover how to gain confidence and become a leader:

• It makes you feel motivated and inspired.
• Helps you define what success means for you and how to achieve it.
• Gives you the blueprint of how to become an expert in your field.
• Introduces you to the core principles of time management.
• Tips to improve your emotional intelligence .

If you’re searching for a change in your career, or you need a gentle push in the right direction to become confident and lead a happy and joyful life, this book is definitely for you.

The aim of this book is to help you reactivate your innate confidence; the confidence you were born with, and then increase it to the levels you need it to be to achieve your dreams and aspirations.

If you’re searching for a book that can change the way you feel about yourself, this is that book.

You might be amazed how your life is changing for the better with every page because, with every page, this book is working on you.

It’s written in a hypnotic style that makes it easier to acknowledge and accept the need for change. After reading this book, you’ll be left with just one question: “Why haven’t I picked it up sooner?” because everything about your confidence will be in the right place.

Does it happen to you to have a lot to say but you had no confidence to get up in front of people and speak? Or feel terrified that you must talk when you’re asked a question for which you know very well the answer?

Self-confidence is less about what you believe you can do and more about having the courage to put one foot in front of the other and march forward, self-assured that no matter what happens you’ll find ways to deal with it.

This book is for you if you want to build the courage the put in practice your great ideas, share your knowledge, and feel better about yourself.

In this book you will discover:

• How to use creative imagination and become more confident in your abilities.
• Build your mental toughness by overcoming your fears, worry, and guilt.
• How to connect with others.
• Simple ways to set goals.

Why you should celebrate your uniqueness instead of feeling less compared to others just because you’re different.

This book is touching you how to develop the skill of being confident. It’s based on scientific research about how our mind and genes work when it comes to confidence and self-esteem.

Get to know yourself better by reading this book so that you can take the appropriate action for your personality and become successful in life.

If you’re a man, this book is great to offer it as a gift to women you know and suffer from a lack of confidence. It’s for you, if you’re a woman and had enough of feeling stuck, lacking the courage to take advantage of your talents and skills; and after you’ve done reading it, you too might feel that is the best gift you can offer to your friends.

Schwartz’s timeless teachings are as powerful and influential today as they were back then.

This bestseller is one of the best self-help books that provide a practical guide on how to build confidence, as well as how to be positive, optimistic, and have a focused mindset so you can achieve your goals in life.

Daring Greatly covers a range of topics, from empathy to compassion and vulnerability. All of which start from yourself.

This empowering book will help you see why you should believe in yourself and how taking chances can genuinely be life-changing in any area of your life.

Do you know what separates the most a good movie from a bad one? Is not the A-list actors paid humongous sums of money, but the people who work behind the scenes: screenwriters, technicians, editors, and musicians.

For example, without the background music that gives the tone and the mood of the scene, no matter how well an actor may play, can’t give you the feeling you’re in the movie.

Your beliefs and values are your background music, technicians, editors, and screenwriters.

This book is for you if you want to change those things that are running in the background of your mind and limit your success instead of promoting it, taking you towards it, making possible for you to achieve your dreams and aspirations.

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Carmen Jacob

The 12 Best Self-Improvement Books

It is the tried and tested, timeless models from which we have most to learn..

Posted December 30, 2021 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

• We have much to learn from ancient models of self-improvement that have survived the test of time.
• These texts contain timeless wisdom that remains relevant across the centuries and in different cultural contexts.
• Ancient wisdom traditions place more emphasis on virtues, humility, purpose, and altruism.

It is easy to dismiss self-help books and those who read them. But not only do we need serious self-help, we must also take self-help more seriously. Valued at $11 billion worldwide, self-help is a major global industry. It both reflects and generates many of our prevailing ideas about the self and about the cultures in which we live. The self-help industry not only seeks to shape the way in which we think, feel and behave, but also provides many of the core metaphors on which we rely to talk about our inner lives. Many of those metaphors, not least that of the mind as a computer that might require reprogramming, are at best unhelpful.

Critics of self-help believe that its current popularity is part of an all-pervasive neoliberal imperative to maximize efficiency. They see it as a sinister plot to direct all responsibility for our wellbeing back upon ourselves. Self-help, they feel, casts all our problems as personal, and our failures as owing to a lack of willpower and resilience , when they are in fact caused by the politics of capitalism. While this may be true of some self-help, the idea of self-improvement has a long and rich history, extending back to ancient wisdom traditions. The wish to improve ourselves is bound up with our need for self-knowledge, for mastery and for transformation. It is a timeless desire and an essential part of what makes us human.

And some self-improvement literature really can help us to become better people. I mean better not in a competitive but in an ethical sense: the improved self is more able to direct attention outwards, towards projects, other people, and the communities of which we are a part.

1. Marcus Aurelius, Meditations. The Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius (121–180 CE) believed that all suffering is in our minds. Suffering is caused not by external events but by our reactions to those events — by faulty judgments and unrealistic expectations. Given that most external events are beyond our control, Aurelius argues in his Meditations that it is pointless to worry about them. Our evaluations of these events, by contrast, are completely within our control. It follows that all our mental energies should be directed inwards, with a view to controlling our minds. The key to a happy life, then, lies in adjusting our expectations, because “Only a madman looks for figs in winter.”

2. David D. Burns, Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy (1980). The science underpinning David Burns’s Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy may no longer be cutting -edge, but its core message remains a powerfully relevant one. A more down-to-earth version of Stoicism, it is based on the premises of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Feeling Good illustrates how our feelings are shaped by our thoughts, and contains some great techniques for training our minds to question negative thinking about ourselves and others.

3. Russ Harris, The Happiness Trap (2007). We are, of course, not purely rational creatures. Sometimes our attempts to control our thoughts can become counterproductive. In The Happiness Trap , the Australian psychologist Russ Harris explains the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He invites us not to try to control our negative thoughts or uncomfortable feelings, but simply to de-fuse with them, to accept them, and then to let them go. That way we have more energy to commit to value-based action.

4. Lao-Tzu, Tao te Ching (ca. 4th century BCE). Spiritual self-cultivation through the art of letting go is the central theme of Lao-Tzu’s Tao te ching (The Classic of the Way and Virtue). In Daoism, letting go centers on the idea of offering no resistance to the natural order of things. It promotes a sophisticated form of submitting our will to cosmic forces, by accepting what is and loosening our attachments to our desires and expectations of specific outcomes. The Tao suggests that we can improve ourselves by returning to a simpler, more authentic and intuitive way of life. A key concept is wu wei – “non-action” or “effortless action.” Wu wei can perhaps best be described as a spiritual state marked by acceptance of what is and the absence of selfish desire. It is also a subtle but highly effective mode of soft power.

5. Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now: A Guide Book to Spiritual Enlightenment (1998). We are not our thoughts, argues Eckhart Tolle in his bestselling The Power of Now . Most of our thoughts, Tolle writes, revolve around the past or the future. Our past furnishes us with an identity , while the future holds “the promise of salvation.” Both are illusions because the present moment is all we ever really have. We therefore need to learn to be present as “watchers” of our minds, witnessing our thought patterns rather than identifying with them. That way, we can relearn to live truly in the now.

6. Matthieu Ricard, Altruism: The Science and Psychology of Kindness (2013). In many theologies and wisdom traditions, altruism is the highest moral and spiritual value. More recently, psychologists have shown that altruistic acts not only benefit the recipient but also lead those who perform them to be happier. Moreover, practicing altruism, the French Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard argues, is the key not just to our personal happiness but also to solving our most pressing social, economic and environmental problems. Altruism enables us “to connect harmoniously the challenges of the economy in the short term, quality of life in the mean term, and our future environment in the long term.”

7. Henry David Thoreau, Walden (1854). The American transcendentalist philosopher Henry David Thoreau famously withdrew to a cabin in the woods near Walden Pond, in Concord, Massachusetts, where he sought to live simply and “deliberately.” It was there that he developed the intriguing notion of “life cost” — the perfect antidote to unthinking materialism and the toxic Protestant work ethic to which so many of us are still enslaved. Most of us find it normal to trade our life time against goods, believing that productivity and success are secular signs of grace. Thoreau saw paid work as a necessary evil to which we should dedicate as little time as possible. His aim was not to work a single minute more than was necessary to cover his most basic living expenses, and to spend all his remaining time doing what he truly cherished.

8. Victor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning: The Classic Tribute to Hope from the Holocaust (1946). According to the Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Victor Frankl, our most important task in life is to furnish it with meaning. Indeed, we must find meaning even in our suffering. In his deeply moving book, Frankl observes that those who managed to do this when they were interned in Nazi concentration camps had a much higher chance of survival. If there is a powerful “why” that drives us, he writes, we can tolerate almost any “how.” While meaning making can take many forms, including loving, creating and contributing to the well-being of others, Frankl insists on one limitation: meaning has to be situated in the world rather than in our own psyches. Our life’s purpose cannot just be the desire to become our best possible self, for the self is a very poor site for meaning.

9. Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy (1308–21). This fourteenth-century poem chronicles the gradual overcoming of the middle-aged and burned-out Dante’s spiritual weariness. Guided by his mentor Virgil, he journeys from Hell to Paradise, where he is eventually reunited with his beloved Beatrice. The epic can be read as a cautionary Christian tale or as an extended revenge fantasy in which many of Dante’s personal enemies get their gruesome comeuppance. But we can also read it as an archetypal story of spiritual growth and self-overcoming. The doubting Dante is systematically re-educated by his many encounters in Hell, Purgatory and Heaven. The inhabitants of Hell show him how not to live his life, and the costs of their bad choices. In the end, purged of his own weaknesses, Dante reaches a higher spiritual plane and glimpses the divine.

10. Anonymous, The Epic of Gilgamesh. Almost all forms of self-improvement resemble a quest narrative or a heroic journey. Such narratives entail the hero(ine) venturing into the unknown — a dark wood, an underground kingdom or the belly of a beast. There they encounter obstacles and often have to engage in battle with an enemy or a temptation. Having overcome these challenges, they return from their adventures transformed and ready to share with others what they have learned, the true function of the hero(ine) being to help others. The oldest surviving narrative of this kind recounts how the formerly selfish Mesopotamian king Gilgamesh returns from the wilderness into which he ventured, bearing the plant of eternal life. Rather than eating it himself, he shares his boon with his people.

11. Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936). Written during the Great Depression , How to Win Friends and Influence People is still in print for a reason, teeming with sensible and practical tips for making the best of human relations. Key to Carnegie’s method is the art of mentalizing — stepping into the shoes of others and trying to see the world from their point of view. Very few of us master this art, because it requires the ability to imagine what lies beyond our own cognitive maps. As Carnegie argues, however, this beyond is not exactly complex: Human beings are above all defined by their unquenchable thirst for attention, sympathy and respect. For others to like us, we simply have to find ways of giving them what they most need.

12. Angela Duckworth, Grit: Why Passion and Resilience are the Secrets to Success (2017). According to psychologist Angela Duckworth, grit tops talent every time. That is music to the ears of anyone inclined to identify with Aesop’s plodding tortoise rather than the effortlessly speedy hare. “Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another,” Duckworth writes. Grit is a drive to improve both our skills and our performance by consistent effort. Gritty people are always eager to learn and are driven by an enduring passion. They learn from their mistakes, have direction, and live more coherent lives.

A slightly shorter version of this post appears in The Guardian .

I discuss these and many other texts in greater depth in The Art of Self-Improvement: Ten Timeless Truths .

Anna Katharina Schaffner, Ph.D. is a burnout and executive coach and the author of Exhausted: An A-Z for the Weary .

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33 Of The Best Books On Self-Confidence

Do you have that nagging feeling that you just don't measure up?

You don't feel as capable as you'd like in your job, in relationships, or in social settings. Or maybe there's something about your appearance that holds you back from feeling completely comfortable in your own skin.

A lack of self-confidence feels like a disability — as though you don't have all the tools you need to succeed in life.

In fact, research has shown that those who are self-confident earn more money and are more successful in all aspects of their lives.

It's good to know that low self-confidence doesn't have to remain a barrier to your success and happiness. You can develop a strong confidence in yourself and your abilities by changing some mindsets and behaviors.

You might not know exactly what mindsets and behaviors to change or how to go about changing them.

Fortunately, you have access to dozens of excellent confidence building books to guide you.

33 Of The Best Self-Confidence Books

1. the confidence code: the science and art of self-assurance—what women should know, by katty kay and claire shipman.

This self-help book on confidence helps women understand the importance of being confident and improving self-esteem , and teaches readers how to achieve it.

The authors make a compelling argument that men remain ahead of the game in the business world due to their higher confidence than women.

You learn how to prove your qualifications and self-worth and close the power gap in the professional world.

Readers love the relatable and inspiring advice given in this book, along with the friendly tone of authors who understand the struggle.

2. The Power of Self-Confidence: Become Unstoppable, Irresistible, and Unafraid in Every Area of Your Life, by Brian Tracy

Self-confidence is one of the main reasons that some people are more powerful and successful than others.

The amount of self-confidence you have determines the goals that you set for yourself, the amount of determination you have to achieve your goals, and your willingness to persist in the face of obstacles.

Brian Tracy teaches you how to develop a strong sense of self-confidence in every area of your life.

Related: 24 Of The Best Relationship Books Ever

Learning how to think like a top performer with this step-by-step guide allows you to build and maintain an unprecedented level of self-esteem.

Readers find this book to be a powerful tool to uncover what you want out of life and rediscover the powers you already have within you to achieve those things.

3. The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt, by Russ Harris

If you don't believe you have what it takes to overcome a challenge, there's a big chance that you won't attempt to take it on. This can lead to missing out on things in life such as relationships, jobs, and leadership opportunities.

Russ Harris teaches you how to build a new relationship with your fears by learning to accept and live with them rather than fight them.

Readers develop a new attitude towards themselves, acknowledging that people don't define their thoughts.

Once you can extricate yourself from your anxieties and regrets to be more mindful, you can live a life of confidence knowing you can achieve what you set your mind to.

4. Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It, by Kamal Ravikant

This powerful, quick read gets straight to the point as the author gives advice without adding unnecessary fluff.

If you battle with negative thoughts and struggle with mental health issues, reading this book can help you change your mindset.

The author provides useful advice to teach you to change the negative thought loop in your head to something positive.

Readers have found this book to be transformative in their journey to self-confidence.

5. The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self-Confidence, by Robert Anthony

Dr. Robert Anthony uncovers the secrets and lessons he has taught in seminars that have impacted the lives of executive businessmen, professional athletes, and more.

The lessons in this book teach you how having complete self-confidence can make you flourish.

You learn about effective communication, using your creativity to your advantage, effective methods for setting goals, and the benefits of being unique.

If you are searching to increase your self-confidence in all areas of your life, this might be the book for you.

6. The Self-Love Experiment: Fifteen Principles for Becoming More Kind, Compassionate, and Accepting of Yourself by Shannon Kaiser

Do you find that self-sabotage holds you back from facing your fears and reaching your goals?

If you are one of the many who believes they are not worthy of achieving their dreams, this is the right book for you.

Kaiser addresses self-love and the importance of accepting yourself first in this book, which she learned through her experience recovering from eating disorders, overcoming drug addictions, corporate burnout, and suffering from depression.

Learn to get rid of your thoughts that are based on fear and start to love your life with new daily habits and perspectives.

7. Confidence Hacks: 99 Small Actions to Massively Boost Your Confidence, by Barrie Davenport

Confidence is something that anyone can learn. The practical tips that Davenport offers in this book are accessible to anyone and can easily be implemented in your life.

Readers appreciate that the actions that the author teaches are small, but they add up to big changes that lead to a strong sense of self-confidence.

Learn how to visualize confidence, reframe rejections to be positive, and develop more confidence in social situations.

8. Get Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior, by Mark Goulston

Learn practical insights to overcome self-defeating behavior so you can achieve the love, success, and fulfillment that you want out of life.

Using stories and insights compiled from two decades of psychiatric clinical practice, Dr. Mark Goulstonteaches effective, actionable steps to transform your self-defeating behavior to life-enhancing actions.

9. Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, & Feeling Guilty… And Start Speaking Up, Saying No, Asking Boldly, And Unapologetically Being Yourself, by Aziz Gazipura

You may pride yourself on being nice, but how far is that getting you?

Often, one's niceness prevents them from speaking up and really going for what they want, Dr. Gazipura teaches readers how to stand up for what they believe, how to set firm boundaries, how to say no, and more actions that will help you get ahead, despite your nice tendencies.

If you are used to keeping your head down, learn to rise up and make your voice influential.

10. Get Smart!: How to Think and Act Like the Most Successful and Highest-Paid People in Every Field, by Brian Tracy

Do you want to learn how to get ahead using the methods that the most successful people today have used?

If you're like most people, you are not using 98% of your mental abilities and not even coming close to your full potential.

Related: 16 Confidence Building Activities To Improve Your Life

Author Brian Tracy teaches simple, yet powerful, ways to use your natural cognitive talents and abilities and make huge leaps toward success.

Learn to reach your potential by using your powerful mental resources to get results and reap the rewards that other successful people enjoy.

11. Self Confidence: Unleash Your Hidden Potential and Breakthrough Your Limitations of Confidence (Self Confidence Books, Self Esteem Workbook, Confidence), by Bill Andrews

Having self-confidence will help you reach your full potential and come out ahead in all of your endeavors.

Most importantly, self-confidence will make you feel terrific and leave any kind of situation with a sense of control.

Leave behind your life of stress, frustration, insecurity, and fear. Andrews teaches readers to build their confidence in order to achieve success in all areas of your life. Learn to gain control of your life and start making things happen.

12. The Art of Extraordinary Confidence: Your Ultimate Path To Love, Wealth, and Freedom, by Dr. Aziz Gazipura

This is a valuable book for anyone who is trying to achieve their dreams in life but doesn't think they are possible.

Learn how to get over anything that is blocking you from taking the necessary action and practical solutions that problems you may face.

Dr. Gazipura shows you how to take ownership of your life and responsibility for your actions in order to achieve your goals. Using humor and engaging stories, this book sets you up in the right direction for success.

13. Overcoming Shyness: Break Out of Your Shell and Express Your True Self, by Erik Myers

If you suffer from social anxiety, this practical guide helps you overcome this hurdle with new mindsets and lifestyle changes.

Readers learn to use their imagination to their benefit and learn about their true self.

This book is written in a conversational tone to deliver practical tips to help readers overcome real-life situations.

The author teaches readers to be outgoing and transform their thinking and actions to create a life of confidence.

14. How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships, by Leil Lowndes

Those who are skilled in the art of dealing with other people are successful and respected.

Leil Lowndes teaches 92 effective techniques to make an impactful first impression, master small talk, speak with confidence, work a room, and the art of feeding other people's egos.

Readers have found this book to be a valuable tool for communication and conversations.

15. How To Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

People find this to be a life-changing book and it has certainly stood the test of time.

Dale Carnegie believed that 15% of success stems from professional knowledge and 85% comes from one's ability to communicate their ideas, to take leadership roles, and to instill enthusiasm in others.

Carnegie uses techniques for treating people in a way that makes them feel appreciated, and he shares these skills with readers.

You learn to win people over through his anecdotes of historical figures, business leaders, and even everyday people.

16. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, by Stephen Covey

This inspiring book teaches you lessons about the habits of some of the most successful people.

Dr. Covey makes these lessons easily applicable to anyone's personal and professional life.

The practical advice and challenges you read in this book help you shift your thinking and light the spark inside of you that continues to tell you that you can do better.

17. The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills–and Leave a Positive Impression!, by Debra Fine

Do you have trouble making small talk?

Using the techniques and strategies that Debra Fine teaches in this book helps you step away from the outside of a room during social situations and feel comfortable in any type of social interaction.

Readers love how this book prepares people with any type of social anxiety to face the world with confidence.

18. The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism, by Olivia Fox Cabane

It turns out that researchers have found a way to control people's levels of charisma.

Olivia Fox Cabane draws from a variety of sciences to reveal unique knowledge about how charisma works.

She teaches readers how to have charisma through the use of stories, scientific facts, and practical tools.

19. The Like Switch: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Influencing, Attracting, and Winning People Over, by Jack Schafer

This might be the right book for you if you have trouble reading people and want to be able to quickly infer how others perceive you.

Former FBI behavior analyst, Jack Schafer, reveals his strategies on getting people to like you and turning strangers into instant friends.

Readers appreciate the lessons offered by Schafer on making a good first impression, building and maintaining relationships, and understanding the behavior of other people.

20. You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, by Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass offers you the opportunity to take a look at your life through a fresh lens.

Sincero uses a frank tone to help you find your passion and live the life that you want to live, while providing you with laughs along the way.

Related: 57 Confidence Boosting Quotes

You are motivated to get rid of any lingering excuses that are holding you back in life and realize that you deserve a better and more satisfying life than what you have now.

21. Wire Your Brain for Confidence: The Science of Conquering Self-Doubt, by Louisa Jewell

Dramatic change is often a rare occurrence in people's lives, and when these defining moments do come up, it is common to doubt yourself.

This guide helps you to understand your brain and find ways to build confidence in order to face any challenges in life with a sense of command.

This book is written in a scientific, yet relatable, way and it offers exercises to practice as you go.

22. How to Be an Imperfectionist: The New Way to Self-Acceptance, Fearless Living, and Freedom from Perfectionism, by Stephen Guise

Perfectionism is a limiting mindset that prevents people from thinking outside of the box, doing experiments that might fail, and simply coloring outside of the lines.

Stephen Guise uses this book to apply behavior modification directly to the constant need for perfection, which results in a better method for change.

Imperfectionists don't have perfect lives — they’re just happier, healthier, and make more working progress on things that really matter.

23. Building Confidence: Get Motivated, Overcome Social Fear, Be Assertive, and Empower Your Life For Success, by Barrie Davenport

If you are trying to build your confidence, reading this skillfully written and empathic guide is a significant first step to success.

The research, unique perspectives, and action tasks that are included in this book quickly help readers overcome their obstacles to achieving a full level of confidence.

Readers appreciate Davenport's ability to be relatable and her willingness to simplify complicated thoughts and ideas.

24. The Self Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem, by Barbara Markway and Celia Ampel

Use the tools and strategies provided in this workbook to realize your best self and overcome self-doubt.

The real-life, evidence-based strategies described by the authors help you improve your self-esteem, relationships, work, and even your health.

Readers appreciate the interactive exercises and the clear five-step program that the authors detail in this workbook.

25. Do It Scared, by Scott Allan

Do It Scared challenges you to face the fears that are holding you back in life.

Scott Allan meets the reader in the trenches of real and often debilitating fears that everyone faces.

You learn the strategies that are needed to win the war against your fears and guidance in the pursuit of your dreams once they have been overcome.

26. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck

How would your life change if you could break through your limiting thoughts and embrace any challenges that come your way as an opportunity for growth?

Dweck teaches her readers that by adopting a growth mindset, these things can be accomplished.

You learn how a simple adjustment in your mindset can uncover a love of learning and a sense of resilience that fosters accomplishment in all areas of your life.

27. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth

The concept presented in Grit is applicable to men, women, children, and adults.

You learn that the secret to success is not talent, rather it is effort — a combination of passion and persistence.

The key is to develop a true interest in your work so you are willing to put forth the effort to fix and learn from your mistakes and not lose sight of your long-term goal.

28. Confidence Creator, by Heather Monahan

Anyone can build the confidence that they need to attain their personal and professional goals.

Determine what is holding you back in your life with Monahan's techniques for becoming your best self.

Readers enjoy the honesty and realistic solutions that are provided in this book.

29. Daily Self-Discipline, by Martin Meadows

Improve your life by setting effective goals and applying the self-discipline that is needed to see these goals through to success.

Meadows teaches readers how to grow the willpower they need to control negative temptations and push through obstacles, no matter how uncomfortable they become.

She highlights the small, everyday changes that you can make for improvement, rather than one single life-changing event, which makes this book relatable to all people.

30. Girl, Wash Your Face, by Rachel Hollis

This highly-anticipated book debunks the lies that women tend to believe that make them feel unworthy.

Written with honesty and humor, Hollis shows readers how to live a passionate life full of confidence and the unrelenting will to carry on in the face of adversity.

Readers finish this book equipped with the tools that they need to reach their goals and live their best lives.

31. The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time, by Maria Konnikova

This collection of fascinating stories shows readers what all cons have in common and examines the relationship between conmen and their victims.

If you feel like your sense of truth has ever been able to be manipulated, Konnikova gives you some insight as to why this may have happened.

32. The Confidence Effect: Every Woman's Guide to the Attitude That Attracts Success, by Grace Killelea

The truth about the employment gap between men and women likely lies in the disparity in confidence that often exists between the two sexes.

This practical book is a must-read for women in the working world, as Killelea offers advice on how to increase your confidence and get ahead in your professional life.

33. Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All, by Tom Kelley

This entertaining narrative shows readers that everyone has the capacity to be creative, and this creativity allows people the ability to be innovative in their personal and professional lives.

This may be a good book for you if you feel like your creative skills are lacking or you feel like you are in a creative rut.

Final Thoughts

Self-confidence is something that everyone must build on their own, but using the tools that are laid out in these books can give you the guidance and support you need.

Don't accept low confidence as a life sentence. Take action by learning new skills to improve your happiness, success, and income.

Did you find any value from this list of the best confidence books? I hope you'll use confidence building books to create a more positive and inspirational for you?Would you like to help others?It would be really great if you could help me share these books on your preferred social media platform.

believe in yourself and create a happy life you love

21 Best Books on Gaining Confidence for 2024

It’s time to stop being timid and afraid to speak up.  It’s time to step into your power and claim the confidence that’s yours for the taking.

You have big goals and dreams for your life, and to see those come to fruition, you need an abundance of confidence. 

The best way to shed self-doubt and step into confidence is to get some help from the experts.  That’s exactly what this list of the 21 best books on gaining confidence lets you do: you get great advice and practical tools from folks who know A LOT about building confidence.

There have been thousands (for real, I counted) of books written about how to gain or build more confidence .

The book list I’m sharing with you today features only the “best of the best.” Written by experts (from all fields and backgrounds), adored by readers around the globe, and backed by solid research, the selections introduced here are sure to inspire the confidence boost you want.

Whether you call it confidence, or something else, it’s all the same.

Whether you call it self-esteem , self-confidence, or believing in yourself, it all comes down to wanting to feel self-assured in all types of situations and circumstances.  

The good news: you can believe in yourself more fully and step into the life you deserve, regardless of your self-confidence level. I’ve scoured the works of top experts and inspiring authors to come up with this list of books on how to gain confidence and self-esteem and step into full awareness of your priceless self-worth .  I’m sure you’ll find the perfect read for you on this list!

21 Best Books for Building Your Self-Confidence

There’s more than one way to build confidence, which is why i’m recommending different types of books  .

I’ve deliberately offered a wide range of selections below, as I know not all options are right for all people.  It’s important to find the books with the messages that speak directly to you.

I  am confident that all of these authors offer invaluable advice that will help you increase your self-confidence and live a happier and more fulfilling life.  All you need to do  to make that happen is read these books and take the lessons to heart. 

Happy reading!

1. Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life

I included this bestseller by authors Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin and Dr Richard Orbe-Austin because I love how the authors walk readers through the process of overcoming self-doubt. 

This confidence-boosting book is packed with journal prompts, simple exercises and fun activities that bring the learning home. No more “living as a doormat” or “struggling with invisibility” for you!

After reading Own Your Greatness , you’ll be better able to identify  your strengths, speak up for yourself more comfortably, and feel assured that you can go after and receive what you really want from your life. 

2. Playing Big by Tara Mohr

Playing Big is my top pick for confidence-building books because Tara doesn’t allow you to wallow in the surrounding fears and self-esteem issues that often surround a lack of confidence.  Instead, she reveals some of the nonsense you learned from others throughout your life that has given you a lowered sense of self-worth. I’m 100 percent confident you’ll find that many of the voices from your past led you off course. Thankfully you can choose a better way now.

Tara gently walks you through the steps to let the real you shine — the “you” that instinctively already knows that you have so much more to offer the world.  

Playing Big is about confidence and so much more. It’s about living your life your way and not letting yourself or anyone else dull your light ever again.

Get Playing Big now.  Read it, and apply the principles this treasure offers.  You won’t be sorry.

“Feedback doesn’t tell you about yourself. It tells you about the person giving the feedback. In other words, if someone says your work is gorgeous, that just tells you about *their* taste. If you put out a new product and it doesn’t sell at all, that tells you something about what your audience does and doesn’t want. When we look at praise and criticism as information about the people giving it, we tend to get really curious about the feedback, rather than dejected or defensive.” ― Tara Mohr, Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message

3. Presence: Brining Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, by Amy Cuddy

This best-selling book from Harvard Professor Amy Cuddy is a must-have for anyone who wants to step into their full confidence so they can overcome the big challenges they are up against. 

Amy walks you through what it takes to recognize and step into your personal power. She gives you tools that will help you ditch the habit of comparing yourself to others and worrying about what others think of you. You can step into your power moment by moment;  Amy Cuddy will teach you how.

"The way you carry yourself is a source of personal power—the kind of power that is the key to presence. It’s the key that allows you to unlock yourself—your abilities, your creativity, your courage, and even your generosity. It doesn’t give you skills or talents you don’t have; it helps you to share the ones you do have.” - Amy Cuddy

4. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

If you want to become more confident, then you have to start having a higher opinion of yourself. Jen Sincero certainly hit a home-run when she titled her book You Are a Badass — many people want to feel this way about themselves, but sadly, many of us do not.

If you’re ready to lead your life as a badass instead of full of self-doubt and low confidence, then get yourself a copy of You Are a Badass .  It’s fun and informative.  It also contains so many deep truths that it will blow your mind with how much it resonates with you and your life.

“You are perfect. To think anything less is as pointless as a river thinking that it’s got too many curves or that it moves too slowly or that its rapids are too rapid. ...You’re on a journey with no defined beginning, middle, or end. There are no wrong twists and turns. There is just being. And your job is to be as you as you can be. ... Do not deny the world its one and only chance to bask in your brilliance.” - Jen Sincero

5. Do It Scared: Charge Forward With Confidence, Conquer Resistance, and Break Through Your Limitations

Feeling stuck?  Unable or incapable of going after something you want because you’re scared you don’t have the ability to make your dream goals come true?  Living in fear is no way to live! Then you need to spend some time with Scott Alan.  In this popular book, you’ll learn the ins and outs of building your confidence by taking on things you’re scared to do.  

6. Unstoppable Self-Confidence

According to author Andrew Leedham, the number of people who go through life not feeling good about who they are is SKY-HIGH!   Yikes!

You deserve to feel good about yourself, comfortable in your own skin, and confident in your abilities and inherent self-worth.  

In this extensive read (it’s a big book!), Leedham discusses how he went from the lowest point of his life to feeling and acting 100% unstoppable. Lessons from his journey can help you feel unstoppable, too!

7. The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt by Russ Harris

I’ve wrestled with self-doubt much of my life, and as I’ve written about on Believe and Create , that sense of self-doubt and low-confidence can take a toll on a person.  In the Confidence Gap , Russ Harris teaches us that instead of trying to overcome fears it’s far better to create a different relationship with them so we can have the confidence to live the life we are imagining. It’s an insightful read that certainly opened my eyes.

“The actions of confidence come first; the feelings of confidence come later. Genuine confidence is not the absence of fear; it is a transformed relationship with fear. Negative thoughts are normal. Don’t fight them; defuse them. Self-acceptance trumps self-esteem.” - Russ Harris

8. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

If you want to build your confidence , you need to move beyond the beliefs and habits that are holding you back.  While some “best books on confidence lists” might not think to add The 5 Second Rule to their list, I definitely think that reading it will build your confidence. That’s because confidence often comes from the things we say to ourselves and the behaviors we allow to persist, even though they’re causing us harm.

If you’ve never heard for Mel Robbins or the 5 Second Rule, take a glance at this video below.  Then, go buy the book— it’s a game-changer!

9. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers

This confidence-building book is a classic that holds up.  Oh boy, does it hold up! If you’ve never read it, add it to your reading list now.  Susan Jeffers teaches you how to stare down the fears that leave you feeling less than confident once and for all.

“The concepts and tools you about to learn [in Face the Fear and Do it Anyway] are meant to be used for a lifetime. Learn them well. And every time a new challenge comes into your life, you need only reach into your ‘toolbox’ and move yourself from the weakest to the strongest part of who you are. As you do, you will be absolutely amazed at the incredible power you hold inside. - Susan Jeffers

10 Confidence Creator by Heather Monahan

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could create confidence in any situation?  Author Heather Monahan helps you build your confidence — or rebuild it if you’re dealing with a painful divorce, breakup, unemployment, or any one of a myriad of life’s challenges that tend to knock us down.

What I like most about the Confidence Creator is how Heather’s personal stories bring the lessons to life. The book is insightful, heartwarming, and helpful all at the same time.

“In every moment we are either building our confidence or chipping away at it. The choice is yours.” -Heather Monahan

11. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably already know who Brené Brown is.  But does the hype about her amazing book Daring Greatly live up to the reality?  In my opinion, yes it does.

No one has a pill or a magic wand that will make you more confident.  Sorry, these just don’t exist. The secret to building your confidence one moment as a time is learning when and where to be vulnerable, and how to do it with a high sense of self intact.  That’s exactly what you’ll learn when you read this book.  

By the way, for a quick refresher of just how amazing  Brené Brown, which this YouTube video.

12. The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Want to have a better career?  More success?  Don’t want to work for years to make this happen?  Then you’ll want to read Step Up.   This book is devoted to things you can do to boost your confidence and success in your career, so it has a narrower focus than other books on this list.  

What I like most about Step Up is how practical it is.  It offers simple yet career-elevating advice and “career workouts” that can be done in mere minutes a day. If you struggle with confidence at work, this book is for you.

“Underqualified and underprepared men don’t think twice about leaning in. Overqualified and overprepared, too many women still hold back. And the confidence gap is an additional lens through which to consider why it is women don’t lean in. Even when we are prepared to tolerate the personal disruption that comes with aiming high, even when we have plenty of ambition, we fundamentally doubt ourselves.” - Katty Kay

13. What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter

The simple act of changing your self-talk can have a tremendous impact on boosting your confidence.  While the act simple, releasing long-held self-limiting beliefs isn’t always that easy.

In this book from Shad Helmstetter coaches you through the process of identifying which self-talk is harming you, how to identify it when it’s happening, and how to change it into self-talk that increases your confidence and overall happiness.  

You’ll learn all about the five levels of self-talk so you can take control of your life and start feeling bolder and better about yourself and your life every day.

“[In telling ourselves we’re not confident] we are trying to force the brain to do something that it has not been programmed to do. The brain simply believes what you tell it the most. And what you tell it about you it will create. It has no choice.” - Shad Helmstetter

14. Live Fearless: A Call to Power, Passion, and Purpose by Sadie Roberson Hall

In her widely popular book, Live Fearless , author Sadie Robertson takes you on an enlightening journey away from fear and uncertainty and into a life full of passion and purpose.  This Christian-based book is ideal for anyone who is struggling with low confidence or as a gift for students and others in jeopardy of developing or   living with a low sense of self-worth.   

15. Wire Your Brain for Confidence: The Science of Conquering Self-Doubt by Louisa Jewell

How much stress do you think you have low or wavering confidence brings into your life?  The truth is, it brings a lot of stress and anxiety to most of us.  Worse, it keeps us from living the lives we dream of living.  In this book from positive psychology expert Louisa Jewell, you’ll learn proven formulas for wiring your brain for the kind of confidence that will help you build a life you truly love.  

“This book [Wire Your Brain for Confidence] is about building the kind of confidence that leaves you unwavering in your belief in yourself and the life you want to live … It’s about finding that peaceful calm and letting go of the anxiety of stress.” - Louisa Jewell

16. The Little Book of Confidence by Susan Jeffers

The Little Book of Confidence is part of Susan’s Jeffers’ “Little Books” series. While this book is small in size, it’s packed with simple wisdom and insights that will inspire you to live more confidently every single day.  And since Susan Jeffers is widely considered one of the top authorities on the subject of confidence, it’s a must-have book for your collection.

“Drown out the chatterbox! It’s so simple. To quiet the Chatterbox, commit to replacing it with the voice of the Higher Self which always tells you that you are good enough and pulls you up into the best of who you are.” -Susan Jeffers

17. Building Unstoppable Self-Confidence for Teens: The Fail-Safe Formula for Finding Yourself, Overcoming Limitations and Creating Your Best Life from the Inside Out

Is there a teen in your life (or are you a teen) who needs a confidence boost?  Wake up to your unstoppable sel f and learn to live comfortably in authenticity;   author Derek T. Freeman will show you the way.  You’ll learn how to stop comparing yourself to others, live beyond labels, and step into your personal power.  

18. You Need to Trust Yourself, a Self Confidence Workbook from John Taylor

John Taylor developed the You Need to Trust Yourself workbook to help you develop self confidence.  You won’t merely read about the habits and tools that will boost your sense of self-worth and esteem, you’ll work through practical exercises that will help you become more confident day by day.   So if you’re suffering from low self confidence, you definitely might want to check out this resource.  

19. Radical Confidence: 10 No-BS Lessons on Becoming the Hero of Your Own Life

Written in her legendary bold and no-BS style, author Lisa Bilyeu’s book,  Radical Confidence is a must-read for anyone with big dreams who is held back by fear and low confidence. 

This book is part memoir, part how-to, part inspirational, and overall just a fun and inspiring ride.  That’s why it made my list of must-read books about confidence.  

20. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

You probably know Shonda Rhimes as a television producer and screenwriter.  Perhaps she is best known for her hit series Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal and the Netflix dramas Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte. 

By all accounts, Shonda is wildly successful and is considered to be among the most influential people in her industry. 

But Shonda’s story didn’t always look the way her life looks now.  In her memoir, Year of Yes, she talks about how she stepped into her power and overcame significant odds (and even low self-confidence) to become the confident success she is today.

One more thing about her you might not know:   Shonda’s an introvert.  Can you relate?  She even avoided public appearances for years because she felt so uncomfortable talking to the media and others about her incredible work and career.  But at one point, she just decided enough was enough, and that’s when the Year of Yes was born — she lived it and then wrote about it so we could all benefit from her incredible advice.  

Year of Yes is as enlightening as it is entertaining to read.  If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for?

21. The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest

Those who suffer from low self-confidence often cling to self-limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors .  Fear of doing the wrong thing or being judged holds us back. You may think the the mountains you’re facing are holding you back, but author Brianna Weist explains that The Mountain Is You and in her beautiful way explains how you shed self-doubt, overthinking and negative self-talk to elevate your life. You belong on the mountaintop;  not carrying it on your shoulders.  

“The greatest act of self-love is to no longer accept a life you are unhappy with.” - Brianna Wiest

You're not alone: low self-esteem and confidence affects a lot of people

If you wish you could be more confident, take heart; you’re not alone.  According to some reports, 50% or more of us suffer from low self-confidence at some point in our lives.

One Harvard study found that the vast majority of women they interviewed raised confidence “as a central factor obstructing their own and other women’s career progression” [Source: Harvard Business Review]

That’s why I’ve created this list of the 11 best books on confidence  … I KNOW people need the help!

You may struggle with confidence in some specific parts of your life, or it could be more widespread

For some, the struggle is ongoing. Lack of confidence can impact your career, your relationships, how much money you earn, and your life happiness.  Self-confidence is so important that I decided to compile a list of my favorite 11 books on confidence.  

The books on this list are the very best books for building confidence and ditching self-doubt that I’ve ever read.  And, while I personally recommend each book on this list, I didn’t just assemble this collection without checking into what others are saying.  

These books are also highly rated by thousands of others.  In fact, all together, these books have helped more than a million people build their confidence, and I’m certain they can do the same for you, too.

Do you know anyone else who could benefit from this list of the best books on gaining confidence? Then please share this post on social media. Thanks!

Stay Motivated to Remain Confident!

Teach Your Children to Be Confident, Too!

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25 insightful self-help books that will help you grow in all aspects of your life

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• Self-help books aim to improve an aspect of our lives.
• They might be business books, psychology reads, or memoirs.
• We used Goodreads to rank the best self-help books to read in 2022.

Books can serve so many different purposes, from entertainment to education, but self-help books are designed to help us improve a specific aspect of our lives. Though the very idea of "self-help" books used to conjure mental images of cheesy lectures and impractical advice, the best self-help books actually offer a new perspective for readers to explore habit building, emotional growth, or gain a deeper understanding of the world. 

Goodreads is the largest platform in the world for readers to rate and review books, so we turned to Goodreads reviewers to rank the best self-help books to read in 2022. From classics like " How to Win Friends and Influence People " to Susan Cain's " Quiet ," these self-help books include business books, memoirs, philosophy reads, and so much more. 

25 of the best self-help books, according to Goodreads

"the subtle art of not giving a f*ck" by mark manson.

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.60

Mark Manson is a popular blogger who aimed to defy the norm of "positivity" in self-help books by acknowledging that, sometimes, life sucks! In his book, Manson encourages readers to recognize what is worth caring about and adjusting our perspectives based on our goals. 

"Atomic Habits" by James Clear

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.98

" Atomic Habits " is a practical self-help book that helps readers change bad habits and develop good ones. With an abundance of practical examples, any reader can develop a system of change with James Clear's suggestions and motivational writing.

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.99

With over 700,000 ratings and averaging at 4.21 stars, " How to Win Friends and Influence People " is the best self-help book according to Goodreads members. Selling over 15 million copies since its original publication in 1936, Dale Carnegie's book includes his tried-and-true principles to help readers in their personal and professional lives. There are six principles to help people like you, 12 to help people understand your way of thinking, and nine to encourage change in others.

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

Available at Amazon , from $12.53

With over 15 million copies sold since its first publication in 1989, this self-help book uses 7 fundamental habits that guide readers toward an independent, successful, and fulfilling life. Using psychological principles, this book begs to be opened over and over again, refreshing readers with life mantras that will lead them to greatness.

"The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business" by Charles Duhigg

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.95

After studying patterns across a variety of success stories, Charles Duhigg presents why habits exist — and what we can do to change them. He argues the key to reaching any of our goals lies with understanding how habits are formed and uses researched principles to help readers change habits in order to transform their lives.

"The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $8.58

With a book and Netflix series that changed how we organize and stay tidy, Marie Kondo is a professional organizing consultant who presents the KonMari method of organizing. In " The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up ," Kondo introduces readers to her approach to cleaning, including the idea of only keeping items that "spark joy".

"You Are A Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" by Jen Sincero

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $8.45

This best-selling self-help book uses anecdotes and exercises to help readers break down the mental barriers that are keeping them from achieving their goals. It's an inspirational, motivational, and funny read that aims to instill self-confidence and leave readers feeling refreshed and ready to accomplish anything.

"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.74

In this spiritual self-help book, Don Miguel Ruiz pulls from Toltec wisdom to present four principles that, when applied in harmony with each other, can offer new experiences and happiness in our lives. This book challenges readers to apply four simple truths to their lives: Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best.

"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.51

" The Power of Now " is a spiritual self-help book that proclaims living in "the now" is the ultimate path to happiness. More a practical guide than a traditional narrative, Tolle aims to inspire readers to become conscious of the thoughts and challenges that prevent us from living in the present moment.

"Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.89

Introverts have been widely overlooked in American society. In this psychology book dubbed a favorite self-help read by Goodreads reviewers, Susan Cain uses stories from successful introverts to explain how invaluable introverts are to our community and help introverts value themselves more. To learn more about this book, check out our review of "Quiet."

"The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $8.47

Brené Brown's 2010 self-help bestseller is still a favorite amongst Goodreads reviewers for the revelations and impacts her reflections have had on their lives. In this book, Brown explores the psychology behind releasing our expectations of living a "perfect" life and offers 10 benchmarks readers can follow to embrace a more authentic life.

"Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead" by Brené Brown

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.99

Based on 12 years of research, " Daring Greatly " is a self-help book that encourages readers to embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. With personal anecdotes and plenty of examples, this book demonstrates how vulnerability can open new avenues to courage, connection, and creativity.

"Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World" by Cal Newport

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.99

" Deep Work " is a self-help book about productivity that aims to help readers understand how to reach a "deep work" state where we can focus on a mentally demanding task without distraction — a skill that has become harder and harder to master in an increasingly distracted world. Cal Newport argues the importance of deep work and presents four rules readers can follow to transform their productivity habits and reach more focused success.

"The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.57

" The 5 Love Languages " is a self-help book whose concepts have permeated many relationships as its popularity grows. In this book, Dr. Gary Chapman proposes that there are five main ways in which people give and receive love. By understanding your and your partner's love language, you can enrich your relationship by showing love more effectively. 

"Who Moved My Cheese" by Dr. Spencer Johnson

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.17

First published in 1998, " Who Moved My Cheese ?" is a self-help book in the form of a motivational fable of four characters who live in a maze, looking for cheese. Representing anything we may want in life, the cheese is constantly moving and only when one character successfully navigates change to reach the cheese does the reader discover how to navigate change in their own lives.

"The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11

Written after the hit movie of the same name in 2006, " The Secret " is a self-help book that outlines the law of attraction, a concept Rhonda Byrne claims can change or redirect a person's entire life. With this concept, Byrne encourages readers to find the power within themselves to apply "The Secret" to every aspect of life and achieve nearly anything.

"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.29

This psychology book has helped readers understand the way we think by separating our thought processes into two systems: one that is intuitive and one that is deliberate. By knowing how these two systems work separately and together, we can better understand how we make choices and think about thinking. To learn more about this book, check out our review of "Thinking, Fast and Slow."

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.18

Though " Rich Dad, Poor Dad " is usually seen as a business or finance read , Goodreads reviewers love it as a self-help book as well for its lessons on how to make your money work for you. Author Robert T. Kiyosaki grew up with two dads — his own and his best friend's dad — who shaped his views on money and investing in very different ways. In this book, Kiyosaki explains different financial theories to change how many readers view finances.

"The Happiness Project: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun" by Gretchen Rubin

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.19

When Gretchen Rubin realized she wasn't focusing on the things in her life that truly mattered, she decided to dedicate a year to her "happiness project." This autobiographical self-help book is a 12-month chronicle of her journey as she tried new things, focused on improving herself, and embraced happiness while encouraging others to take time and do the same. 

"Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.38

In a self-help book that aims to inspire creativity, Elizabeth Gilbert offers an honest look at the creative process — with all of its challenges and unrealistic expectations. This book reminds readers that creativity isn't linear or clean and we can be any degree of an artist, writer, or musician that satisfies our soul.

"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.99

" Man's Search for Meaning " is a memoir that begins with psychologist Viktor E. Frankl's experiences in Auschwitz during World War II and how he coped with suffering in order to not just survive it, but move forward with purpose. With psychological, philosophical, and sociological influences, this moving read offers self-help advice through the author's inspirational personal account of searching for a guiding meaning in life. It's also a book that therapists recommend to read if you want to build more empathy .

"The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.39

Aiming to help readers escape the confines of a 9-5 job, " The 4-Hour Workweek " encourages a restructuring of our lifestyle to find fulfillment now rather than once we retire. Born of the author's three-week break from his company, this self-help book is modeled after his series of lectures on entrepreneurship given at Princeton University.

"Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity" by David Allen

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.29

While many self-help productivity books encourage readers to work harder, " Getting Things Done " proposes that our productivity is directly linked to our ability to relax, as we can only reach our greatest potential when our minds are clear and organized. This book offers core principles, tricks, and advice to help readers streamline their effectiveness, overcome challenging situations, and avoid the burnout that often comes with an overwhelming workload. 

"Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck

Available at Amazon  and Bookshop , from $8.55

Dr. Carol Dweck is a psychologist who, after decades of research, has discovered just how powerful and affecting our mindset can be in every aspect of our lives. In this book, she demonstrates how we can influence our success by adopting a growth mindset — and how changing the mindset of a community or organization can inspire incredible success. 

"Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $15.94

In this personal development read, Malcolm Gladwell highlights successful "outliers," the best and brightest of our society — from the Beatles to Bill Gates — and what makes them so successful. Gladwell presents the histories of our heroes, their rise to excellence, and how their beginnings carefully positioned them for success. 

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Last Updated: January 23, 2024

Top 13 Best Confidence Books Ever Written

Looking for a selection of the best confidence books ever written? Here are 13 of them!

Danny Newman

Trying to find the best confidence books out there? I hope this post helps!

Only 13% of Britons feel “very confident” about themselves and their personalities nowadays.

…What about you?

Are you a confident person? Or could your self-esteem , like mine, use a boost at times?

If your answer’s the latter, this post might help.

I’ve compiled a list of the best confidence books you can read to develop a more positive self-image.

There are books to build confidence in men and women, students and professionals, adults and kids, and everyone in between.

Read on for an ultimate list of books on building self-confidence.

Heads up, this post contains affiliate links.

Here we go, then: 13 of the best books on self-confidence I could find.

Interested in books to build confidence? You might also like these…

• 100 Makes Life Easier Ideas
• 10 Tips to Grow Through What You Go Through
• 100 Quotes on Believing in Yourself
• 10 Tips on How to Encourage Someone
• 150 Encouraging Words for Friends
• 100 Great Quotes About Missing Friends
• 10 0 Quotes About Smiling Through Pain
• 100 Unforgettable Quotes about Happy Vibes

1. The Gifts of Imperfection (Brené Brown)

Let’s face it: There’s a lot of pressure on all of us to look and act a certain way.

Many of us create unrealistic expectations for ourselves (or have them placed on us by others) when it comes to relationships, financial success, or other personal goals.

Brené Brown’s book is a breath of fresh air for anyone who struggles to become what they’re “supposed” to be.

As a seasoned professor, public speaker, and bestselling author, Brown offers unparalleled insight into what she calls “wholehearted” living.

Brown guides the reader through 10 guideposts with titles that include:

“Cultivating Creativity and Letting Go of Comparisons”

“Cultivating Authenticity and Letting Go of What Others Think.”

By learning to live from a place of worthiness, you can gradually learn that it’s okay not to be in control (or wildly productive) every second of the day.

2. The Self-Love Workbook (Shainna Ali, PhD.)

In America, 1 in 4 young adults admit they don’t like themselves “most or all of the time.”

If you’re in this demographic who struggles not only with confidence but also self-worth, add this book to your reading list.

As its name suggests, The Self-Love Workbook is more than a passive read.

Dr. Ali provides readers with actionable steps they can take to work through feelings of low self-esteem (or even self-hatred).

It’s full of not only thought-provoking advice but also interactive exercises and prompts for self-reflection.

Ultimately, this workbook aims to make you more aware of your own unique strengths and needs.

By the end, you’ll have a whole new (and much healthier) perspective of yourself.

The best self-confidence book for someone hoping to build their self-esteem could be this one from Nathaniel Branden…

3. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem (Nathaniel Branden)

You’ll find this title on every list of the best confidence books, and it’s not hard to understand why.

It’s one of the premier texts that dives into research studies and clinical findings related to human behaviour.

Through its pages, Branden offers invaluable insight into cultivating healthy relationships and achieving personal happiness.

He also discusses psychological health (and how it relates to self-esteem and confidence) in a down-to-earth, easy-to-understand way.

Readers walk away with a deeper understanding of themselves, as well as the ability to recognise and value their own self-worth.

There are also sections dedicated to parents, teachers, and counsellors whose goal is to help others build self-esteem.

4. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Live an Awesome Life (Jen Sincero)

If you find traditional self-help advice to be, well, a little cheesy, this could be the best self-confidence book on our list for you.

Sincero is a New York Times bestselling author and life coach who stays away from the cheesy prose and keeps it (very) real.

For example, you’ll find sections in the book entitled:

“How to Embrace Your Inner Badass”

“How to Get Over Your B.S. Already” and

“Your Brain Is Your Bitch.”

There’s also an eye-opening discussion that helps you understand how you became the person you are today.

Along the way, you’ll analyse your views on money, spirituality, self-image, purpose, and meditation, among other topics.

Sincero’s writing is easy to read with plenty of actionable how-to’s.

As one reader put it, “It’s like having ‘real’ talk with a self-loving, well-educated girlfriend.”

By all accounts, books on building self-confidence don’t get much better than this one from David Burns.

5. Ten Days to Self-Esteem (David D. Burns)

Looking for the best confidence books that yield fast results?

While your journey of self-development will never truly end, you can jumpstart the process with this insightful read by David Burns.

This book is ideal for anyone struggling with productivity on a day-to-day basis.

It’s also helpful for those who tend to be hard on themselves and what they’ve accomplished (or failed to accomplish) in their lives so far.

After helping the reader to acknowledge where they’re at, the book takes them on an inspiring journey of self-discovery.

The main pillars of the text are acceptance, compassion, and innovation, along with evidence-backed ways to use these tools to build a strong self-belief system.

6. The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt (Russ Harris)

Have you ever missed out on a major opportunity because you doubted your own abilities?

Would you like to make sure that never happens again?

If so, The Confidence Gap could be one of the best books to build confidence in yourself.

Harris tackles common scenarios ranging from public speaking and corporate leadership all the way to dating and personal relationships.

First, he helps readers understand and accept their own fears.

Then, using mindfulness techniques as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), he helps the reader come up with actionable solutions for things like shyness, doubts, and insecurities.

Looking for books on confidence about self-talk? Check out this one from Shad Helmstetter.

7. What to Say When You Talk to Yourself (Shad Helmstetter)

We all have an “inner voice” we use to speak to ourselves.

The tone of your inner voice depends on many factors, specifically the way you were raised (and the way your parents spoke to you).

If putdowns, nagging, and criticism were common in the environment where you grew up, you might unknowingly have adopted those habits when you talk to yourself.

If you often think things like, “I’m such an idiot,” or “I’ll never be able to do that,” add this book to your self-confidence reading list.

Dr. Helmstetter helps readers identify those deeply ingrained patterns of negative self-talk.

The goal is to help you be more aware of and disciplined in the way you think about yourself.

It also helps the reader to see how any thoughts (negative or positive) translate into actions and behaviours.

8. The Happiness Project (Gretchen Rubin)

Looking for a different slant on those build self-esteem books?

Rather than being told what to do, see what New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Ruben did to focus on personal happiness.

Follow Ruben through her year-long journey, where she focused on different goals for each month of her ‘happiness’ project.

For example, she set the goal of feeling more energetic in January, then took actionable steps like going to bed earlier and doing meaningful exercise.

Although this looks different from your traditional self-help book, it offers readers plenty of food for thought.

It allows each reader to pause, reflect, and create their own plan for happiness and self-improvement — with plenty of unique and interesting ideas along the way.

Next up, we have one of the best-known books to build confidence from the infamous motivational speaker, Tony Robbins…

9. Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny! (Tony Robbins)

Could any discussion of confidence be complete without mentioning motivational speaker and self-help guru Tony Robbins?

If you’re struggling to “find” (or accept) yourself, get your hands on this tried and true classic.

Robbins believes that the key to a healthy self is learning to master our emotions — the good and the bad.

Through the pages of his book, readers learn to understand and accept themselves, where they’ve been, and where they’re going.

If you want to become more self-reliant and truly take control of your life, this book can help you get there.

Robbins outlines an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to help readers learn to love themselves and find real meaning in their lives.

10. Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life (Steven C. Hayes and Spencer Smith)

Do you struggle to let go of bad things that happened in the past?

Do you carry around the burdens of your younger self?

If this sounds like you, check out this inspiring workbook.

In the beginning, you’ll learn to differentiate between the unavoidable pains of being human and avoidable pain that comes from negative thoughts or a “lack of mental toughness.”

The book helps readers to learn and accept the fact that we can’t avoid all negative experiences.

In fact, we can use them to grow, become more mindful, and find the motivation to achieve our goals.

If you feel stuck in the past and unable to move forward, this is the title you’ve been looking for.

Still hunting for build self-esteem books? Here’s one on self-love you might like.

11. The Self-Love Experiment (Shannon Kaiser)

Are you the type of person who struggles to put yourself first?

If you’re trying to find the balance between self-care and your other responsibilities, try reading The Self-Love Experiment .

The great thing about this book is you can use the outline and advice to achieve any personal goal.

Whether it’s finding true love, landing a promotion at work, getting out of debt, or overcoming addiction, Kaiser gently helps readers uncover their strengths and value themselves.

The book gives readers a simple plan that focuses on relatability and compassion — specifically, towards yourself.

As you work through each section, you’ll gain a new perspective and take strides towards changing your attitude and habits.

12. Soul Without Shame: A Guide to Liberating Yourself from the Judge Within (Byron Brown)

This book is ideal for anyone who struggles to find something nice to say about themselves.

Brown guides readers on a journey of self-discovery that helps them to understand how and why they judge themselves so harshly.

In this book, you’ll learn the mechanisms behind this unhealthy habit, as well as why it’s so hard to change.

It helps you gain awareness of your inner “judge” that always seems to put you down.

Then comes the good part — actionable steps you can take to make your internal monologue positive, pleasant, and helpful.

There are also sections to help you recover and heal from years (or maybe even a lifetime) of low self-esteem.

Last but not least, we have a straight-talking confidence book from Gary John Bishop.

13. Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life (Gary John Bishop)

Are you the type who responds best to tough love?

If so, buy this book from Gary John Bishop that has served as a serious wake-up call for millions of readers.

As the title shows, the author isn’t afraid to tell it like it is!

The thing that’s standing in your path isn’t other people, your past mistakes, or less-than-ideal circumstances.

Rather, it’s negative self-talk that’s standing between the person you are now and the person you want to be.

If you’re ready to be the hero of your own life story, this book will give you the (figurative) kick you need to get there.

It will help you take control of your life and get out of the negative mindset so many of us find ourselves stuck in.

As one reader put it, “I feel like I am finally awake after an extended nap!”

Get Your Hands on the Best Confidence Books Today

Even the most confident person struggle with self-doubt sometimes.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, these books to build confidence are sure to fill you with inspiration!

Remember, the best self-confidence book for you is the one that addresses your unique personality and needs.

Bookmark this list and refer back to it anytime you’re facing a crisis of confidence. You’re sure to find just the title you need to get back on track.

Now that you know the best confidence books, what’s next?

Stay right here and keep the motivation flowing with more advice to help you achieve your goals and ambitions.

These affirmations for reducing anxiety could be the perfect place to start.

20 Self-Love Books That Will Lift You Up

Words of wisdom for your soul.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser

This book literally has "self-love" in the title, so you know it's good. By using her own experiences, Kaiser unveils key tactics that lead you to be comfortable with accepting and loving yourself first  in order to reach success.

Radical Self-Love by Gala Darling

Gala Darling uses her own failures and shortcomings to help readers bounce back from rejection, depression, career setbacks, and heartbreak. Coupled with bright illustrations and homework exercises, it's a great reference to have nearby when you need a reminder of how special you really are. 

You are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Much like its memorable title, this self-love book works to help you strengthen your confidence and fully embrace your best self.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Through candid storytelling , Brown—one of Oprah's favorite authors —offers this revolutionary guide to improving self-esteem as she teaches that accepting imperfection leads to cultivating self-worth.

The Self-Care Solution by Jennifer Ashton, M.D., M.S.

Written by  Dr. Jennifer Ashton , the chief medical correspondent for ABC News, this self-care guide offers realistic monthly challenges—think: doing cardio in May, upping your stretching game in November, drinking water in June (done!), taking more steps in July, and committing to laughter in December—to help you rejigger your life in a way that's actually doable. All of these experiments are led by Dr. Ashton, who talks the reader through her own experiences trying them herself, including the science-backed benefits and struggles she faced. So, it's like you've got a friend joining you as you try to reach achievable goals, while she cheers you along.

Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett

Krista Tippett, a Peabody winner and host of the life's questions podcast On Being , continues to dig into what it all means in this New York Times best-selling self-love read. 

Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown

You may know Brené Brown from her popular  TED Talk   on vulnerability, her bestsellers  Rising Strong  and Daring Greatly,  and her appearances with Oprah on  SuperSoul Sunday . In her latest book, the social scientist unpacks the reasons we all truly just want to feel like we belong. 

Badass Affirmations by Becca Anderson

Reciting daily affirmations can have a positive impact on your life., which is something Becca Anderson understands. Badass Affirmations is filled with wisdom and powerful sayings to encourage readers on their journey to self-discovery. 

The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey

Oprah highlights poignant and powerful insights from her SuperSoul Conversations with folks like Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, and Brene Brown to inspire you to find the beauty in your everyday life.

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön

Written in the aftermath of a devastating divorce, American Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön explores the ways in which the most difficult and painful moments in our lives can lead us to profound growth and transformation.

What a Time to Be Alone by Chidera Eggerue

Dubbing herself "The Slumflower," Eggerue uses charming candor, and even her own original artwork, to emphasize the fact that being alone can sometimes be the best thing you can do for yourself. Seriously.

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

From the author of bestseller,  Girl, Wash Your Face , comes this equally inspiring call for all women to stop letting their ties to others define them and instead to follow their own dreams—and stop apologizing for it.

Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson

Even if you're not struggling with body image issues, Pretty Happy features a variety of life-affirming advice for anyone who needs to change their perspective. Actress-turned-author Kate Hudson gives tips on how to build confidence and be a happier you. 

Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis

In his memoir, Chronicles of Narnia author and prolific Christian scholar C.S. Lewis details his journey from a misanthropic youth to an unexpected return to faith later in his life—with great humor and wit.  

Perfect Is Boring by Tyra Banks and Carolyn Landon

Mama knows best! The former supermodel and her mother, Carolyn Landon, take turns sharing lessons they've learned over the years, like the importance of embracing flaws and imperfections. The self-love book is an honest and often times hilarious dialogue between the mother and daughter. 

The Course of Love by Alain De Botton

In this novel, Alain de Botton—the philosopher who founded the global emotional intelligence organization  The School of Life —explores the oft-overlooked story of what happens after you fall in love through the lives of a modern couple in Edinburgh. 

Into the Magic Shop by James R. Doty, MD

Part-memoir and part-science, Stanford neurosurgeon James R. Doty's manages to also be inspirational as he explores the relationship between the heart and mind. 

A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit

Writer, historian, and activist Rebecca Solnit takes readers on her own cultural journey in a collection of autobiographical essays.

Money Diaries by Lindsey Stanberry

Based on Refinery29's series of the same name , this personal finance guide not only offers insight into how other people spend, it also includes useful budgeting tips from financial advisers. This way y0u can ensure your finances are getting a little love, too. 

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

In Big Magic , beloved  Eat Pray Love  author Elizabeth Gilbert demystifies the alchemy of connecting and engaging with the creativity inside all of us. 

McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.

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Best Self Confidence Books – Top 10 Reads to Boost Your Assurance in 2024

• Sinisa Vukadinovic
• January 24, 2024

Self-confidence is more than just a feeling; it’s a powerful tool that can be harnessed for personal growth and success. Books dedicated to this topic offer a variety of perspectives and strategies to help readers build and maintain a strong sense of self.

They provide insights from psychological research, practical exercises, and inspirational stories that collectively serve to enhance one’s self-belief and potential. Navigating the sea of literature about this area can be overwhelming, however, certain texts stand out for their impact and practicality.

Authors specializing in psychological wellness and self-help methodologies provide readers with not just foundational concepts, but also actionable guidance to cultivate a positive and confident self-image. These books often touch on overcoming negative self-perceptions, leveraging confidence for success, and understanding the impact of relationships and societal influences on one’s self-esteem.

Key Takeaways

• Self-confidence books offer various strategies to improve self-belief and unlock personal potential.
• Key literary works provide practical exercises alongside theoretical insights for fostering self-esteem.
• Building self-confidence is a dynamic process involving practical tools, society’s influence, and overcoming personal barriers.

Our Top Choices:

Foundational Concepts

In the journey of personal development, it is a cornerstone for well-being and success. It intertwines with self-esteem, affecting emotions, thoughts, and behavior, and is influenced by psychological factors.

Self-confidence is the trust one has in their own abilities, judgment, and power. It’s an attitude that allows individuals to have positive yet realistic views of themselves and their situations.

Self-confidence  isn’t just about feeling good; it’s a fundamental psychological pillar that supports one’s willingness to take action and face life’s challenges.

Self-Esteem and Its Importance

It represents an overall sense of worth or personal value. It is important because it impacts every aspect of an individual’s life including their relationships, professional endeavors, and the ability to recover from setbacks.

High self-esteem is often associated with greater levels of  compassion  and  acceptance  towards oneself and others, and a lower likelihood of experiencing  fear ,  anxiety , and  stress .

The Psychology Behind It

Psychology is rooted in the individual’s subconscious mind , and it’s deeply linked to  mental health . Factors such as early childhood experiences, societal influences, and personal growth experiences all shape it.

Consistent personal development  and recognition of one’s value foster  self-worth , reducing fears and insecurities, and providing a platform for growth  and the ability to  love  oneself and lead a fulfilling life.

Key Authors and Influential Books

The realm of self-help literature teems with works that aim to bolster confidence and self-esteem. The following sections spotlight the pivotal figures whose publications have left indelible marks on readers and the seminal books that have become cornerstones for those seeking to enhance their self-confidence.

1. Jen Sincero “You Are a Badass”

• Publishing Date: April 23, 2013
• Number of Pages: 254 pages
• Publisher: Running Press Adult
• Format Availability: Available in Paperback, Kindle, Hardcover, and Audiobook formats

Jen Sincero is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and success coach. She has one-of-a-kind style that blends motivational coaching with a casual, humorous tone.

2. Russ Harris “The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt”

• Publishing Date: January 1, 2010
• Number of Pages: 292 pages
• Publisher: Trumpeter
• Format Availability: Available in Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook formats

Dr. Russ Harris is a physician, therapist, and speaker specializing in stress management.

3. Brené Brown “Daring Greatly”

• Publishing Date: September 11, 2012
• Number of Pages: 287 pages
• Publisher: Avery
• Format Availability: Available in Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle, and Audiobook formats

Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston and a visiting professor in management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business.

4. Stephen Covey “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”

• Publishing Date: January 1, 1989
• Number of Pages: 372 pages
• Publisher: Free Press
• Format Availability: Available in Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle, Audiobook, and Audio Cassette formats

Stephen R. Covey was an internationally respected leadership authority, educator, and organizational consultant. He was a professor at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University at the time of his passing in 2012.

5. Nathaniel Branden “The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem”

• Publishing Date: January 1, 1994
• Number of Pages: 341 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Books

Nathaniel Branden, Ph.D., was a prominent psychotherapist and writer known for his work in the psychology of self-esteem. He authored several influential books on the subject and was a leading figure in the field for over thirty years.

6. Katty Kay and Claire Shipman “The Confidence Code“

• Publishing Date: April 15, 2014
• Number of Pages: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harper Business
• Format Availability: Available in Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook formats

Katty Kay is a journalist and anchor for BBC World News America, while Claire Shipman is a regular contributor to ABC News’ “Good Morning America.”

7. Susan Cain “Quiet”

• Publishing Date: January 24, 2012
• Number of Pages: 333 pages
• Publisher: Crown

Susan Cain is a renowned author and speaker who initiated the Quiet Movement. Her work has transformed the understanding of introversion, and she has been recognized as a top influencer in leadership and management.

8. Barbara Markway and Celia Ampel “The Self-Confidence Workbook”

• Publishing Date: October 9, 2018
• Number of Pages: 178 pages
• Publisher: Althea Press
• Format Availability: Available in Paperback, Kindle, and Spiral-bound formats

Barbara Markway, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience, and Celia Ampel is a professional writer. Together, they bring a blend of clinical expertise and accessible writing to this workbook, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their self-confidence.

9. Brian Tracy “The Power of Self-Confidence”

• Publishing Date: January 1, 2012
• Number of Pages: 194 pages
• Publisher: Wiley

Brian Tracy is a renowned author, speaker, and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He specializes in training and development of individuals and organizations.

10. Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic”

• Publishing Date: September 1, 2015
• Number of Pages: 276 pages
• Publisher: Riverhead Books

Elizabeth Gilbert is a bestselling author known for her memoir “Eat Pray Love.” She has been a finalist for several prestigious awards and is celebrated for her insightful and inspirational writing on creativity and personal growth.

Development Strategies

Developing self-confidence  is not just about the mindset; it involves adopting practical strategies that inspire real change. These tactics contribute to an individual’s overall success and well-being, addressing specific challenges like fear, anxiety, and the need for personal development.

Building Confidence Through Action

Taking  decisive actions  can significantly boost confidence levels. As individuals engage in new challenges and achieve small victories, their self-assurance grows.

Action  is fundamental to success; it reinforces the belief in one’s abilities. One method to cultivate this proactive approach is through  confidence hacks , such as the “power pose.” Small choices and  actions  consistently taken embody the  art of extraordinary confidence .

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

Fear and  anxiety  are common obstacles in the path of self-confidence development. Strategies to overcome these include exposure to fearful situations in a controlled manner and relaxation techniques to manage  stress .

Building self-confidence often requires one to confront  social anxiety  head-on, thereby reducing the power fear holds over choices and actions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)  is a psychological intervention that focuses on creating a rich, meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. It involves principles like cognitive defusion, being present, and aligning one’s actions with chosen values.

ACT  provides tools for individuals to develop psychological flexibility, which in turn enhances their confidence and sense of  freedom .

Integrating Self-Help Methods

Integrating self-help methods into daily life can significantly bolster one’s confidence. Books focusing on self-help offer a range of strategies, from mindfulness and meditation to actionable exercises that confront fears and reprogram limiting beliefs.

Self-Help Books

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway  by Susan Jeffers  is a potent tool for individuals aiming to overcome anxiety and move forward with confidence. Jeffers’ work encapsulates the essence of courage as she illustrates how one can acknowledge their fears yet not allow them to dictate their actions.

Maxwell Maltz’s  Psycho-Cybernetics  encompasses a cornerstone concept in self-improvement literature. It offers a scientific approach, suggesting that one can transform their self-image through visualization techniques, thereby affecting their confidence levels.

Among the most impactful self-help books is  Awaken the Giant Within  by Tony Robbins. Robbins encourages readers to take control of their mental, emotional, and financial destinies, which can play a pivotal role in shaping self-assurance.

Meditation is often recommended to enhance the mental state. While not a book, the practice itself is frequently cited across various self-help materials as a beneficial tool for grounding oneself and nurturing a state of inner peace.

This tranquility is a solid foundation upon which confidence can be built.  The Confidence Gap  by Russ Harris also makes a significant contribution to this genre by detailing a pathway to self-belief through acceptance and commitment therapy principles, emphasizing mindful action.

The above titles represent only a glimpse of the numerous resources available for those looking to strengthen their self-confidence through proven self-help techniques.

Enhancing Self-Belief and Potential

To elevate one’s self-belief and unlock potential, individuals may turn to resources that guide them through the journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Grounded strategies for nurturing confidence and fostering a mindset geared toward fulfillment are essential.

Harnessing the Power of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is integral to developing self-belief. It is the foundation upon which  confidence  is built. Books like “ The Magic of Thinking Big ” emphasize the transformative power of positive self-talk and thought patterns.

By consciously shifting one’s focus to positive outcomes, one can overcome self-imposed limitations and expand their realm of possibilities.

Key Actions for Positive Thinking

• Engage in regular positive self-talk.
• Challenge negative thoughts proactively.

Realizing Your Potential for Personal Growth

Personal growth is a continuous journey of self-discovery and realization of one’s full potential. The concept of growth is central to “ The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem ” which details a comprehensive framework for enhancing self-esteem.

This approach encourages individuals to embrace experiences as opportunities for learning and development, thereby increasing their confidence and sense of fulfillment.

Strategies for Growth

• Set achievable goals to track progress and build competence.
• Reflect on personal experiences to glean insights for improvement.

Practical Tools and Exercises

To effectively build higher self-esteem, one can engage in a variety of exercises found within confidence-themed workbooks and apply distinct techniques. These practical tools aim to solidify a foundation of self-assurance through actionable tactics and mindful practices.

The Self-Confidence Workbook : A standout tool, this workbook presents structured exercises that encourage reflection on personal strengths and areas for improvement. It provides a step-by-step approach to bolstering self-assurance, employing proven methods to foster long-term confidence.

Activities often include journaling prompts, challenges for facing fears, and building a positive affirmation routine. These tools guide individuals in transforming their mindset and help in internalizing the confidence code — a set of principles for self-belief.

Techniques for Strengthening Self-Esteem

Tactics for Presence : It is essential to understand how body language impacts perception. Techniques such as power posing can induce a greater sense of confidence and presence in both personal and professional settings. By adopting an assertive stance, individuals can begin to internalize a stronger self-image.

Actions like setting and achieving small goals contribute to a growing sense of competence. Readers can harness tactics outlined in books like   The Confidence Effect  to systematically enhance their self-confidence over time.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation Practices : Incorporating meditation into daily life greatly improves focus and reduces stress, both conducive to a confident demeanor. Regular practice enhances awareness and self-connection, creating a powerful internal sense of security.

Mindfulness exercises improve present-moment awareness and can be found in various self-help books. They teach how to tune into bodily sensations and thoughts without judgment, fostering acceptance and bolstering a confident self-image.

The Impact of Relationships and Society

The books on self-confidence not only delve into personal development but also address how relationships and societal interactions influence one’s sense of confidence. They offer insights into strengthening personal connections and enhancing social standing through confident behaviors.

Confidence in Relationships

In relationships, it plays a crucial role in establishing mutual respect and fostering a healthy dynamic. Books such as Attached  by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller explore attachment styles, highlighting how understanding one’s own style can lead to more secure and confident interactions in love and friendship.

A person’s self-assurance often bolsters their ability to show  compassion  and  love , which are foundational elements of any strong relationship.

Navigating Social Situations with Confidence

Social anxiety is a common challenge many face in group settings or public spaces. Building confidence in such situations is vital for personal and professional growth.

Expert advice books suggest that practicing hacks can significantly improve one’s ability to interact and communicate effectively in society.

For instance,  The Confidence Gap  by Russ Harris incorporates strategies directed towards mastering social interactions through mindfulness and values-driven activities.

Overcoming Negative Self-Perceptions

Negative self-perceptions can be a barrier to personal growth and happiness. Books that focus on overcoming self-doubt and self-criticism can offer strategies that promote self-compassion and an improved sense of self-worth, helping to alleviate the impact of these negative perceptions on mental health.

Combatting Self-Doubt and Inner Criticism

Self-doubt and inner criticism can significantly affect an individual’s confidence and self-esteem.  “The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem”  provides practical guidance on becoming more self-assured.

In her book  “The Gifts of Imperfection,”  Brené Brown encourages embracing authenticity, which helps individuals combat negative self-talk by fostering self-compassion.

Techniques for building  self-worth

• Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns.
• Practicing regular self-affirmation.

Approaches to enhance  self-compassion

• Mindfulness exercises.
• Self-care routines.

Addressing Depression and Self-Criticism

Depression often intertwines with self-criticism, further complicating an individual’s mental health. Books like  “The Confidence Gap”  describe how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be used not just to overcome self-doubt but also to create a more fulfilling life by aligning actions with personal values.

This helps individuals develop resilience against depressive thoughts, nurturing a healthier self-image. Key concepts for managing  depression  and  self-criticism :

• Accepting difficult emotions without judgment.
• Committing to actions congruent with personal goals.

Resources that facilitate  mental health  improvement:

• Techniques drawn from evidence-based therapies.
• Exercises designed to reinforce positive self-perceptions.

Books addressing these topics serve as valuable resources for anyone looking to improve their self-esteem and mental health through self-compassion and understanding.

Cultivating a Confident Personal Image

Cultivating a confident personal image is essential for bridging gaps and enhancing presence. It involves not only nurturing self-esteem and self-worth but also mastering body language that reflects higher self-esteem.

If you struggle with self-confidence, consider making a change like getting a nose job or trying out a new hair color. It could help boost your confidence without breaking the bank or going under the knife.

The Role of Body Language

Body language  is a  powerful communicator of self-confidence .  Open postures , steady  eye contact , and  purposeful gestures  can convey assurance and command attention.

For individuals looking to improve their presence, books such as The Definitive Book of Body Language provide guidance on how nonverbal cues can be aligned with one’s self-image to project authenticity and confidence.

Developing a Positive Self-Image

Developing a positive self-image centers around building  self-love  and  self-worth .  Consistent self-reflection  and  affirmative self-talk  are critical practices highlighted in resources like The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown.

In this book, readers learn to embrace their genuine selves and reject the societal pressures of perfection. Creating a positive internal dialogue builds the foundation for self-assurance that is reflected outwardly.

Success and Courage

In exploring the connection between confidence and success, it’s essential to consider strategic approaches for building self-assurance and drawing lessons from those who’ve adeptly combined the two.

The Relationship with Success

It is the bedrock upon which many successful individuals build their achievements. It’s this self-assuredness that propels people to take the necessary risks associated with significant accomplishments.

Authors like Jen Sincero encourage embracing this mindset in works such as  “You Are a Badass” , which suggests that belief in oneself is a critical step toward reaching one’s goals.

Sustaining Strategies

To maintain a resilient sense over time, sustainable strategies are crucial. Nathaniel Branden , known for his extensive work on self-esteem, promotes the  Six Pillars of Self-Esteem , which outline principles for nurturing and preserving a positive self-image.

The pillars provide a blueprint for individuals seeking a robust foundation for long-term personal growth and success.

Learning from Successful Confident Individuals

Observation and learning from successful individuals can yield valuable hacks. Dale Carnegie’s timeless advice in  “ How to Win Friends and Influence People “  emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills and self-assurance in personal and professional success.

Examining how these individuals approach challenges with confidence can offer practical insights into achieving one’s own ambitions. By weaving strategies and exemplars of success, individuals can create a powerful framework for achieving fulfillment and happiness in their endeavors.

Selecting the right literature is a crucial step for anyone looking to improve their self-confidence. The questions below address specific needs and recommend titles for different audiences seeking to enhance their self-esteem through reading.

What are the top recommended books for improving self-confidence in children?

For children, titles like “A Smart Girl’s Guide: Confidence” provide guidance tailored to younger readers. It focuses on common situations children face and how to handle them with confidence.

Which books should I read to overcome confidence issues coupled with anxiety?

To address confidence issues alongside anxiety, “The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt” by Russ Harris is often suggested due to its practical strategies based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Could you suggest effective self-confidence books suited for young adults?

Young adults can benefit from “The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens” by Lisa M. Schab. This workbook offers exercises to help teens build confidence and maintain a positive self-image.

What are some well-reviewed self-help books on building self-esteem for adults?

Adults looking to improve their self-esteem might turn to “The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem” by Nathaniel Branden, which provides a comprehensive approach to self-improvement based on clinical research.

Can you recommend literature on enhancing self-confidence through improved communication skills?

Books such as “How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships” by Leil Lowndes offer actionable advice on communication skills that can ultimately boost self-confidence.

What are some strategies to regain self-confidence according to popular self-help books?

Popular self-help books often recommend setting realistic goals, practicing positive self-talk, and gradual exposure to feared situations as effective strategies for regaining self-confidence.

Final Takeaways

Self-confidence is fundamental to personal growth and reaching one’s true potential. For readers seeking to enhance this trait, an array of  books on confidence  provides proven strategies and principles.

Here, they can discover insights that foster their confidence journey. Among the recommended reads titles like “The Confidence Code” illuminate the science behind self-assurance, especially for women seeking to bridge the confidence gap. They explain methods to bolster self-esteem through actionable strategies.

Another notable contribution to the genre is “The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem”, which identifies the critical elements required for strengthening one’s self-perception. The book presents a structured approach to self-esteem enhancement.

• Growth Mindset:  Readers will uncover the significance of cultivating a growth mindset to break through barriers.
• Actionable Advice:  Books like “The Confidence Gap” deliver actionable advice to convert knowledge into daily habits.

When it comes to the journey of self-improvement, these books serve as valuable tools. They empower readers with the understanding that confidence is not an innate attribute but a skill that one can develop over time.

The principles and strategies found within these pages cater to a wide audience, regardless of where one stands on the spectrum of self-confidence. Those invested in their  personal development will find these books to be trusty guides, helping chart a course toward a more confident and assertive self.

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Top 10 Books On Building Confidence

•   6 Shares

There’s plenty of confidence books on the market. But what are the best books on confidence? Or more specifically, the best books on building confidence? What can you read that will make a real difference to how you act, feel and behave?

Well my friends, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re struggling with confidence after a breakup , whilst dating, or even just when single / in a relationship – this is the master guide for you!

See, I’ve been searching high and low for the best books to build self confidence – specifically when it comes to how you feel in yourself, and the key areas of low self esteem that affect dating, relationships and your love life.

It’s time for a transformation, my friends! It’s time to start being the person you want to be; to recreate yourself if you need! And that starts by swatting up and working on how you feel within. So let’s get stuck in…

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means that I may make a commission if you click through and purchase. Please note: I will never recommend anything that I’ve not thoroughly researched or personally read / approved.   I want this to make a difference to you.

So when it comes to the TYPES of books on confidence, I’ve looked for the ones that focus on building confidence within yourself.

You can then apply it to work situations, romantic relationships, or just about anything!

Sounds good? Then let’s get stuck in! Here’s our top 10 recommendations for the best books to build confidence…

1) Unstoppable Self Confidence

By andrew leedham.

So let’s start our self confidence books off with, “Unstoppable Self Confidence!” Even the title sounds pretty mighty, right?!

“99% of people go through almost their whole lives never really feeling good about who they are, never really liking themselves and never thinking that they are enough.

And as a result, they live a life that is a tiny fraction of what it could be, the life they have settled for instead of the life they dreamed of.

If you are not yet living the life of your dreams, the chances are that this is you too. But here’s the good news: you already have everything you need to be confident and successful and to live the life you want on your terms.

You only need to UNLEARN all the bad programming and wrong thinking that you’ve been given to unleash the incredible power within you. This book will show you how…”

Having been in a bad place, lacking in confidence himself, I really like how relatable the author, Andrew Leedham is, and how practical the book is too.

Andrew has created a no-nonsense, application-specific guide, with powerful strategies and principals. It’s well worth giving a go.

2) The Confidence Gap

By russ harris.

Next up, we’ve got “The Confidence Gap” , which is all about overcoming self-doubt.

It’s a book that I personally have read and is a particular favourite as it draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness practices, to offer breakthrough insights and simple techniques for developing deep-seated, long-lasting confidence.

“Russ Harris offers a surprising solution to low self-confidence, shyness, and insecurity: Rather than trying to “get over” our fears, he says, the secret is to form a new and wiser relationship with them.

Paradoxically, it’s only when we stop struggling against our fearfulness that we begin to find lasting freedom from it.”

3) Wire Your Brain For Confidence

By louise jewell.

What else have we got? Well, “Wire Your Brain For Confidence” may be less recognised, but just as good (if not better!) than many confidence books out there. See for yourself!

I especially like this one as it looks at the SCIENCE of confidence. This then gives you confidence in the recommendations – knowing that it’s fully backed up!

“Do you ever wonder why you are confident in some areas of your life and yet in other areas, you have so much fear and self-doubt?

The good news is scientists have discovered the formula on how you can wire your  brain for a more action-oriented kind of confidence that boosts your courage to act, even when you’re feeling afraid.”

Wire Your Brain For Confidence isn’t too heavy. It also includes stories, reflection questions, and exercises… to get you taking action.

Can you tell it’s one of my top favourites?!

4) The Self-Love Workbook For Women

By megan logan.

To break up the stream of “Confidence” titles, I want to throw in a different one now, which is The Self-Love Workbook by Megan Logan.

It says for women, but it’s for anyone really. And I recommend it, as Self-Love and Self Confidence work hand-in-hand (it’s like butter on bread – could you really have it without it?!)

See the goal of the book is to release self-doubt, build self-compassion and embrace who you are – as you work to discover that, actually, there is so so much to love about yourself!

By using this book, you are then able to improve your relationship, both with yourself and with others. (Just what we want, right?!)

Filled with proven techniques and easy-to-apply activities, it’s certainly a self-confidence book that’s well worth considering; not to mention one of the best self love books for women .

OR: The Self-Confidence Workbook

By barbara markway and celia ampel.

The alternative to the Self-Love Workbook for Women is the gender-neutral “ Self-Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem . “

“From facing your fears to practicing acceptance and self-compassion, this book offers practical, accessible strategies to help you bring out your best self.

You’ll learn how to guide yourself through self-confidence land mines, with a goal-oriented approach, and proven strategies to teach you how to silence the self-critic within and guide you toward living your best life with confidence.”

I really like this book as it puts YOU back in control, and working yourself through the things you need to. Highly recommend!

5) What to Say When You Talk to Your Self

By shad helmstetter.

Another great book for building self esteem is the top-rated What To Say When You Talk To Yourself .

Why? Well because it gets you far more aware of the things you say, the impact it has and – most importantly – how to create positive changes.

Shad Helmsetter’s simple but profound techniques, based on an understanding of the processes of the human brain, have enabled thousands of people to get back in control of their lives.

By learning how to talk to yourself in new ways, you will notice a dramatic improvement in all areas of your life and relationships. Click here for more details.  

Why Not Listen Instead? Grab a FREE Audible Trial

Now when it comes to personal development books, I MUCH prefer listening. I find you get through them faster, they’re more engaging and it just works far better for me.

Many of these books on building confidence are also  available on Audible for free, when you grab a free trial.  (Such an added bonus!) So you can actually see how well they work for you on there.

Click here for more details on Audible and sign up for your FREE trial today.  There’s no risk, nothing to lose, just confidence books FOR FREE! (This means it’s like coaching, as you have someone speaking to you… As opposed to having to read it all yourself!)

6) Not Nice

By dr. aziz gazipura.

Next up it’s “ Not Nice : Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, & Feeling Guilty… And Start Speaking up, Saying No, Asking Boldly, and Unapologetically Being Yourself!”

And okay so this one has got to have the LONGEST TITLE EVER (right?!) but whilst we’re on the topics of audiobooks, a super popular confidence book being promoted on Audible right now is this one!

It’s got incredible reviews and is all about…

• Easily say “no” when you want to and need to
• Confidently and effectively asking for what you want
• Speaking up more freely in all your relationships
• Eliminating feelings of guilt, anxiety, and worry about what others will think.

It’s definitely another game-changer (if a little controversial at times!)

7) Unf*ck Yourself

By gary john bishop.

Keeping with the theme of controversial books on building confidence, next up, we’ve got the fabulous “ Unf*ck Yourself! “

It’s bold, it’s out there, but it’s actually a book full of real-talk and straight-to-the-point advice that – if you apply – genuinely builds you up!

Learn how to:

• Combat self-doubt
• Deal with your inner critic
• Stop comparing yourself to others
• Break out of your rut
• Start feeling better about yourself NOW!

This is another one that I highly recommend listening to as an audiobook – as again, it’s very much like your best friend telling you some home-truths (you actually want to listen to!) then.

8) The Unlimited Self

By jonathan heston.

Our next book to build self confidence is “ The Unlimited Self ” and doesn’t the title already just make you feel… inspired?!

This one is very much focused on uncovering and destroying your limiting beliefs – something that is fundamental when it comes to building confidence.

Here, as a taster into this topic, bob on over to this blog post about limiting beliefs , as it’s something we’ve touched on before too.

Are you are ready for the mindsets and skillets that allow you to destroy ANY limiting belief that is holding you back from your greatness? 

If so… THE UNLIMITED SELF is for you.

9) Self Esteem ** Therapist Recommended **

By matthew mckay and patrick fanning.

As we come towards the end of our list of books on building confidence, I want to do a particular shout out for “ Self Esteem “.

“ If you struggle with low self-esteem, or you’re seeking positive and effective ways of building a healthy sense of self-worth, this much-anticipated fourth edition of the best-selling classic by Matthew McKay is your go-to guide.

This fully revised edition features an innovative application of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to self-esteem, and utilizes updated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you create positive change and thrive.”

It’s packed full of  up-to-date evidence-based tips and techniques!

Self-Esteem really does has everything you need to improve the way you see yourself for better overall well-being. I couldn’t recommend more!

10) The Gifts Of Imperfection

By brené brown.

So we’ve reached our final #10 when it comes to books on building confidence and I see no better book to finish on than “ The Gifts Of Imperfection. “

Brené Brown’s game-changing New York Times bestseller has sold more than 2 million copies in more than 30 different languages and is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in print! 

Forbes magazine named Giftsone of the “Five Books That Will Actually Change Your Outlook On Life.” 

“Now more than ever, we all need to cultivate feelings of self-worth, as well as acceptance and love for ourselves.

In a world where insults, criticisms, and fears are spread too generously alongside messages of unrealistic beauty, attainment, and expectation, we look for ways to “dig deep” and find truth and gratitude in our lives.

A new way forward means we can’t hold on too tightly to our own self-defeating thoughts or the displaced pain in our world. Instead, we can embrace the imperfection.”

Through this self-help classic you will find courage to overcome paralyzing fear and self-consciousness and believe that you are truly worthy – of love, of confidence, and of everything you want in life (and more!) It’s a cracking book, for sure!

The Best Books On Confidence

So there we have it – my top 10 recommendations when it comes to the best books on building confidence.

Be sure to click the links to check them out – or listen to them for free as an audiobook .

These confidence books have certainly helped me over the years so I hope they do the same for you too!

Good luck! Take care.

Love, Ell_xx

How To Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

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The 7 Best Self-Help Books to Change Your Life

Find yourself in one of these versatile, mind-changing reads

Mary K. Tatum is a licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist and has worked in the field of psychology for over 15 years, with seven years in the private practice setting.

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Until proven otherwise, it’s safe to assume that—as the saying goes—nobody’s perfect. That means we have room for at least some improvement in our lives . And no, we’re not talking about getting a higher-paying job or a new haircut: we’re referring to inner improvement . This involves working on managing some of our less-than-desirable habits and traits—things like being unable to trust other people, having difficulties with interpersonal communication, or lacking self-confidence. 

That’s where self-help books can come in handy. It’s basically like someone has thought extensively about the general challenge you’re facing, and then walks you through steps to help you figure it out—or at least think about it more clearly. To be clear: self-help books are not a replacement for working with mental health professionals. If you’re dealing with a mental illness, seek out a credentialed person you can speak with in person (or over a video call). But for situations without a clinical element, a self-help book can make a difference.

To help you narrow down your options, here are the best self-help books according to the experts.

"A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle

Can be helpful to reivist certain passages, as needed

Discusses how to effectively process and find meaning in suffering

A lot of overlap with content found in the author's previous book

Many consider Eckhart Tolle one of the great thought leaders our time. Prior to " A New Earth ," Tolle wrote "The Power of Now," a best seller and must-read. The reason "A New Earth" makes this list is quite simple: it goes beyond teaching how to live in the moment and helps readers learn how to turn their suffering into peace. All types of suffering are addressed in the book, from anger and grief to jealousy and anxiety.

Tolle talks a lot about the ego and how to separate ourselves from it. His examples and recommended exercises are not just hocus pocus; they really work and are something anyone can do. Whether your suffering is rooted in jealousy, anger, grief, sadness, anxiety, or depression , Tolle will help you see life from varied perspectives, awakening you to your life’s purpose.

This book is great as a reference point, too. Those who pick up a copy will read it front to back then revisit Tolle's words over and over again. Others will keep it by their nightstands and flip to a chapter when they’re feeling some excess baggage creep in and could use some words of wisdom.

Price at time of publication: $18

"You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero

Engaging exercises

Accessible writing style

Not the most empathetic towards people with depression

Contains some microaggressions and fat shaming

Far too often, fear gets the best of us. Jen Sincero helps readers go beyond that fear in her New York Times best seller " You Are a Badass ." What sets this self-help book apart from the others are the engaging end-of-chapter exercises.

Instead of casting the book aside and letting it collect dust after you read the last page, you'll be inspired to go back and reflect on the previous exercises you responded to. The exercises also drive home the points Sincero makes through her writing. When you feel a dip in your confidence, going back to your entries will put a positive spin on your day and remind you why you should show yourself more self-love . Also make sure to check out Sincero's follow-up book, "You Are a Badass at Making Money."

Price at time of publication: $8

Dr. Leela R. Magavi, MD, psychiatrist and regional medical director for Community Psychiatry.

Some self-help books include daily therapeutic activities and provide comfort and guidance to individuals who are suffering. I recommend individuals meet with a psychiatrist and therapist, and concurrently utilize self-help books to expedite their healing.

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey

Text is broken up using cartoons and quotes

Could be beneficial for both teens and parents

Updated in 2014, but still can feel outdated

Unnecessary references to dieting and losing weight

Many have read, or at least have heard about, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey. Covey's son Sean followed in his footsteps, making a spinoff version for teenagers that uses the same principles to help young adults master formative areas of their lives.

To make this self-help book age-appropriate and downright fun to read, Covey breaks up the text with cartoons, quotes, brainstorming ideas, and stories from real teens to bring the book together. " The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens " covers   topics like  body image , friendships, relationships, goal-setting, peer pressure, bullying, internet safety, and so much more. Gift this book to your teenage son, daughter, niece, nephew, or grandchild. It's the perfect keepsake to pass down to future generations of teens too.

"What Are You Hungry For?" by Deepak Chopra

Helps readers understand their reasons for certain types of eating

More than simply a guide to healthy eating

Even though it’s not a traditional weight loss book, that component being included at all might turn some people off

Can feel like any other book on weight loss and our relationship with food

Deepak Chopra is the self-help guru of our time, and any one of his books could be recommended for various reasons. " What Are You Hungry For? " will help you see your relationship with food in an entirely new light.

While this self-help book could be considered a guide to help with weight loss, it’s really so much more. Chopra does talk about losing weight and also gives a pretty regimented recommendation on what to eat. But he also digs deeper into the reasoning behind our desire to seek this transformation, and fulfillment is at the center of this argument.

Since change isn’t easy for most, the book offers a lot of intention-setting tips to help readers determine the motives behind their goals. Attaching an emotion to the things you want in life, health-related or otherwise, makes it easier to stay the course when the going gets tough.

Price at time of publication: $16

"Declutter Your Mind" by S.J. Scott

Tackles negative thinking patterns—something a lot of people struggle with

Includes helpful, actionable exercises

May not feel as applicable to people who aren’t self-employed

Writing can feel self-promotional at times

The subtitle of this book provides great insight into the heart of the book: How to stop worrying, relieve anxiety and eliminate negative thinking. " Declutter Your Mind " is a book that is very hands-on with its reader and full of various exercises to engage your mindset. You will learn the causes of mental clutter, how to change negative thoughts to positive ones, strategies to help with rocky relationships, how to identify what’s important to you, the importance of meditation, how to goal set, and much more.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress, worry, or anxiety, this powerful book will do its part in offering various techniques, tips, and tricks to cope with an overactive mind. Reviewers consistently note how much they enjoy the actionable exercises in the book and that the co-authors offer more than a sermon on the importance of living mindfully and in the moment.

Price at time of publication: $15

"Big Magic: Create Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Great for creative people (or those who want to be more creative)

Accessible and conversational writing style makes it easy to read

Gilbert’s “tough love” approach doesn't always translate

Reads more as a memoir than a self-help book in parts

For one reason or another, some were turned off by Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling "Eat Pray Love". But don’t let that turn you away from reading her other material, in particular, " Big Magic ". If you’re an artist or creator of any type and have struggled with a blockage that prevents you from pursuing your calling to its fullest, you’ll want to give this a read.

From creating new habits (and ridding yourself of old ones) to overcoming fear and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, Gilbert hits the nail on the head as she dissects the obstacles a creative person may face in pursuing their dreams. Her honest, conversational, no-BS tone will light a fire in your soul and help you be upfront with yourself about what you want from life. A highlight of this book is the usage of real-life examples from regular men and women across the country who have endured in their creative feats.

Price at time of publication: $21

"The Wisdom of Sundays" by Oprah Winfrey

Full of what Oprah Winfrey considers “life-changing insights”

It’s like sitting in on a conversation between Oprah and major thought leaders

Print can be small and hard to read at times

Oprah is the queen of interviewing spiritual gurus, world leaders, therapists, doctors, and other thought leaders. " The Wisdom of Sundays " takes the best-of-the-best from these conversations and combines them into one uplifting read.

The book has 240 pages full of snippets from what Oprah refers to as "life-changing insights". Authors in The Wisdom of Sundays include   Shonda Rimes, Cheryl Strayed, Tony Robbins, Thich Nhat Hahn, Wayne Dyer, and so many more. Take your time with each individual page to make sure you don't skim over any of the wonderful and thought-provoking insights inside.

Price at time of publication: $28

Final Verdict

This one’s tricky, because a self-help book that one person hated could be the one that changed another person’s life. Having said that, if you’re new to the genre, you probably want to stick with a book with a broader appeal, like "Declutter Your Mind" ( view on Amazon ). While not everyone is looking to mold a highly effective teen, everyone does have something that makes them anxious, and this book provides a manageable way of identifying and addressing some of the ones that are holding you back. 

What to Look for in a Self-Help Book

Selecting a self-help book is, for the most part, a highly personal decision (with the exception  being cases when a book is so popular you feel the need to read it, even if you wouldn’t have done so on your own). Given that this genre is not one-size-fits-all—and that people respond to a wide range of styles, topics, and tones—finding the right self-help books for yourself can be a process of trial and error. But, to help guide you through that process, here are a few general things to look for when purchasing a self-help book:

Writing style and tone:

First, think about what kind of book that is likely to be the most helpful in your current situation, as well as the kind you’d actually like to read. These two categories don’t necessarily overlap. For example, you may think you want a clinical-sounding, research-backed guide through a particular condition or situation, but in reality, would find it so boring that you’d never pick it up. And a self-help book just sitting on the shelf isn’t helping anyone.

If you think you’d respond well to something funny, or that it would help hold your interest, look for a self-help book that injects humor into its pages. (And yes, highly qualified experts with fancy degrees can also be hilarious.)

Something your therapist recommends:

If you are working with some type of therapist or counselor , ask them for recommendations for self-help books. Not only are they probably very familiar with this genre, but they also have gotten to know you during your sessions, and may have a good idea of the type of book that you’d benefit from the most.

In addition to tone, self-help books also come in several different formats. “Some individuals fare better with more structure and guidance, while others excel with more creative and fluid feedback,” Dr. Leela R. Magavi, MD , psychiatrist and regional medical director for Community Psychiatry explains. “Some people enjoy reading about concepts, while others prefer completing daily tasks and worksheets.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Like many things in life, what you get out of self-help books depends on the time and effort you put into not only reading them, but also doing the work. And no, that doesn’t necessarily include actual worksheets: the “work” also involves taking what you’ve read, sitting with it, processing it, and figuring out how you can use it in your own life (if applicable). 

“Self-help books can, in truth, be very helpful if an individual puts forth the effort to integrate the information learned from the book into their daily life,” Summer R. Thompson , DNP, PMHNP-BC, a mental health nurse practitioner at Community Psychiatry explains.

When someone finds the right self-help book and puts the time into reading it and doing the work, it can have a number of benefits. One is that they can “provide a concrete blueprint for an individual who has identified an issue in their life to navigate addressing it in a healthy manner on their own,” Thompson explains.   

In addition to providing a general blueprint for how a person can approach some of their biggest challenges, self-help books can add structure to individuals’ day-to-day life. “They can motivate individuals to try different strategies and venture into uncomfortable territory,” says Dr. Leela R. Magavi, MD , psychiatrist and regional medical director for Community Psychiatry .

Beyond that, Magavi notes that self-help books can lead to more fluid and healthy communication at work and at home, and many allow individuals to remain introspective and practice self-compassion. “It helps individuals identify ways in which they can respond to inevitable stress in a more positive way, and reiterates the fact that they have the power to write their own story and determine their own emotional experience,” she explains.

What the Experts Say

“Self-help books have helped many men and women initiate the often-daunting task of processing their thoughts and assessing their insecurities and weaknesses. Self-help books allow individuals to try different techniques and find what works the best for them to assuage anxiety and confront tumultuous times with grace.” — Dr. Leela R. Magavi, MD , psychiatrist and regional medical director for Community Psychiatry . 

“When looking at self-help books, it is important to look for books that provide clear and attainable goals in the context of the issue you are addressing. If a book makes recommendations that you do not feel are achievable in the context of your life, the book will likely not be very helpful to you and end up collecting dust rather than being an effective self-improvement tool.” — Summer R. Thompson , DNP, PMHNP-BC, mental health nurse practitioner at Community Psychiatry

Why Trust Verywell Mind?

Erinne Magee is a freelance writer covering health, wellness and lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more.

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Yuko

As a seasoned health writer and editor with a special focus on mental health and well-being, Elizabeth Yuko understands how powerful stress-relieving activities can be for many people—as well as the fact that they’re not one-size-fits-all. With decades of first-hand experience dealing with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, she’s always on the lookout for new (and research-backed) products, techniques, and services that can help people cope with stress and other mental health challenges. 

By Mary K. Tatum, MS, LMHC Mary is a licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist with 15 years of experience working in the psychology field. She earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Bluefield College and a Master of Science in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She began in social work and then moved to drug rehab settings, working as a therapist, group facilitator, and clinical director. She specializes in family dynamic systems, trauma recovery, improving resilience, addiction recovery, and the psychology of successful business management.

Best 10 Books For Self Esteem

The following are books for self esteem to help you boost your confidence.

What Is Self Esteem?

Books for self esteem, workbooks for self esteem, how books for self esteem can help.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Self-esteem is a term used to describe a person’s overall perception and belief in their own worth, value, and capabilities.

It refers to how an individual feels about themselves and how they view their own abilities, achievements, and appearance.

Self-esteem plays a crucial role in shaping one’s emotional well-being, confidence, and overall happiness.

It involves having a positive self-image, self-acceptance, and a healthy level of self-respect.

High self-esteem can lead to a more fulfilling life, improved relationships, and the ability to handle challenges with resilience.

1. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem

By Nathaniel Branden

The Six Pillars Of Self-Esteem is essential reading for anyone with a personal or professional interest in self-esteem.

The book demonstrates compellingly why self-esteem is basic to psychological health, achievement, personal happiness, and positive relationships.  

Branden introduces the six pillars-six action-based practices for daily living that provide the foundation for self-esteem-and explores the central importance of self-esteem in five areas: the workplace, parenting, education, psychotherapy, and the culture at large.  

Related: Top 18 Self Esteem Exercises (+FREE CBT For Self-Esteem Worksheets PDF)

2. Self-Esteem

By Matthew McKay PhD, Patrick Fanning

This revised and updated fourth edition of the best-selling Self-Esteem uses proven-effective methods of CBT and relevant components of ACT to help you raise low self-esteem by working on the way you interpret your life.

You’ll learn how to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy self-esteem, how to uncover and analyze negative self-statements, and how to create new, more objective and positive self-statements to support your self-esteem rather than undermine it.

And with cutting-edge material on defusion and values, you’ll learn to let go of judgmental, self-attacking thoughts and act in accordance with what matters to you most, enhancing your sense of self-worth.

Related: Low Self Esteem Quiz

3. Ten Days to Self-Esteem

By David D Burns M.D.

In Ten Days to Self-esteem, Dr. David Burns presents innovative, clear, and compassionate methods that will help you identify the causes of your mood slumps and develop a more positive outlook on life. You will learn that:

• You feel the way you think: Negative feelings like guilt, anger, and depression do not result from the bad things that happen to you, but from the way you think about these events. This simple but revolutionary idea can change your life!
• You can change the way you feel: You will discover why you get depressed and learn how to brighten your outlook when you’re in a slump.
• You can enjoy greater happiness, productivity, and intimacy—without drugs or lengthy therapy.

Related: How Confident Am I Quiz (+Best 13 Practical Tools To Feel More Confident)

4. Healing Your Emotional Self

By Beverly Engel

In her book, Beverly Engel documents the wide range of psychological abuses that so many children experience in growing up and shares her powerful Mirror Therapy program for helping adult survivors to overcome their shame and self-criticism, become more compassionate and accepting of themselves, and create a more positive self-image.

Engle’s insightful questionnaires and exercises provide concrete help in the healing process.

Related: Top 10 Ways To Stop Wallowing In Self Pity

5. Get Out of Your Own Way

By Mark Goulston, Philip Goldberg

Practical, proven self help steps show how to transform 40 common self-defeating behaviors, including procrastination, envy, obsession, anger, self-pity, compulsion, neediness, guilt, rebellion, inaction, and more.

Related: Top +100 Journal Prompts For Mental Health [+Free PDF Printable!]

6. The Self-Esteem Workbook

By Glenn R. Schiraldi PhD

In this Workbook, you’ll learn to see yourself through loving eyes by realizing that you are inherently worthy, and that comparison-based self-criticism is not a true measure of your value.

In addition to new chapters on cultivating compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love for yourself and others—all of which improve self-esteem—you’ll find cutting-edge information on brain plasticity and how sleep, exercise, and nutrition affect your self-esteem.

Related: Top 21 Healing Journal Prompts To Support Your Healing Journey

7. The Self-Confidence Workbook

By Barbara Markway PhD, Celia Ampel

This standout among self-help books helps you vanquish self-doubt with:

• DEFINING CONFIDENCE: A guide to understanding self-confidence by defining what it means to be confident and helping you determine your starting level of self-esteem.
• STRATEGIES FOR SELF-ACCEPTANCE: This book entails a 5-step program that begins with setting goals and uses evidence-based strategies to foster acceptance, mindfulness, self-compassion, and more.
• INTERACTIVE EXERCISES: Discover reflections, checklists, and quizzes to help you internalize lessons and concepts.

Related: How To Start A Self Love Journey? Top 10 Powerful Ways to Love Yourself More

8. The Self Esteem Workbook for Women

By Megan MacCutcheon LPC

This workbook contains:

• A 5-step program to build self esteem that fosters care, respect, acceptance, and love for oneself
• Actionable exercises that range from tests, checklists, and journal entries to keep you engaged and motivated to change
• An essential introduction that defines what self esteem is, and provides an overview of the social, cultural, and familial issues that affect women’s self esteem

Related: Top 45 Self Care Day Ideas at Home To Kickstart Your Self Care Ritual

9. A Year of Self-Esteem

By Judith Belmont MS

This self-esteem workbook includes:

• 365 days of love―Take a few minutes out of every day to reinforce your self-love with a new exercise, challenge, or perspective.
• Proven methods―Build your self-esteem through positive psychology, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, and more.
• Inspiring words―Discover uplifting quotes and feel-good affirmations that will help see you through your most challenging days.

Related: The Process Of Turning Inward In 6 Simple Steps (Turn FOMO Into JOMO)

10. Self-Esteem Journal

By Briana Hollis LSW

This self-esteem journal can help you:

• Build your self-esteem―From establishing self-compassion and self-respect to harnessing your inner power to achieve your goals, each section of this journal builds upon the previous one to help you flourish.
• Try proven methods―Find thought-provoking exercises based on techniques like mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more.
• Lift yourself up―Discover uplifting quotes and positive affirmations to inspire you on your journey to improved self-esteem.

Books for self-esteem can be a valuable resource for anyone looking to boost their self-confidence and live a more fulfilling life.

Here are some ways in which books for self-esteem can help:

1. They provide practical tips: Many self-help books offer concrete strategies and exercises that individuals can use to build their self-esteem. These include mindfulness exercises, self-affirmations, and goal-setting techniques.

2. They help individuals identify negative thought patterns: Negative self-talk and thought patterns can significantly impact an individual’s self-esteem. Books for self-esteem can provide guidance on recognizing these patterns and replacing them with more positive and empowering thoughts.

3. They encourage self-reflection: Self-reflection is a crucial element of building self-esteem. Books for self-esteem can provide prompts and questions that encourage introspection, helping individuals identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

4. They inspire optimism: Reading books for self-esteem can help individuals see situations from a different perspective and cultivate positive thinking. This can help promote a more optimistic outlook on life.

Books for self-esteem can be highly beneficial as they offer valuable insights, techniques, and perspectives that can help individuals improve their confidence and overall well-being.

Hadiah is a counselor who is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey towards mental well-being. Hadiah not only writes insightful articles on various mental health topics but also creates engaging and practical mental health worksheets.

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Confidence is a quality that can make a world of difference in our personal and professional lives. It empowers us to take risks, face challenges, and pursue our goals with unwavering determination. While confidence may come naturally to some, it’s a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened over time. One powerful way to boost your self-assurance is through the wisdom and insights found in books.

Here the list of the top 10 books on confidence that are not only inspiring but also offers practical advice and strategies for developing a stronger sense of self. Whether you’re looking to overcome self-doubt, improve your self-esteem, or simply gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be confident, these books have got you covered.

Table of Contents

1. mindset: the new psychology of success.

“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck is an insightful book that explores the concept of mindset and its impact on our lives. Dweck introduces two main mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. In a fixed mindset, people believe that their abilities and intelligence are fixed traits, and they avoid challenges, fearing failure.

On the other hand, in a growth mindset, individuals believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. They embrace challenges, persevere through setbacks, and see failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Dweck’s book offers numerous real-life examples and research findings to illustrate the power of mindset in various aspects of life, from education and business to relationships.

She argues that by adopting a growth mindset, we can achieve more, develop resilience, and lead more fulfilling lives. “Mindset” is a valuable read for anyone looking to understand how their beliefs about abilities and potential can shape their success and happiness. It offers practical advice for cultivating a growth mindset and transforming the way we approach challenges and opportunities.

2. You Are a Badass

“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero is a self-help book that encourages readers to overcome self-doubt and live their best lives. Sincero’s central message is that we all possess the potential for greatness, and it’s essential to believe in ourselves and our abilities.

The book is divided into concise, actionable chapters that cover a range of topics, from identifying and conquering limiting beliefs to setting and achieving goals. Sincero emphasizes the importance of adopting a positive mindset, embracing self-love, and taking bold actions to pursue our dreams.

Throughout the book, Sincero shares personal anecdotes and humorous insights, making complex self-improvement concepts accessible and relatable. She advocates for stepping out of comfort zones, taking risks, and embracing change. 

3. The Secret

“The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne is a self-help book that explores the concept of the Law of Attraction. Published in 2006, it has gained widespread popularity for its claims that positive thinking can bring about positive outcomes in one’s life.

The book begins by introducing the Law of Attraction, which posits that thoughts have a powerful magnetic force that attracts similar thoughts, circumstances, and events. In other words, if you focus on positive thoughts and visualize your desires, the universe will conspire to make them a reality.

Throughout the book, Byrne emphasizes the importance of gratitude and the role it plays in manifesting one’s desires. She argues that by expressing gratitude for what you have, you can attract more positive experiences into your life. “The Secret” also discusses the impact of beliefs on one’s reality.

Byrne suggests that limiting beliefs can block the flow of positive energy and prevent individuals from achieving their goals. To counter this, she encourages readers to change their beliefs and adopt a mindset of abundance and positivity.

4. Man’s Search for Meaning

“Man’s Search for Meaning” is a remarkable book by Viktor E. Frankl tells his powerful story of surviving the Holocaust and shares his wisdom about finding meaning in life. In the first part of the book, Frankl describes the terrible conditions he faced in Nazi concentration camps.

It’s a heartbreaking but important account of human suffering and resilience. The second part introduces his idea of “logotherapy,” a therapy based on the belief that finding meaning is the key to a fulfilling life. Frankl argues that even in the worst situations, we have the power to choose our attitudes and find purpose. This message is incredibly inspiring. 

5. Awaken the Giant Within

“Awaken the Giant Within” by Tony Robbins is a self-help book that aims to help you take control of your life and achieve your dreams. Robbins believes that you have the power to shape your destiny by mastering your thoughts, emotions, and actions. In the book, he discusses the concept of “neuro-linguistic programming” (NLP) , which is a way to change your thinking patterns and behaviors to achieve success.

He emphasizes setting clear goals, creating a compelling vision for your life, and taking consistent action to reach your objectives. Robbins also explores the idea of “personal power” and how you can tap into it to overcome challenges and achieve your desires. He shares practical strategies for improving your health, relationships, finances, and overall well-being.

6. The Gifts of Imperfection

“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown is a book that explores the idea that embracing our imperfections is the key to living a wholehearted and fulfilling life. Brown believes that our society often pressures us to be perfect, which leads to feelings of inadequacy and shame. She suggests that true happiness and self-acceptance come from letting go of these unrealistic expectations.

In the book, Brown introduces ten guideposts for wholehearted living, including cultivating self-compassion, letting go of perfectionism, and embracing vulnerability. She encourages readers to practice courage, compassion, and connection in their lives. Brown’s research and personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of authenticity and embracing our vulnerabilities. She believes that by embracing our imperfections, we can lead more authentic, joyful, and meaningful lives.

7. The Power of Now

“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle is a transformative book that explores the profound concept of living in the present moment. Tolle argues that most human suffering arises from our identification with our thoughts and our attachment to the past or future, which keeps us from experiencing true inner peace and happiness.

The book guides readers on a journey to understand the importance of mindfulness and being fully present in each moment. Tolle introduces the idea that our true essence is beyond our thoughts, and he teaches techniques to quiet the constant chatter of the mind. Tolle emphasizes that by embracing the present moment, we can free ourselves from the grip of our ego and find spiritual enlightenment. He encourages readers to let go of negative thought patterns, judgments, and the need for external validation.

8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey is a widely acclaimed self-help and personal development book that provides a framework for achieving personal and professional success. Covey’s book outlines seven key habits that, when adopted and practiced, can lead to greater effectiveness in all aspects of life.

The seven habits are as follows:

• Be Proactive: Take control of your actions and responses to external events, rather than reacting impulsively.
• Begin with the End in Mind: Set clear goals and envision what you want to achieve in the long run.
• Put First Things First: Prioritize tasks and focus on the most important and impactful activities.
• Think Win-Win : Seek mutually beneficial solutions in interactions and relationships, rather than approaching them as zero-sum competitions.
• Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Practice empathetic listening and try to understand others’ perspectives before expressing your own.
• Synergize : Collaborate and work effectively with others to achieve better results than you could on your own.
• Sharpen the Saw: Take care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being to maintain balance and sustain long-term effectiveness.

9. The Four Agreements

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz is a spiritual and self-help book that offers a code of conduct for living a fulfilling and authentic life. The author draws on ancient Toltec wisdom to present four foundational agreements that can lead to personal freedom and happiness:

• Be Impeccable with Your Word: This agreement encourages honesty and integrity in communication. It emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and avoiding gossip or harmful language.
• Don’t Take Anything Personally: This agreement reminds us not to take the words and actions of others personally. It suggests that people’s behaviors are often a reflection of their own beliefs and experiences, not a judgment of us.
• Don’t Make Assumptions: Ruiz advises against making assumptions about the intentions or thoughts of others. Instead, he encourages clear and open communication to avoid misunderstandings.
• Always Do Your Best: This agreement encourages giving your best effort in everything you do, without self-judgment or self-criticism. It recognizes that your best may vary from day to day.

10. Radical Acceptance

“Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach is a book that explores the practice of embracing ourselves and our lives with deep compassion and acceptance. Brach, a psychologist and meditation teacher, offers insights and techniques to help individuals break free from self-judgment and self-criticism.

The book emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our feelings, thoughts, and experiences without resistance or denial. Brach believes that by accepting our imperfections and vulnerabilities, we can heal emotional wounds and live more authentic and fulfilling lives.

“Radical Acceptance” introduces mindfulness and meditation practices as tools to cultivate self-compassion and presence in the moment. It encourages readers to let go of the need for perfection and the illusion of control, which can lead to suffering and disconnection.

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Best 10 Books to Read to Improve Self Confidence

Self-confidence plays a significant role in our personal and professional lives. It empowers us to take risks, pursue our goals, and overcome challenges. However, building and maintaining self-confidence is not always an easy task. Thankfully, numerous books offer numerous offer valuable insights and practical strategies to help boost self-confidence. In this article, we will explore the top 10 self-confidence books that have the potential to transform your mindset and unleash your full potential.  

What is Mean Self Confidence?

Before diving into the recommended books, it’s important to understand what self-confidence truly means. Self-confidence is the belief in one’s abilities, skills, and overall worth. It involves having faith in oneself, trusting in personal judgment, and feeling comfortable in one’s skin. It is a crucial attribute that allows individuals to navigate through life with resilience, positivity, and assertiveness.  

Top 10 Self-Confidence Books to Read

Here we have given a few interesting books to read to improve self-esteem.

The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden 

• Author: Nathaniel Branden  
• Key Takeaway: This book delves into the six pillars of self-esteem which include practices and techniques for enhancing self-confidence. It explores the importance of self-acceptance, self-responsibility, self-assertiveness, and more.  

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown 

• Author: Brené Brown  
• Key Takeaway: Brené Brown shares her personal experiences and research findings to emphasize the importance of embracing imperfections. This book offers insights on letting go of shame, cultivating self-compassion, and living authentically.  

Ten Days to Self-Esteem by David D. Burns 

• Author: David D. Burns  
• Key Takeaway: In this self-help guide, David D. Burns presents a step-by-step program to boost self-esteem and foster self-confidence. It provides practical exercises and cognitive techniques aimed at transforming negative self-perceptions.  

What to Say When You Talk to Your Self by Shad Helmstetter 

• Author: Shad Helmstetter  
• Key Takeaway: Shad Helmstetter explores the power of self-talk and how it influences our confidence levels. This book guides replacing negative internal dialogue with positive affirmations to build self-esteem.  

Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

• Author: Tony Robbins  
• Key Takeaway: Tony Robbins offers invaluable tools for personal development and empowerment. This book helps readers tap into their inner potential, set clear goals, and develop a strong sense of self-belief.  

The New Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz 

• Author: Maxwell Maltz  
• Key Takeaway: The New Psycho-Cybernetics explores how our self-image impacts our confidence and success. It presents techniques to rewire the mind and create a positive self-concept for improved self-esteem.  

Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers

• Author: Susan Jeffers  
• Key Takeaway: Susan Jeffers confronts the common fears that hold individuals back from achieving their goals. This book provides practical strategies to overcome fear and build unwavering confidence.  

Unstoppable Confidence by Kent Sayre

• Author: Kent Sayre  
• Key Takeaway: Unstoppable Confidence focuses on conquering self-doubt and harnessing the power of self-assurance. It offers proven techniques and exercises to develop unshakable confidence in various aspects of life.  

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

• Author: Napoleon Hill  
• Key Takeaway: While primarily a book about personal success, Think and Grow Rich also delves into the importance of self-confidence. It highlights the significance of a positive mindset and belief in oneself to achieve greatness.  

Top Reasons to Read Self-Confidence Books

In the above, there are a few book suggestions to improve self-confidence. Have you got the question of why to read books for self-confidence? Then here are a few reasonable notes for you.

• Gain Insights from Experts: Reading self-confidence books allows you to benefit from the vast knowledge and expertise of successful authors who have dedicated their lives to understanding and cultivating self-belief.  
• Unlock Your Potential: These books provide practical strategies, techniques, and exercises that can help you tap into your full potential, discover your strengths, and overcome obstacles that hinder self-confidence.  
• Learn from Personal Stories: Many self-confidence books include personal anecdotes from the authors, sharing their journeys and struggles. These stories can be inspiring and relatable, reminding you that you are not alone in your quest to boost self-confidence.  
• Empower Yourself: By reading self-confidence books, you are taking an active step towards empowering yourself. You are investing in personal growth and self-improvement, which can have a transformative impact on your overall well-being and success.  

Final Verdict

Regardless of where you currently stand in terms of self-confidence, there is always room for growth and improvement. The journey towards developing unwavering self-belief is a lifelong process, but one that is worth pursuing. By immersing yourself in the wisdom found within these top 10 self-confidence books, you can start the transformative journey towards a more confident and fulfilling life.  

While reading alone may not foster self-confidence, nurturing is essential in childhood, where a mentor plays a pivotal role. For top-notch online tutoring, Tutoroot  emerges as an outstanding choice. Click here to experience a FREE DEMO session with us!  

Which book is best for increasing self-confidence? 

While the best book for increasing self-confidence may vary from person to person, some popular choices include “The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem” by Nathaniel Branden, “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown, and “Awaken the Giant Within” by Tony Robbins. It’s recommended to explore multiple books and find the ones that resonate with you.  

Does reading books give you confidence? 

Reading self-confidence books can certainly contribute to building and strengthening your confidence. These books offer valuable insights, practical strategies, and personal stories that inspire and empower readers. By gaining knowledge and implementing the techniques provided, you can enhance your self-esteem and cultivate a more confident mindset. However, reading alone is not enough; acting and applying what you learn is key to truly benefiting from these books.  

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Best Books About Self Confidence [Top 10] [2024 Update]

Posted by Rubin Alaie | The Best Book Lists | 0

Do you want to gain more confidence ? Are you looking for good books that can teach you that? Here is a top 10 list of the best self-confidence books. There is also an item for children. Read along…

Contents of this page:

The top 10 best books about confidence

Criteria for compiling these recommended books.

Our editors have carefully read as many as possible books about this subject. Then, they used the following criteria for choosing the best picks: ⠀

• The literary quality of the books.
• The amount of books sold worldwide.
• The professional reviews in newspapers.
• The expertise and experience from the author.
• The quality of the examples, knowledge and practicality
• The actuality and whether the information is useful or too old.
• Our editor’s opinions: they have read and judged the books extensively.

Full disclosure: as Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.

1.Unstoppable Self Confidence: How to create the indestructible, natural confidence of the 1% who achieve their goals, create success on demand and live life on their terms

99% of people go through almost their whole lives never really feeling good about who they are. They live a life that is a tiny fraction of what it could be. The good news is that they already have everything needed to be confident. In our opinion this book shows you how to achieve this.

2.You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life 

This entertaining how-to guide helps you to identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want. Bestselling author and world-traveling success coach Jen Sincero presents you with hilariously inspiring stories, easy exercises, and sage advice. We think that this book helps you to create a life you totally love.

3.The Self Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem

According to us, this book offers practical, accessible strategies to help you bring out your best self. It is about facing your fears and practicing acceptance and self-compassion. In The Self-Confidence Workbook you learn how to guide yourself through self-confidence land mines in everyday life and it has a goal-oriented approach.

4.Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable

In our opinion, Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics, takes you on a journey through deeply personal stories of heartbreak and resilience in Believe IT .  She shares the wild but true story of how a once struggling waitress turned her against-the-grain idea into an international bestselling sensation.

5.Confident Ninja: A Children’s Book About Developing Self Confidence and Self Esteem (Ninja Life Hacks)

In this Ninja Life Hacks book, we think that kids 3-11 find out about overcoming low self-esteem and poor self-confidence. Confidence Ninja learns that failing is part of the process. The comedic book is perfect for boys, girls, early readers, primary school students, and toddlers. It is also an excellent resource for counselors, parents, and teachers.

6.A Little SPOT of Confidence: A Story About Believing In Yourself

Confident children are better equipped to deal with peer pressure, challenges and negative emotions. This book uses an orange spot to help children visualize their confidence spot growing or shrinking. According to us, A little SPOT of Confidence offers creative strategies to children to set goals and to have a positive outlook.

7.The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

Whether it concerns public speaking or asking someone for a date; many of us miss out on opportunities because we lack self-confidence. In our opinion this guide offers you a surprising solution to low self-confidence and insecurity. Rather than trying to “get over” fears, the secret is to form a new relationship with them.

8.Bulletproof Confidence: The Art of Not Caring What People Think and Living Fearlessly

In our opinion Bulletproof Confidence will take you on a deep dive into the depth of self-perception and the psychology of confidence. Everything from psychology, biology, and cognitive behavioral therapy is referenced. This book gives you the tools to feel more invincible. The internationally bestselling author Patrick King is also a social skills coach.

9.The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Rather than just the average self-help book, we think that this guide is motivational and inspiring to wholehearted living. Through The Gifts of Imperfection , we find courage to overcome paralyzing fear and self-consciousness, strengthening our connection to the world. Author Brené Brown is helping us to believe we are worthy of self-discovery, personal growth and boundless love.

10.Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

This book is our pick, because the subject is the rise from falling. The author, social scientist Brené Brown, has listened as a range of people shared their stories of being brave, falling, and getting back up. She asked herself what these people have in common? The answer was that they recognize the power of emotion.

Boost your self-confidence with a good mindfulness book

The word ‘boost’ was chosen here for a reason. With mindfulness it seems like you are doing ‘nothing’, but in the meantime you get a kind of invisible injection of self-confidence. Find a mindfulness book here.

Also read these 49 self-confidence tips

I’ve also listed 49+ ready-made tips for you to gain more self-confidence. Click here to go directly to the blog article with 49+ tips for more confidence.

To your success!

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About the author.

Rubin Alaie

Hello! Thanks for reading these articles. My intention is to make happiness as simple and clear as posssible. By the way, excuse my English. I am not a native English speaker since I live in Amsterdam. Much appreciated if you use the comments to make suggestions on my grammar. See ya in another blogpost!

Tags: book lists , confidence

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As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. Furthermore, certain content that appears on our our website, comes from Amazon. This content provided is ‘as is’ and is subject to change.