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Suffering from a lack of self-confidence? You’re not alone; we’ll all been there! Reading books on confidence is a great way to educate yourself, arm yourself with new knowledge and tools, and put yourself on the path of self-improvement.
Check out our picks for 30 of the best books on confidence and self-esteem that will inspire and motivate you!
Best 30 Books on Confidence and Self-Esteem
1.The Six Pillars of Self Esteem: The Definitive Work on Self-Esteem by the Leading Pioneer in the Field by Nathaniel Branden
Although this book was first published over 20 years ago, it remains one of the classic books on confidence and self-esteem. Authero Nathaniel Branden goes in depth into how important self-esteem is and how it can have a huge impact on our lives.
The practical section of this book lays out Branden’s six pillars of self-esteem which are action-based practices that will help you build and maintain your self-esteem. To help you get the most of the book, there are loads of exercises so that you get interactive with the material you’re learning.
One of the big takeaways from this book is that building and maintaining your self-esteem is your own personal responsibility. As Branden puts it, “No one… can ‘give’ us self-esteem.”
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
2. Feel the Fear . . . and Do It Anyway: Dynamic Techniques for Turning Fear, Indecision, and Anger Into Power, Action, and Love by Susan Jeffers
One of the biggest obstacles to feeling self-confident is fear. Fear can be a huge mental block that stops us from being who we want to be and living the life we want. What if you have the tools to work with your fear so that you can turn it into something positive?
Dr Susan Jeffer’s classic can empower you to make the change you want. This classic self-esteem book will teach you how to identify your fears, how you can move past them, what you can do to stop negative self-talk, and how to take action towards your dreams.
Learning how to conquer your fears will allow you to build your confidence and achieve your goals.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
3. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
For many of us (me included), Brené Brown’s work has been a breath of fresh air in the personal development space. While Daring Greatly is more popular, I’d say that The Gifts of Imperfection is definitely one of the top books on confidence.
Brown is an advocate of the “whole-hearted life’ and this book offers advice and insight on how to let out of your perception of a “perfect” life and how to live authentically instead. Discover the ten guideposts to an authentic life, learn how to see yourself as “enough”, and how to avoid doubting yourself all the time.
This is one of the most inspiring books on confidence — definitely pick it up!
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
4. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
The self-esteem book by Dale Carnegie is a classic for a reason – with over 6 million copies sold, it has had a huge impact on helping people gain control of their worries.
Filled with practical lips and easy-to-apply advice, this book will get you out of your head so that you feel empowered to take action and change your life. Learn how to tackle business worries, financial worries, and more, as well as how you can be unapologetically you.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
5. On Confidence by The School Of Life
It may sometimes seem like some people are just born with confidence, and that it’s something that you either have or don’t have. The School of Life begs to differ, and this insightful book shows us how confidence is a skill that can be developed.
This self-confidence book tackles the concept of confidence from all sides: why we lack it, how we can develop it, and how we can reach our full potential. Employing the same calm and reassuring tone that’s the hallmark of their brand, this book is a great guidedook to building confidence.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
6. The Self Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem by Barbara Markway and Celia Ampel
Prefer a more hands-on approach? Then check out this self-confidence workbook which is one of the top books on building confidence.
Filled with proven strategies to help you develop self-confidence, this book has all the tools you need to tackle confidence issues in any area of life. Go through their 5-step program that covers self-acceptance, compassion, and more. Work your way through the various exercises that encourage self-reflection and goal-setting.
With their compassionate, encouraging and science-backed advice, you’ll be one step closer to being your best self!
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
7. Unstoppable Self Confidence by Andrew Leedham
Have you ever wondered what the secrets to success are? How can you be as accomplished as the top 1% in the world? This self-confidence book will open your eyes to all the “bad programming” and wrong thinking that holds most of back from being our best selves.
Leedham provides a no-nonsense practical approach to how to harness your confidence… that already exists within you. Learn how to reset your mindset and change your perspective so that you can unstuck your life.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
8. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Janet Mills and Don Miguel Ruiz
This New York Times bestseller is one of the must-read books for building confidence. Based on essential Toltec wisdom, this book examines the roots of our limiting beliefs and empowers us to live a life of freedom and happiness.
The concepts in this book may not be new or groundbreaking but put together, they offer an insightful reminder of how we can live a powerful life.
Filled with wisdom, this book is an enjoyable read that can help you live a more peaceful and empowered life.
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9. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
While this well-known book is seen more like a business book, there are loads of insight ad advice here that can help you become a more self-confident person overall.
Millions have read this book and incorporated Covey’s 7 habits into their daily life. Whether it’s being more proactive, putting first things first, or having a win-win mindset, the lessons in this book can help raise your self-belief as it gives you the tools to better handle the people and circumstances in your life.
Take on these 7 habits and take control of your life!
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10. Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny! by Tony Robbins
Love him or hate him, it’s undeniable that self-help guru Tony Robbins has had an indelible impact on millions around the world. In this self-confidence book, he offers strategies and techniques for mastering all areas of your life.
Let Robbins be your own personal coach as he leads you through his lessons on self-mastery that will empower you to improve the quality of your life.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
11. What to Say When You Talk To Yourself by Shad Helmstetter
Negative self-talk can undermine your confidence without you even realizing it. One unkind word to yourself may seem like nothing but over time, these little barbs will deflate your sense of worth.
Learn how to handle negative self-talk in one of the top self-confidence books by Shad Helmstetter. Here, you’ll discover the Five Levels of Self-Talk and how to use this technique to create a more positive outlook for your life.
By changing the way you think and talk to yourself, you’ll be able to change your behaviour and actions… leading to a more confident you and a more fulfilled life.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
12. The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt by Russ Harris
Is your lack of confidence rooted in not knowing how to deal with your fears and doubts? Unleash your full potential with this self-esteem book that will teach you how to stop your fears from holding you back.
Using techniques based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a revolutionary form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, you’ll find out how to transform your fear into power, clarify your core values, and how to use mindfulness to handle your fears and doubts.
The contents of this book will free you from fearfulness and give you the tools you need to handle tough situations in life.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
13. Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy
Do you especially have trouble with stressful and high-pressure situations? Want to be more genuine and impactful in your connection with others? This book on confidence covers the connection between mind and body and how you can develop a stronger, more confident presence.
Discover the science and links behind mindset, body language, and behaviour and learn techniques that will help you blossom during times of high stress.
This fascinating book will help you grow your confidence so that you can reach your personal best.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
14. The Self-Love Experiment: Fifteen Principles for Becoming More Kind, Compassionate, and Accepting of Yourself by Shannon Kaiser
The foundation of strong self-confidence lies in self-love and self-acceptance, and this book by Shannon Kaiser offers some solutions.
In this book, you’ll learn how to stop self-sabotage with Kaiser’s 15 principles for being better at loving yourself. She shares her own personal experiences and guides you through the process of dealing with fear-based thoughts so that you can live a fuller life.
Full of compassionate advice, this self-esteem book can lift you up and provide you with the knowledge you need to truly accept and love yourself.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
15. The Psychology of Self-Esteem: A Revolutionary Approach to Self-Understanding That Launched a New Era in Modern Psychology by Nathaniel Branden
Here’s Nathaniel Branden’s second entry in our recommendations for the best books on confidence. First published in 1969, this is a landmark book on self-esteem that has shaped the way we see human psychology.
Branden goes in-depth into what you need to know about self-esteem: what it is, its different elements, why it’s important, and how it affects every facet of our lives. He addresses the myth that self-esteem is merely a feel-good idea and instead shows how self-esteem is critical to help us live our best life.
This classic self-esteem book is definitely a must-read.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
16. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
If your lack of confidence is keeping you from pursuing a creative life, here’s a book for you. Written by the author of the wildly popular Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert shares her wise insight into creativity and inspiration.
It may not seem like a book on confidence but at its core, Big Magic tackles the obstacles that often hold us back: fear, bad habits, limiting mindsets. It’s about accepting yourself as a creative being. It’s a call for you to accept your creative inclinations as a gift and to pursue it wholeheartedly.
Gilbert mostly talks about writing as a creative pursuit in this book so it’s best suited if you’re an aspiring writer. However, this enjoyable, uplifting read still has loads to offer to anyone hoping to be a creative.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
17. The Ultimate Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens: Overcome Insecurity, Defeat Your Inner Critic, and Live Confidently by Megan MacCutcheon
Looking for books on confidence for your teenager? This self-esteem book is a great resource that has exercises and activities for your teen to develop their confidence.
In this book, teens will learn how to tackle self-doubts and fears, how to think more positively, and how to love themselves. The various activities provide a hands-on experience that allows them to reflect and learn while the true accounts from their peers will highlight that they’re not alone in this.
This self-esteem workbook will empower your teenager with the tools they need to change their life and be happier.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
18. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
Is talent the driving factor to success? Do you feel like you just don’t have what it takes to live a successful life? In this bestselling book, David Schwartz debunks the myth of talent; no, it’s not talent that leads to success but your habits and behaviours.
Learn how to fight your fear of failure, how to develop a positive attitude, how not to let defeat keep you down, and more. Only by believing in yourself can you live a successful life – no matter what your definition of success is!
With easy-to-follow advice and insights, this self-esteem book will fire up your confidence so that you can think and live big.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
19. The Magic of Believing: The Classic Guide to Unlocking the Power of Your Mind by Claude M. Bristol
Bolster your self-confidence and belief in yourself with this top book on confidence which will teach you to harness the power of your subconscious mind.
Believe it or not, this book was actually written to help soldiers return to civilian life after the World Wars but the techniques Bristol shares are applicable even today, to anyone looking to improve their lives.
Get inspired by learning how to effectively use focused thinking, the power of self-belief, and self-affirmations to level up your life
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
20. Psycho-Cybernetics (Updated and Expanded) by Maxwell Maltz
Don’t be put off by the title of this self-esteem book! It may sound super sophisticated but Maltz himself coined the term “Psycho-Cybernetics” which means “steering your mind to a productive, useful goal so you can reach the greatest port in the world, peace of mind”.
This updated and expanded version of this 1960 classic offers relevant advice and insights for the contemporary reader. Here, you’ll learn what the concept of self-image is, how it affects how we live our lives, and how to manage and improve your self-image.
Essentially, improving your self-image will lead to a better quality of life and Maltz’s work provides useful, practical techniques to increase your self-confidence.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
21. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
For a self-esteem book that has a touch of humor and lightheartedness, look no further than this New York Times bestseller by Jen Sincero.
If your goal in life is to be a badass (which, I mean, that’s mine), this how-to guide is packed full of the advice that you’ll need. The 27 bite-sized chapters make it a light read while still hitting you with some hard truths and practical advice.
Whether it’s inspiring accounts from others, self-reflection exercises, and words of wisdom and encouragement from Sincero, this is definitely one of the best books on confidence that both educates and entertains.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
22. How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie
If public speaking is your kryptonite, then here’s a self-confidence book for you. In this book, Dale Carnegie offers all the advice you need to become a better public speaker.
Instead of being afraid of speaking in public, you’ll learn how to be more poised and confident in front of a crowd, how to impart your message more clearly, how to hold the interest of your audience, and more.
Filled with practical tips and tricks, this Dale Carnegie classic will surely boost your confidence when speaking in public!
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
23. How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing with People by Les Giblin
To get better at managing interpersonal relationships with confidence, check out this book on confidence that focused on that area.
Whether it’s in your professional of personal connections, this self-esteem book by Les Giblin aims to improve your people skills so that you can get what you want from them. It may sound mercenary but Giblin advocates a win-win situation for everyone where every party feels good about the situation.
Filled with timeless insight into human relationships and tons of actionable advice, this is a must-read for anyone looking to be more confident when dealing with others.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
24. Wire Your Brain for Confidence: The Science of Conquering Self-Doubt by Louisa Jewell
For a science-based book on confidence that won’t put you to sleep, check out this book by positive psychology expert Louisa Jewell.
With its engaging and approachable tone, this self-confidence book translates scientific findings into practical, easy-to-understand advice and tools that anyone can use. You’ll find stories, exercises, and self-reflection questions that will help you on your journey from self-doubt to self-confidence.
The end result? You’ll develop an action-oriented type of confidence that will encourage you to act even in situations where you feel afraid.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
25. Self Confidence Workbook:You Need to Trust Yourself by John Taylor
Do you suffer from social anxiety and want to improve your communication skills? This self-confidence workbook will give you the knowledge and tools you need in order to improve your self-confidence and your relationships with others.
This is a useful guide if confidence in social situations is your main concern. You’ll learn little tips and tricks that can help boost your confidence in social situations, how to manage negative thoughts, and how to be more comfortable around others.
You’ll also gain information on other things that can help improve your confidence such as how to identify your principles, goal-setting, overcoming procrastination and more!
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
26. The Confidence Effect: Every Woman’s Guide to the Attitude That Attracts Success by Grace Killelea
Do you feel like a lack of confidence is holding you back in your professional life? This insightful book by Grace Killelea tackles the question of women in business and how confidence (or lack thereof) can be a huge obstacle that stops them from reaching their potential.
In this book, you’ll learn to build confidence in your professional life, one step at time. Using the 4 Rs of success (Relationships, Reputation, Results, Resilience), Killelea offers a practical guide on how you can use these Rs to build your circle of influence, cultivate a stronger presence, and other skills so that you can shine at the workplace.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
27. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
For a light-hearted read that’s chock-full of encouragement and motivation, this book by Rachel Hollis can’t be beaten.
Women often find themselves afraid to put themselves out there, thinking that they’re not enough or defining themselves based on other people’s opinions. Hollis’ book is a call to arms, encouraging women everywhere to own who they are and go for their dreams.
This book reads like a dose of tough love from your best girl friend, filled with tips and advice on how to let go of your excuses, embrace your dreams, and go for what you want.
Get it girl!
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
28. The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance – What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
For an interesting deep dive into confidence, check out The Confidence Code. Questions such as whether confidence is a genetic trait, if it’s a fixed psychological state, and more are discussed and answered in this insightful book on confidence.
With interviews with leading psychologists and women leaders, the authors go into both the theory and real-life expressions of confidence and share how we can take actions that help boost our confidence.
While the book does focus on confidence in women, it’s still an interesting read for anyone who wants to learn more about confidence and how to foster it in themselves.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
29. Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life by Gary John Bishop
Here’s one of the most unique books on confidence: a no-nonsense guide on how to unf*ck your life. If you’ve been feeling stuck and uninspired, pick up this book.
This tough-love book will guide you through the challenges you may be facing in your life, be it in the workplace, at home, health, etc. Nothing but straight talk here: you have the power to change your life, if you look within yourself for answers.
This is a great read, especially if you’re going through a tough time and need some motivation and advice on how to be a better version of you.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
30. Ten Days to Self-Esteem by David D Burns
If bad moods, negative thoughts, and moody slumps are a staple in your life, this self-esteem book offers a way out.
The way we feel is highly correlated to the way we think, and in this book, you’ll learn all about negative feelings and how to manage them. What’s more, you’ll get the tools you need to be able to change the way you feel and turn your bad days around.
The 10 easy-to-follow steps may seem like common sense but sometimes common sense isn’t so common, huh? This book is a good reminder that we are in control of our emotions and that low self-esteem is not a fixed state.
Get More Details: Bookshop.org | Amazon
Check out our full list of suggested books on confidence on Bookshop.org!
Boost Your Self-Confidence With Hypnosis
If you’re struggling with self-confidence issues, just reading books on confidence may not be enough to help. You may want to check out hypnosis which can be a simple but effective way to reprogram your unconscious mind so that you can break your usual patterns of thinking and feeling.
When you use hypnosis for self-confidence, you’re creating a new pattern for how you want to feel and act in your life and in specific circumstances that you have found stressful or difficult.
The below hypnosis downloads are affordable, easy to use, and can make a real change in your life! Here are some recommendations for you:
- Believe in Yourself – Learn how to build trust in yourself and who you are.
- Confidence Injection – This confidence-building workout for your mind can help you develop a confidence habit.
- Imposter Syndrome – Always feeling like a fraud? This gentle hypnosis can help banish the dreaded Imposter Syndrome.
- Quick Confidence Hypnosis Pack – This set of 5 sessions can help you build confidence in various aspects of your life.
- Your Confidence Album – Learn how to build your own secret store of confidence-building memories in your mind.
Need More Inspiration?
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