Fear comes in many forms and can have a significant impact on the quality of your life. And it’s often the one thing that stands between you and the life you desire.
Fortunately, many people have looked into fear.
And as a result, there are many books on the subject. These books can give you a new perspective to finally achieve your breakthrough and overcome your fears.
But, what are the best books about fear?
That depends on your situation…
That’s why I’ve split up these books into topics. That way, you can find the best book for overcoming your fears.
So let’s dive in!
P.S. If you prefer audiobooks, make sure to read my complete Audible review.
The best books about fear per topic
For this review, I’ve looked into many books. And I’ve selected the best books about fear based on the quality of the following factors:
- The quality of the information, tools, and techniques.
- The author(s) and their qualifications or experience.
- Reviews from others.
And since fear comes in various forms, I split up and selected the best book about fear for each of these topics:
- Overall best book about fear: Feel Fear and Do It Anyway
- Best from a Buddhist perspective: Fear
- Best on the subconscious mind: The Power of the Subconscious Mind
- Best for becoming vulnerable: Daring Greatly
- Best for breaking self-limiting beliefs: The Big Leap
- Best related to passion: Fearless Passion
- Best related to Biblical readings: Fearless
- Best to develop confidence: The Confidence Gap
- Best on having courage: Do It Scared
- Best related to creativity: Banish Your Inner Critic
- Best workbook about fear: The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
- Best on using your physiology: The Wim Hof Method
- Best on public speaking: Speak with No Fear
#1: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway is the best book about fear in the self-help category overall for various reasons:
- It covers the whole topic;
- Reveals the 3 levels and 5 truths about fear;
- Contains many practical tools and strategies to conquer your own;
- And provides extra tips to change your mindset and perspective forever.
Not only does this book cover the topic of fear in-depth, but it also touches on many areas of life. You can use this book to:
- Overcome any fear you have;
- Heal or transform your relationships;
- Develop self-love and confidence.
Susan Jeffers was a psychologist and a self-help author who experienced and overcame fears herself too.
Her background is why this book is exceptionally in-depth but at the same time, super practical. That perfect mix is also why it’s the best self-help book about fear.
#2: Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh
Are you looking for a book that contains Eastern wisdom but is still grounded in Western modernity?
If so, then this is the best book about fear for you.
Thich Nhat Hanh is a spiritual teacher and a Vietnamese Buddhist Zen Master. And through his diverse life experience, he learned to combine Buddhist philosophies with Western psychology.
As a result, this book contains a modern Eastern perspective on overcoming your fear through mindfulness.
In this book, you will learn how to:
- Use mindfulness effectively.
- Release and let go of fear.
- Stay calm during a storm.
- Accept and love yourself.
- And how to maintain your inner peace.
Many reviews highlight that the book is easy to read and understand. Plus, the content will transform you in some way, making it one of the best books about fear.
#3: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
Your beliefs are shaped by your experiences in life – often without noticing it. Not just significant events, like losing someone. But also small things, like advertisements in your favorite series.
It’s often very subtle – and barely noticeable.
As a result, the subconscious mind influences the quality of your life. And while you may not realize this, it does almost all your thinking.
That’s why you must learn to use it for – not against – you.
Fortunately, this book will teach exactly how to reprogram your subconscious mind. And while Dr Joseph Murphy wrote this book in 1963, the principles are timeless.
Here are some of the key ideas and benefits:
- Combines spiritual wisdom with scientific research for a comprehensive overview of the topic;
- Learn how to reprogram the mind to overcome fear, develop better relationships and heal yourself.
- And create a warrior mentality that will benefit your finances, well-being, and overall happiness.
The subconscious mind shapes your thoughts, actions, and behavior. And that makes up 80% of your success.
#4: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
If you want to inspire others or live more courageous, you must become vulnerable. And Daring Greatly is the best book to help you do so.
Becoming more vulnerable is life-transformative.
You will experience life more deeply if you tap into the power of vulnerability. It improves compassion and intimacy, which deepen your relationships – an important aspect of a good life.
And that’s what you’ll learn about in this book.
Brené Brown gives you:
- A refreshing perspective on vulnerability;
- Ways to identify your needs and boundaries;
- Thought-provoking insights, ideas, and stories;
- Practical tips to overcome the fear of judgment.
Do you want to deepen your relationships whilst developing a thicker skin against the opinions of others? Then this is the best book on overcoming fear for you.
#5: The Big Leap
The Big Leap is all about conquering your self-limiting beliefs, breaking away from your fears, and living your best life.
The big idea?
Break through the `Upper Limit Problem`.
In simple terms, it means that you’re your own biggest roadblock to success. That’s why in this book, you will learn about:
- The hidden barriers that hold you back;
- How to overcome fears and self-limiting beliefs;
- And how to find your way into your Zone of Genius.
Gay Hendricks used the principles and tools in his book to overcome fear, achieve abundance and success. And you can do the same.
#6: Fearless Passion
Do you want a more meaningful career and pursue your passions? But is fear holding you back from doing so?
Then this is the best book about fear for you.
In this book, Yong Kang Chan covers:
- The crucial elements of fear;
- The common myths that holds almost everyone back from pursuing their passions;
- Practical exercises to break free and pursue your passion;
- And how to make progress despite fear.
Overall, the book is very upbeat, making it a joyful read.
So, this is the best book about fear if you want to pursue your passion and create a more meaningful and joyful life.
#7: Fearless by Max Lucado
If you trust in the word of God, then you will love this book to overcome your fears.
Max Lucado is a minister at Oak Hills Church. And in his book, he explains how faith banishes any of your fears.
Some of the highlights:
- Best book about fear if you enjoy Christian writings.
- Learn how to use faith to conquer your fears.
- All lessons are related to the Bible.
So, look no further if you want a book related to Biblical texts to overcome your fears and anxieties.
#8: The Confidence Gap
Low self-esteem is the primary driver that cripples you in the face of fear and anxiety. And if you seek a confidence boost, you will love this book.
Russ Harris is a leading therapist in ACT, which stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. In short, it’s a form of therapy combined with mindfulness.
In his book, you will learn:
- What confidence is and how it works;
- 10 Rules to gain supreme self-confidence;
- How to define and stay true to your values;
- Many practical exercises to improve your life.
Overall, this is a very comprehensive and practical book to develop self-confidence and overcome your fears.
#9: Do It Scared
Taking action in the face of fear is called courage – an essential trait required to live your best life. And that’s what Ruth Soukup covers in her book.
You will love it if you have big dreams and high ambitions for yourself but feel stuck and frustrated.
In the book, Ruth covers:
- The 7 archetypes of fear;
- The principles of courage;
- How to dream and live big;
- The stepping stones for action and success.
In other words, this book helps you to identify what you really desire, what’s holding you back, and how to break through and achieve success.
#10: Banish Your Inner Critic
Every human has a remarkable amount of creativity. However, most people tend to believe they are not creative at all.
Does that sound like you?
Then Banish Your Inner Critic is a great read to empower your creative superpowers. In the book, Denise Jacobs explains:
- Why everyone is creative;
- How to get in touch with your creative genius;
- And how to overcome significant self-doubts.
See, I, too, found it hard to believe that I was creative.
I’m structured, love math problems with a fixed answer, and I’m certainly no Mozart, Picasso, or Steve Jobs. However, once I got rid of my self-doubts, I realized I have creative talents.
And so do you – you only need to uncover them.
#11: The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
When you experience fear often, it can become anxiety. If that’s what you’re struggling with and are looking for a more practical book, then you will love this option.
It’s unlike the other books on this list.
It’s a workbook.
And that means you must take action on the exercises and techniques to get the most value for your money.
Oh, that counts for every book on the list if you’re serious about overcoming your fears.
However, this workbook makes it easy to follow through on all the exercises. And they are best for:
- People with chronic anxiety, like social anxiety;
- Those who experience panic attacks frequently;
- Those who suffer from OCD and variations of it;
This is simply the best workbook about fear and overcoming anxiety. But make sure to pick up the hard copy of this book since you will be writing in it, and the ebook option isn’t as practical.
#12: The Wim Hof Method
Wim Hof, also known as the Ice Man, is known for consistently conquering the fear of cold temperatures. He set world records like climbing Mount Everest in only his shorts and shoes.
Why does this matter?
Well, the Wim Hof Method teaches a simple but practical idea that everyone can use to conquer fear daily.
And that’s taking cold showers.
See, most people shy away from them. In fact, they will think you’ve gone mad if you take cold showers. But there are many, many benefits to taking cold showers.
Here are some of the key ones:
- Developing monstrous and rock-solid self-discipline through daily action despite fear.
- Overcome any challenge by using the power of your physiology and breathing.
- Improve your mood and become happier with the powerful yet simple Wim Hof Breathing technique.
The Wim Hof Method is a simple but effective tool that I use and love daily. And if you’re healthy and seek personal growth, you must try this method.
#13: Speak with No Fear
Public speaking is a widespread fear. But if you can overcome it, you’re well-equipped with the skills to overcome any other troubles you might have.
And this is the best book about fear if you want to do that.
In this book, Mike Acker covers:
- His inspiring transformation from being a nervous speaker to one with energy, excitement, and passion.
- 7 Simple yet super-effective strategies to overcome your public speaking anxieties forever.
- Many actionable steps to becoming a great speaker and using these skills in various social situations.
If you want to overcome your fears, and public speaking is one of them, this book is worth every penny.
The question is: are you ready to transform your life?
Closing thoughts
Experiencing fear and anxiety is normal. Yet, when your fears are holding you back, you want to take action to overcome them.
And this list includes the most empowering books about fear.
For just a couple of bucks, you can tap into the minds of experts and those who walked the path before you.
Some of these books will hit the right spot for you.
Others will not.
That’s why I split up the best books on overcoming fear into subtopics. Select the ones that suit your situation. Read two to three different books on the topic. Practice what you’ve learned. And overcome your fears for good.
Need more motivation to conquer your fears?
Here are some resources to check out:
- Best confidence books
- Best self-help books
- Get a 30-day trial with Audible to listen to the best audiobooks
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