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.
#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.
#17: Quiet
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.
