Introduction
Boosting confidence and self-esteem is a constant journey that many people embark on. In the year 2024, there are exceptional books available to guide and inspire you on this path. In this blog, you’ll find an overview of the 36 best books on confidence and self esteem.
These books offer valuable insights, practical advice, and empowering stories that aim to transform self-perception and enhance personal growth. Whether you are seeking to overcome self-doubt, build resilience, or develop a positive mindset, these carefully curated books are here to provide the tools and support for boosting confidence and self-esteem.
In this article I’ll discuss the best general confidence and self esteem books for adults, Christian books about self esteem, books to help you raise confident kids, and books directed to teens and young adults, to help young readers build the confidence they need to succeed in life.
Dive into this comprehensive list of the best books on self esteem and discover the perfect read to help you unlock your true potential.
How can I build my confidence and self-esteem?
Building confidence and self-esteem isn’t a one-day job. There are various ways to work on your personal growth by improving your self-confidence and self-esteem.
For example, by
- Using confidence affirmations.
- Reading motivational confidence quotes.
- Reading books on building confidence and self-esteem (and applying what you learned).
- Surrounding yourself with supportive people.
- Engaging a life coach specialized in confidence-building.
- Practicing positive self-talk.
- Improving your body language.
In this blog, we focus on using books to build your self-confidence and self-esteem. There are many valuable books on the market. When you use them, the most important thing is to actually do what is stated in the books.
You will benefit from confidence books only if you apply what is written, by doing the exercises and using the tools.
What is difference between self-esteem and self-confidence?
Self-esteem and self-confidence are related concepts but refer to different aspects of an individual’s psychological well-being.
Self-esteem:
- Definition: Self-esteem is a broader term that encompasses a person’s overall evaluation and perception of their own worth or value.
- Components: The beliefs and feelings about one’s abilities, qualities, and overall self-worth. It includes both global self-worth and domain-specific self-worth (e.g., academic, social, physical).
- Influence: Various factors, including life experiences, relationships, achievements, and societal standards, can influence self-esteem. It is a more stable and enduring aspect of one’s self-perception.
Self-confidence:
- Definition: Self-confidence is a more specific term and refers to the belief in one’s abilities, skills, and judgment in particular situations or areas of life.
- Components: It involves trusting one’s capabilities to successfully perform a task or meet a challenge. It is situation-specific and can vary across different domains of life (e.g., public speaking, sports, academics).
- Influence: Self-confidence is often influenced by past experiences, feedback, and mastery of skills in a specific domain. It can vary based on the context and the level of expertise or familiarity with a particular task.
According to psychology, self-confidence is a belief that you can successfully meet the demands of a task; and self-esteem is the perception of positivity in one’s self-concept qualities.
In summary, self-esteem is a broader and more general evaluation of your overall worth, encompassing various aspects of the self. Self-confidence is more specific and relates to the belief in your abilities in particular situations or domains.
While self-esteem is relatively stable and pervasive, self-confidence can vary depending on the context and your level of competence or experience in a given area. Both self-esteem and self-confidence play important roles in shaping your mental and emotional well-being.
Books can be an excellent resource to build confidence.
How do you build self-esteem and self-confidence book
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There are a good deal of confidence and self esteem books available that can support you in your journey to lasting self-worth. Some books on self-esteem are general, to help you build up your overall self-worth. Other books focus on a specific part of a lack of confidence, such as negative self-talk, facing fear of new things, or self love.
Below is an overview of the best books on self confidence and self esteem, each with a summary and an image. First, I’ll show general books, then Christian books on self esteem, followed by confidence books for parenting and raising confident kids, and last, self-esteem books for teens and young adults.
Just go through and see which one best fits you. You took the first step already! By looking for books to help you boost your self-confidence.
20 Best books on confidence and self esteem
Looking for the best self-esteem book?
Here are the 20 best books on building self confidence and self esteem, starting with the top 5 books on self confidence.
#1. The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance
By Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
New York Times bestseller! The authors examined how a lack of confidence impacts our leadership, success, and fulfillment.
This insightful book on building confidence and self-esteem is a must-read for any woman looking to understand the science and art behind self-assurance. The authors explore the psychological (neuro-linguistic programming) and societal factors that contribute to confidence and provide practical strategies for boosting self-esteem. With insightful research and real-life examples, this book offers valuable insights and actionable steps for building confidence in all areas of life.
#2. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
By Nathaniel Branden
Nathaniel Branden, a renowned psychologist, delves deep into the six pillars of self esteem in this empowering book. He explores the importance of self-acceptance, self-responsibility, and self-assertiveness, among other pillars, and offers practical exercises and techniques to cultivate a healthy sense of self-esteem.
This book is a practical guide to understanding and improving your self-esteem. Though this is one of the classic books on confidence (written in 1995), it remains valuable in 2024!
By Brené Brown
New York Times bestseller “Daring Greatly,” explores the concept of vulnerability and its connection to confidence and self-esteem. Brené challenges societal norms and encourages readers to embrace vulnerability as a strength. Through personal stories and research, she offers powerful insights and practical advice on how to cultivate high self-esteem by embracing vulnerability and living authentically.
#4. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
by Carol S. Dweck
Mindset, from the renowned research professor who introduced the world to ‘growth mindset’, explores the power of mindset and its impact on confidence and self-esteem. Dweck distinguishes between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and provides strategies for cultivating a growth mindset to confidence building. With compelling scientific research and practical insights, this book offers a transformative perspective on building confidence through the power of mindset.
If you need more resources, here are FREE growth mindset printables for adults!
by Glenn R. Schiraldi
People of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances struggle with low self-esteem. This long-awaited, fully revised second edition of the best-selling The Self-Esteem Workbook includes up-to-date information on brain plasticity, and new chapters on forgiveness, mindfulness, and cultivating lovingkindness and compassion. It is one of the best self-help books on confidence and self-esteem based on years of research.
Developing and maintaining healthy self-esteem is key to living a happy life. With the practical exercises, you’ll be ready to start feeling good about yourself and finally be the best that you can be. One of the best books to overcome self-esteem issues.
#6. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
by Brené Brown
New York Times bestseller. The ten guideposts to wholehearted living are what turns this book into effective daily practices. The guideposts not only teach us how to improve our lives and families, but also help us to navigate unrealistic expectations that hinder us. The author is a social scientist but her writing style that of a good friend, making us think, laugh, and sometimes cry.
Breneé teaches each of us to say, “My story matters because I matter.” She encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and imperfection (their true self) as pathways to a more authentic and, hence, fulfilling life. Her unique perspective and actionable advice make this one of the best self-esteem books.
#7. The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt
by Russ Harris
Too many of us miss out on opportunities in life because of a lack of self-confidence. Harris offers practical strategies from acceptance and commitment therapy to address common challenges, such as fear and self-doubt.
The confidence gap from fear to freedom is a great book that guides readers in building confidence and pursuing meaningful goals by acknowledging and overcoming internal barriers (inner critic).
#8. The Art of Extraordinary Confidence: Your Ultimate Path to Love, Wealth, and Freedom
by Dr. Aziz Gazipura
Confidence is the key to success in every aspect of life. Whether you want to excel in your career, triple your income, improve your social interactions, or just feel happy and satisfied with who you are, self-confidence is essential. Dr. Gazipura’s book focuses on overcoming social anxiety and building confidence in various aspects of life.
Through practical advice, real-life examples, stories, activities, humor, and powerful tools, you will learn to eliminate self-doubt and negative thoughts and develop extraordinary confidence, leading to success in relationships, career, public speaking, and personal fulfillment.
by Brian Tracy
Tracy provides a handful of practical insights and strategies for building self-confidence and achieving success in various life domains. The book emphasizes the role of confidence in personal development and outlines actionable steps to become more unstoppable and fearless. One of the better self-improvement books, providing great value with the solid foundation to building self-confidence.
#10. The Magic of Thinking Big
by David J. Schwartz
Dr. Schwartz explores the power of positive thinking and provides actionable strategies for achieving success. This book encourages readers to think big, set ambitious goals, and develop the mindset needed for personal and professional fulfillment. The author’s carefully designed program is a powerful tool for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and your community. And… you don’t need to be an intellectual or have innate talent to attain outstanding success and satisfaction!
#11. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
by Susan Jeffers
A classic bestseller that encourages readers to confront their fears and take positive action in their lives. The book provides practical advice and tools for personal growth, promoting resilience, and confidence in the face of challenges. With warmth, insight, and humor, Dr. Jeffers shows you how to become powerful in the face of your fear of difficult things.
This is the 2023 edition, updated for the post-pandemic new normal. An epic self-empowerment book that will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things in 2024.
#12. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
by Stephen R. Covey
A classic and a New York Times bestseller. This seminal self-help book outlines seven principles for the best way of personal and professional effectiveness. The book emphasizes values, character development, and proactive habits for achieving success.
The author provides a step-by-step guide to living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity, allowing us to adapt to change and seize opportunities.
#13. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
by Kristin Neff
Stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind! In this confidence book, the author shares expert advice on how to limit self-criticism and offset its negative effects, enabling you to achieve your highest potential and have a more contented, fulfilled life. Learn to love yourself and be confident.
Neff explores the importance of self-compassion in achieving emotional well-being. The book provides practical insights and exercises to cultivate self-compassion, fostering a positive and supportive relationship with yourself. Loving yourself how you are is the basis for self-confidence.
#14. The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life
by Shawn Achor
An international bestseller that explores the connection between happiness and success, providing practical strategies to cultivate a positive mindset. The book offers actionable steps to leverage for personal and professional fulfillment. The Happiness Advantage reveals how small shifts in our mind-set and habits can produce big gains at work, at home, and elsewhere.
A positive brain will infuse your self-confidence!
by Louise Hay
The author’s key message is: “If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed.” Changing your mindset is hard work, but it is definitely not impossible! Louise Hay’s holistic self-help guide explores the mind-body connection. The book encourages readers to overcome challenges through different ways, such as positive affirmations, self-love, and a deeper understanding of the connection between thoughts and physical well-being.
This practical guidebook is one of the top books on self love and confidence that will change the way you think forever! Paving the way to change your self-doubting mind to a self-confident mind.
by Shannon Kaiser
Put a stop to self-sabotage and overcome your fears so that you can gain the confidence you need to reach your goals and become your own best friend. Self-love is an important part of building self-confidence. Kaiser’s book offers a practical approach to cultivating self-love through principles and exercises.
If you want to change your outcome in life, change your daily habits and perspective. Shannon shares her own experiences and guides readers on a journey toward greater self-acceptance and compassion and overcoming their lack of confidence.
#17. Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives
by Gretchen Rubin
Rubin’s book is a practical guide to understanding and changing habits. It offers valuable insights into building habits that lead to a happier and more productive life. The acclaimed writer Gretchen Rubin identifies every approach that actually works. She presents a practical, concrete framework to allow readers to understand their habits—and to change them for good: lasting change!
#18. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
by Dale Carnegie
Having low self-esteem usually leads to negative self-talk and worry. Worrying leads to negative thoughts that limit your daily life. Learn the proven, time-tested principles to breaking your worry habits with this top pick.
With Dale Carnegie’s practical advice, you can start living your best carefree life today. A good book with simple tips for building a better future.
#19. The Self Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem
By Barbara Markway
A practical guide to help readers overcome self-doubt and enhance self-esteem. Drawing on her expertise as a clinical psychologist, Markway offers actionable exercises and strategies to empower you in building resilience, challenging negative thoughts, and cultivating a more confident self-image.
With a goal-oriented approach, the proven strategies teach you to silence the self-critic within and help guide you toward living your best life with confidence.
#20. The little book of confidence: Cool. Calm. Collected (The Little Books)
by Tiddy Rowan
Almost everyone has experienced a lack of self-confidence or increased self-awareness at parties or social gatherings. This book has the power to transform a wallflower into a sunflower.
The Little Book of Confidence helps us challenge our preconceived notions about confidence. By using tips, quotes, and practical exercises, we can enhance our self-confidence, empathy, and self-awareness to restore or enhance positive faith in ourselves.
All these best confidence books 2024 cover a wide range of topics and strategies to help you boost your confidence and self-esteem. They provide insights, exercises, and practical advice to help you develop a positive self-image, overcome self-doubt, and embrace your true potential. Together with the best books on life purpose, they can give you a powerful boost in 2024.
Whether you’re looking for personal growth, professional development, or simply want to improve your overall well-being, these books can be valuable resources on your journey to increasing confidence and self-esteem. You could also consider reading books to overcome imposter syndrome, as having low self-confidence often causes the so-called imposter syndrome.
Remember, building self-confidence and self-esteem is a lifelong journey, and these self-esteem books can serve as valuable companions along the way. Don’t be afraid of hard work or working on it for a long time. Continue taking steps towards your desired good life—a life full of confidence.
5 Best Christian books on self esteem
As Christians, we can obviously use general books on confidence—nothing is wrong with that! However, if we want to learn how to build confidence in light of our faith, we could use Christian books on self worth and Christian books on self confidence.
Especially women can use essential tips to build confidence.
Here are the 5 Christian best self-confidence books.
#21. Enough: Silencing the Lies That Steal Your Confidence
By Sharon Janes
Do the voices in your head say you’re not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough…or just not enough, period? It’s time to stop listening to lies that sabotage your confidence and embrace the truth of who God says you are. Popular author and speaker Sharon Jaynes exposes the lies that keep you bogged down in shame, insecurity, and feelings of inadequacy.
Your confidence and faith will grow when you trade self-defeating thoughts for God’s truth. Use the profound insights to get enough confidence to face the world. You are good enough!
#22. Stand in Confidence: From Sinking in Insecurity to Rising in Your God-Given Identity
By Amanda Pittman
A recent, powerful self-esteem book for Christian women. Women often feel driven to people-please, downplay, settle, and perform. In all this, they accept less than the abundant life Jesus died to give us.
This book provides a new perspective and focus, enabling you to stand confidently upon the finished work of Jesus and live boldly in your God-given callings.
#23. How to Own Your Own Mind: Unlock Your Inner Potential and Achieve Success
By Napoleon Hill
This comprehensive guide will help you unlock your inner potential and achieve success. In this classic self-help book, Hill explores the complexities of the human mind, offering practical insights on taking control of your thoughts, fostering positive attitudes, and tapping into the subconscious mind.
Drawing on his extensive research and interviews with successful individuals, Hill emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, clarity of purpose, and a positive mental attitude in reaching professional and personal goals. This timeless book continues to inspire readers to cultivate a success-oriented mindset.
By Joyce Meyer
In a list with Christian confidence books, Joyce Meyer cannot be left out. Live boldly in the love of Christ with Bible teacher and #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer. When it comes to books about mindset and confidence, her books are my favorite books.
In Confidently You, Joyce explores the characteristics of a woman with confidence, which include a woman who knows she is loved, who refuses to live in fear, and who does not live by comparisons. Joyce describes how confidence comes from being positive in our actions and living honestly, but most importantly from having faith in God and ourselves.
By Karen Ehman and Lysa TerKeurst
Overwhelmed by others’ unrealistic expectations of you? Do you feel torn in many directions trying to make others happy? New York Times best-selling author and recovering people pleaser Karen Ehman is here to help!
The author shares refreshing, heartfelt lessons she learned during her own journey of breaking free from people pleasing in order to live out her God-given purpose.
A self-assessment quiz, memory verses, and additional resources are available in the audiobook companion PDF download.
These Christian books on confidence can become a powerful boost to increase your confidence and faith journey.
6 Top parenting books on confidence and self-esteem
What better gift can you give your kids than helping them build self confidence? As parents, we can play a powerful role in our kids’ general wellbeing and self-esteem. We can help them gain the skills they need to live a self-assured life, free of self-doubt and negative self-talk.
Raising confident kids isn’t an easy task, rather, it can be a tough time! Reading books on self-confidence and self-esteem is a great way to guide yourself in raising your kids into confident adults. By applying the insights, you can help your kids build the personality traits needed to live a confident life.
Here are the best parenting books about building self-confidence and self-esteem in your children.
#26. The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection
by Brené Brown
Perfect parenting does not exist. Yet social norms still make us believe that imperfection means inadequacy.
Discover how Dr. Brené Brown can transform the lives of parents and children. Based on 12 years of research, she presents ten guideposts for creating “wholehearted” families where everyone can reach their full potential.
By Timothy Presley
One of the top priorities for parents is teaching their children self-confidence. It’s beneficial for all aspects of their lives, from academics to personal connections.
This book is packed with information that will help you teach your kids how to be confident and responsible and have healthy relationships. You won’t find anything else like it on the market today.
#28. Kid Confidence: Help Your Child Make Friends, Build Resilience, and Develop Real Self-Esteem.
By Eileen Kennedy-Moore PhD and Michele Borba EdD
Help your child cultivate real, lasting confidence! In Kid Confidence, a licensed clinical psychologist and parenting expert offers practical, evidence-based parenting strategies to help kids foster satisfying relationships, develop competence, and make choices that fit who they are and want to become.
For children with low self-esteem, a nuanced parenting approach is necessary. The audio book version can also be your guide as you support your child in developing unshakeable confidence and lasting well-being.
#29. How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success
By Julie Lythcott-Haims
New York Times Bestseller! Thought-provoking manifesto that uncovers the negative effects of helicopter parenting and offers a fresh perspective on raising self-reliant adolescents.
The author combines research, interviews, and personal perspectives to shed light on the damaging consequences of overparenting in How to Raise an Adult. For parents of toddlers, twentysomethings, and teens, this book is a valuable resource to empower the next generation.
#30. The Self-Esteem Trap: Raising Confident and Compassionate Kids in an Age of Self-Importance
by Polly Young-Eisendrath PhD
The book The Self-Esteem Trap explains why empathy and compassion are challenging for many young individuals, as well as their struggles with moral values and adversity.
The author gives advice on how adults can support kids in developing self-worth during their teen and young adult years, setting them up for a successful and joyful life.
#31. In the Beginning: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Building Confidence in the Early Years
By: John Kaites
A supportive guide to raising authentically confident kids. In the Beginning provides parents with faith-based encouragement and guidance for raising healthy, confident children from birth through age seven.
If we understand these foundational years, we can parent in a way that sets our children up for success. In the Beginning devotes a chapter to each year, walking parents through brain-development milestones at each age and what we can do to build our children’s confidence.
The 5 best books on confidence for young adults & teens
You are never too young or too old to work on your self-confidence. But the younger you start, the more you will enjoy the benefits of it and be able to do great things throughout your life. With the right book, you can work on building higher self-esteem at a young age.
Here are the best self confidence books young adults and teens.
#32. The Self-Esteem for Teens: Activities to Help You Build Confidence and Achieve Your Goals
by Lisa M. Schab
For teens, confidence is key! This fully revised edition has everything you need to boost self-confidence, improve your social skills, balance social media use, and reach your goals.
The second edition offers practical exercises to address body image, assertiveness, setting boundaries (saying NO with confidence), and navigating social challenges like bullying, cyberbullying, and social media overload. Includes activities that promote healthy thinking habits and problem-solving; tips for handling criticism, setbacks, and self-doubt; and strategies for developing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-worth.
by Derek T. Freeman
If you’re ready to define your teen’s life and help them reclaim their genuine, confident self, this is one of the top books on confidence.
This isn’t just another workbook. It’s your teen’s new toolkit for confronting all anxiety and self-doubt – and their formula to rise triumphantly from it. They will discover how to be truly self-confident and boldly bring their inherent magic to the light.
by Strong Life Publishing
A new release in confidence boost books!
True confidence isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level solutions. This practical guide doesn’t promise overnight success; instead, it offers a comprehensive, faith-based foundation leading to lasting transformation. This isn’t your typical self-help book; it’s a collaborative effort between experienced adults who’ve thoroughly researched the subject and young adults who, having recently confronted similar challenges.
It is structured into digestible sections, each offering actionable insights and practical application exercises. By going at your own pace, every lesson can be both engaging and impactful.
by Marta Negrón
Going through the tween years can be tough and confusing—the endless changes and pressures can leave you feeling overwhelmed, lonely, and insecure. You are trying to develop your own identity and sense of style and want to gain self-confidence and be comfortable in your body.
In this guide to girl empowerment, you’ll discover Confidence 101: The basics for gaining self-confidence and developing your own authentic style.
by Jelana Nhin
Confidence and Self-Esteem are two of the best gifts parents can give their children. Many teenagers endure a great deal of stress and wrestle with low self-esteem. Helping them build self-esteem and boost their confidence is crucial to face the world.
Your teen can develop certainty and self-esteem with the help of this book. As a parent, you need to help your kid during this stage. Help them adore and value themselves and people around them.
Take-Away best books on confidence and self esteem
In conclusion, self-confidence and self-esteem are essential aspects of personal growth and well-being. The recommended best books on confidence and self esteem can provide valuable resources and insights to help you on your journey toward building confidence and self-esteem—in yourself and in your kids!
I hope you have been blessed with the overview of best books on self confidence and self esteem.
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