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. 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. 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. 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.