The best 100 Confidence books

Outliers is an examination of individuals who achieve a level of success – in math, sports, law, or any pursuit, really – so extraordinary that it lies outside the realm of normal experience.

We often think these outliers possess some mysterious innate ability that helps them rise to the top of their fields, but other factors, like family, culture or even birthdates, can have a huge effect on success, too.

Mindset (2006) discusses the differences between people with a fixed mindset versus those with a growth mindset. Our mindset determines the way we deal with tough situations and setbacks as well as our willingness to deal with and improve ourselves. This book demonstrates how we can achieve our goals by changing our mindset.

Finding Your Element (2013) offers engaging advice on ways you might discover your true passions and talents, and then reorient your life to incorporate more time for them. Written with a keen sense of wit, Finding Your Element offers entertaining and inspiring wisdoms that will help you not only to be more productive but also to improve your overall happiness and quality of life.

Daring Greatly explores how embracing one’s vulnerability and imperfection is necessary for achieving real engagement and social connection. Through explaining our deep-seated reasons for shame, and showing how to embrace our vulnerability, the author aims to provide guidance for a better private and professional life, and to initiate a fundamental transformation in our shame-based society which, according to the author, needs to adapt a new culture of vulnerability.

The Confidence Code explains how, in comparison with men, women lack confidence. It also explores the impact such lack of confidence has on women in various spheres of life, especially the business world, and offers advice on how women can increase their confidence.

In Talk like TED (2014), you’ll learn about presentation strategies used by the world’s most influential public speakers. Author Carmine Gallo analyzed more than 500 TED talks to identify common features that make these talks so influential and appealing.

The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem shows us that building confidence in ourselves is just a matter of taking a few simple steps. Healthy self-esteem is something we can achieve not just as individuals, but in our relationships and communities too.

The Discomfort Zone outlines a method for dealing with the tough, unpleasant conversations that all of us encounter from time to time. The key to successfully navigating them is truly listening to what other person has to say.

The Marshmallow Test explains why being able to delay gratification and exercise our self-control is essential for living a successful life. Using insights gained from several psychological studies, it explains how exactly our self-control skills function, and what we can do to improve them.

Rising Strong (2015) is your guide to picking yourself up and dusting yourself off after a failure – and to becoming stronger, braver and kinder because of it. Whether you dream of being an entrepreneur or maintaining a loving relationship, these blinks supply you with the three vital steps to dealing with any struggle.

Now, Discover Your Strengths (2004) provides insight into what strengths are, where they come from and why we should focus on them. These blinks outline tips and techniques for detecting natural talents and using them to put yourself or your employees on the path to excellence.

How the World Sees You (2014) offers a window into yourself, helping you discover what fascinates you and how you can be fascinating to other people. Find out how to use your unique personality to improve your performance and your chances of success, and learn how to read those around you so you can put together the perfect collaborative team.

I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t) (2008) is a guide to the visceral and thoroughly human emotion of shame. These blinks explain this complex feeling, discuss how it arises and describe ways in which empathy and connecting with one another can help humans heal.

12 Rules For Life (2018) provides readers with an inventory of life’s most pressing concerns and the issues that have been present in the human psyche since ancient times. Author Jordan B. Peterson has collected some of the most enduring philosophical and religious assertions, as well as the lessons from our most cherished tales, to provide us with 12 guidelines to ensure a life of meaning. Drawing on philosophy, psychology, history and myth, these are clear and consistent principles that everyone can live by.

Psycho-Cybernetics (1960) is about human self-image, how it’s crafted and how it can drastically affect your happiness and success. These blinks describe how to use machine principles to feed your mind the right data and steer yourself toward a fulfilling life.

Insight (2017) takes you on a journey from self-blindness to self-awareness – a highly valuable, but surprisingly absent skill. Author Tasha Eurich explains what self-awareness is and why it’s a crucial quality to have. She identifies various obstacles to becoming self-aware and provides strategies to overcome them.

Self-Compassion (2011) is an urgent call for us to be more kind to ourselves. Based on empirical psychological research, it looks at the causes and effects of the vicious self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy that plague many of our minds. It then shows us a healthier, more compassionate way to relate to ourselves.

The Storytelling Edge (2018) is a study of communication by two content strategists who’ve taken an old Native American proverb to heart – “those who tell the stories run the world.” As Shane Snow and Joe Lazauskas assert, it doesn’t much matter if you’re an individual, a business, or a government: if you want to thrive in today’s world, you need to be able to tell your story as convincingly and fluently as possible.

The Art of Living Alone and Loving It (2018) is a guide explaining how to embrace a life on your own through positive thinking and a proactive mindset. By confronting your situation head-on, you can turn living alone into an enriching and joyous experience.

Perfectly Confident (2020) is an in-depth exploration of what confidence is and how we can leverage it effectively. Having too much confidence can be just as bad as having too little. But how do you strike the right balance and become perfectly confident? Drawing on psychology, economics, and his own research into business leadership, author Don A. Moore offers some insightful answers.

Sizing People Up (2020) explores the subtle behavioral clues that reveal someone’s true character and intentions. From divining people’s mindset to analyzing their language to understanding common behavioral patterns, these blinks reveal who you can trust – and who you definitely can’t. 

Good Vibes, Good Life (2020) explores the power of positive thinking. By outlining simple techniques for changing your mindset, it reveals how every one of us can take control of our happiness – and our future.

The Law of Success (1928) covers 15 valuable lessons that you can use to get motivated about turning your plans and dreams into reality. You can put these practical lessons into practice today. They’re designed to help you turn words into action, gain self-confidence, and thrive in any environment.

Soundtracks (2021) is a simple guide to ending self-doubt, hesitation, and overthinking. Instead of being at the mercy of your fickle and often unhelpful thoughts, you’ll discover patterns of thinking that can strengthen you, make you happier, and bring you closer to achieving your goals.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace (2021) lays out everything you need to know about boundaries: what they are, why you need them, and how to implement them in your life right now. By breaking down the ins and outs of setting healthy boundaries, these blinks will leave you feeling confident and empowered to finally tackle those thorny conversations that you’ve been avoiding for so long.

The Alter Ego Effect (2019) is a guide to achieving your goals through the use of alter egos. Featuring numerous examples of successful people who have created alter egos, it offers clear, practical strategies for success in every area of life.

Turning Pro (2012) sheds a light on why so many aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs fail to make their dreams a reality. It also explains how, by making a conscious decision to pursue your goals and reconfiguring your life, you can finally gain traction and embrace your true calling.

Own Your Greatness (2020) is a guided workbook for people who constantly feel like imposters. Drawing on Drs. Lisa and Richard Orbé-Austin’s expertise, it helps you identify and overcome the tiggers, habits and thoughts that activate your imposter syndrome, so you can beat self-doubt and succeed in life.

Parenting (2023) presents essential parenting principles in a format that is easy to follow and implement. By drawing on practical knowledge and experience, the authors illustrate the goals and steps required to raise a happy and healthy kid – whether you’re dealing with the sleepless frustration of a newborn or the emotional rollercoaster of a moody teenager.

The Book of Boundaries (2022) is a pragmatic and empowering guide to setting healthy relationship limits. It provides over 130 scripts to ensure you always have the right words to set boundaries and create healthier, happier relationships.

Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers (2022) explores the ramifications of having a narcissistic parent, and what you as an adult can do to release yourself from your mother’s toxic hold. Its toolkit will help you manage the difficult feelings that come with being raised by a narcissist – like self-doubt, shame, and anxiety – so that you can start living on your own terms. 

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? (2022) is an empathetic and practical guide to improving and maintaining mental well-being. It offers bite-sized, actionable advice and coping strategies for anxiety, depression, unexpected setbacks, a lack of self-confidence, and more.

101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think (2016) is an antidote to anxiety, but not in the way you think. Instead of mounting roadblocks against your darkest feelings, it encourages you to use them as agents of personal growth. Managing your thoughts will lead you toward the daily habits that will bring you fulfillment.

Dirty Laundry (2023) is an honest and humorous glimpse into the daily chaos that is life with ADHD. Whether you’re diagnosed, undiagnosed, or just trying to better understand a loved one, these real-life stories and practical advice can help you learn from and live with the struggles of this chronic disorder.

The Imposter Cure (2019) provides strategies for increasing confidence, overcoming fears and doubts, and learning to see oneself through the eyes of others.

Never Finished (2022) is your guide to transforming into the person you never imagined you could be. It shares stories of setbacks and lessons learned that you can use to power through life's unending challenges.

The Presentation Advantage (2015) gives you the strategies you need to connect with your audience and get the results you want. Presentation happens everywhere from the boardroom to a first date. How you present yourself has everything to do with how much success you’ll achieve.

8 Secrets to Powerful Manifesting (2022) offers an eight-step approach to increasing your self-awareness, raising your energetic vibration, and bringing about your heart’s truest desires. 

No More Mr. Nice Guy (2000) is the Nice Guy’s guide to recovery. Learn how to stop seeking the approval of others, live your life the way you want to, and ultimately get the love, life, and sex that you crave but that your Nice Guy Syndrome actually stops you from achieving.

How We Heal (2022) provides a detailed look at the complex and life-changing process of self-healing. Techniques are separated into a 4-step framework which provides encouragement, practical strategies, and journaling exercises to help you rediscover your inner power and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

Stop Self-Sabotage (2019) outlines a six-step guide to identifying and overcoming behaviors that counteract people’s ability to reach goals of all kinds. The clinically proven process includes exercises, practical advice, and real-life examples of how people have used the method to change their lives.

The Creative Act (2023) is a meditative manifesto about what it really means to be an artist. It contends that artists don’t have a monopoly on creativity – everyone is inherently creative. To access that creativity you just need to commit to a creative practice. By cultivating an awareness of the world around you and allowing yourself to make lots of mistakes, you’ll be able to revel in the creative process, instead of fearing it.

Unfu*k Yourself (2017) lays out an unpleasant truth: there’s only one thing that’s getting in the way of your best life, and that’s you. It provides a set of no-nonsense strategies designed to help you get out of your head, get out of your way, and begin living life on your own terms.

Awaken Your Genius (2023) is a straightforward yet philosophical guide to releasing the aspects of yourself that don’t suit your growth. Through a five-step process, it shows readers how they can find their way back to their unique and authentic genius selves.

The Art of Manifesting (2023) is a handy guide to the practice of manifesting, or bringing the life you envision into reality. Packed with actionable advice and easy exercises, it shows how you can start to tune into the universe and transform your life. 

The Power of the Pussy (2014) shares the twelve secret “powers” that women can use to transform their lives by changing the ways they perceive men and dating. Through straight-forward advice and positive encouragement, author Kara King gives readers tools to break the cycle of bad relationships and create the life they want with the man of their dreams.

Let That Sh*t Go: Find Peace of Mind and Happiness in Your Everyday (2018) offers a trove of tools and tips to declutter your mind of all the crap that gets in the way of inner peace and joyful living. Its approach to mindfulness helps you to connect to what’s going on in your head and then use that awareness to build self love, authenticity, acceptance, perspective, and forgiveness. 

The Source (2019) reveals the secret to mastering your mind. It draws on cognitive science and the author’s coaching experience to provide a four-step plan to fire up your brain and get what you want from life by becoming a new, confident you.

The Greatness Mindset (2023) is a powerful guide to unlocking your full potential and living your best life. With personal stories, transformational strategies, and step-by-step guidance, you'll learn how to define your purpose, conquer self-doubt, and start your journey toward a rich, abundant future.

Magic Words (2023) teaches you how to use the power of language to achieve your goals. Want to win an argument, nail a job interview, or get your child to clean up after themselves? This guide reveals the magical yet scientifically proven words that may make all the difference.

The Joy of Saying No (2022) is a practical guide for people pleasers. It explains what people pleasing is, why it impacts well-being, the different ways it manifests in behaviors, and how it can be overcome, so that people can live more authentically.

Emotional Habits (2016) offers seven practical steps that anyone can implement to take control of their emotional lives and live with more resilience when overcoming life’s personal and professional challenges.

The 50th Law (2009) focuses on fear philosophy as a catalyst for success. Drawing inspiration from corporate strategies, historical figures, and hip-hop artist 50 Cent – or Curtis Jackson, 50 Cent is his professional name – it encourages brutal realism and a bold mindset to succeed everywhere, from back alleys to the boardroom.

Not Nice (2017) is about overcoming the ingrained habit of being overly accommodating and avoiding conflict in order to please others. It helps the reader break free from people-pleasing, guilt, and fear of rejection, encouraging people to set boundaries, speak up, and assert themselves with confidence. Through practical strategies and insights, it empowers individuals to stop sacrificing their needs and start living more authentically.

Get Off Your “But” (2009) offers a thorough look into the methods and mindset of the popular therapist and motivational speaker Sean Stephenson. You’ll learn his six lessons for getting past your excuses, becoming more confident, and taking control over your life. 

The Power of Neurodiversity (2011) explores how reframing neurological differences as diversity rather than disorder can empower those with atypical minds. It covers the strengths of neurodivergent thinking, finding one's niche, positive adaptations, and envisioning a more inclusive world. It invites us to celebrate the brilliance found in all human brains.

Playing Big (2014) reveals how to overcome the inner barriers that keep you playing small and offers concrete strategies for finding your voice, facing fear, and defining success on your own terms. It provides a transformative framework for stepping boldly into your potential across all areas of life, from career and leadership to community involvement and personal relationships. 

The Negativity Fast (2023) presents a transformative approach to personal growth, emphasizing the power of positivity and effective management of negative emotions. It guides you through a process of eliminating negativity and nourishing your mental outlook with optimism, offering concrete strategies for perspective-taking and coping with conflicting beliefs.

I Didn't Know I Needed This (2023) is the ultimate guide to modern dating’s natural lifecycle, from flirting to first dates to relationships to heartbreak. Drawing on TikTok star Eli Rallo's own hard-won experience, this rulebook combines shallow delights and hard truths into her signature brand of romantic realism. 

The Leader in You (1993) reveals how tapping into your enthusiasm and creativity can help you connect more effectively and work more productively. Drawing on insights from leaders across a wide range of fields, this practical guide includes strategies to hone your leadership strengths, boost your self-confidence, and achieve your personal and professional goals.

The First Rule of Mastery (2023) reveals that letting go of the fear of other people's opinions unleashes your potential by promoting a shift towards values and purpose.

The Little Book of Stoicism (2019) is about how using stoic principles can turn life’s adversities into advantages, promoting resilience, confidence, and calm in everyday life.

Inner Excellence (2010)  is your guide to mental mastery, helping you stay calm under pressure and push past fear and self-doubt. It teaches practical techniques to rewire limiting beliefs and build unshakable confidence. By shifting your focus from results to growth, you’ll develop the mindset needed to perform at your best – no matter the challenge.

Think This, Not That (2024) is a guide to reshaping thought patterns to foster a healthier mental, emotional, and physical state. It delves into the science of cognitive habits and provides 12 actionable strategies to empower individuals to achieve lasting personal change and make their life their masterpiece. 

How to Become a People Magnet (2018) reveals the psychology behind successful relationships and provides practical tips for improving social skills. It emphasizes authenticity and offers actionable advice on creating lasting impressions, effective communication, and building deeper connections.

Big Dating Energy (2024) transforms dating into a journey of self-discovery and joy. It equips you with the tools and mindset to navigate everything from first dates to recognizing red flags, creating ideal partner checklists, and knowing when and how to end things. With charm and easy-to-follow advice, it helps you not only succeed at dating but also enjoy the process and learn more about yourself along the way. 

Smart, Not Loud (2024) addresses why “loud” people often get noticed and promoted at work – and how quieter individuals can succeed without compromising their values. It offers practical strategies such as tactful self-advocacy, building strategic relationships, and mastering voice elements to enhance communication.

Coach Yourself Confident (2024) delves into the art of building true self-assurance – not through acquiring new traits but by unlocking and nurturing the confidence that already resides within you. It provides practical tools for quieting your inner critic and overcoming “self-doubt tax” while maintaining powerful yet humble confidence that amplifies your potential in both personal and professional arenas.

The Art of Explanation (2023) explores techniques and strategies for effectively crafting clear and impactful explanations. Through practical insights and tools for improving clarity, storytelling, and structure, it's an essential guide for anyone looking to become a clear communicator in any scenario.

On the Edge (2024) explores the world of risk-takers who shape modern life, from poker players and hedge fund managers to venture capitalists and crypto enthusiasts. It delves into the strategies and mindsets of those who thrive in high-stakes environments, offering insights into how they navigate uncertainty and use risk to their advantage. Through a blend of storytelling and analysis, it sheds light on the art of risk and its pivotal role in today's rapidly changing world.

I Hate Job Interviews (2024) provides a comprehensive system for mastering job interviews, offering frameworks and techniques to tackle a wide variety of questions with confidence. It equips you with tools to craft compelling examples, practice effectively, and negotiate salary, all aimed at helping you stand out and secure your desired positions.

Raising Securely Attached Kids (2024) is a parenting guide that teaches strategies to foster secure, trusting relationships with children through connection-focused methods. It provides actionable advice to help parents overcome their own past traumas, build emotional resilience in their kids, and create lasting bonds based on empathy and trust.

#Positivity (2018) offers practical strategies for achieving success by overcoming negativity and focusing on personal goals. It presents easy-to-follow techniques for shifting your mindset and building a foundation for lasting success in all areas of life.

Confidence (2024) explores how to navigate today’s tumultuous world through the lens of Buddhist teachings. It examines the concept of the Eight Worldly Winds, offering insights into your relationships with yourself and others, and includes meditation exercises to help you access your innate wisdom and cultivate confidence.

You Can Do It! (2024) offers Rob Schneider’s unfiltered take on the fight for free speech in a world dominated by cancel culture and self-censorship. Drawing from his experiences in comedy and public life, Schneider encourages you to stand up for truth, challenge absurdities, and protect open dialogue at all costs.

Rebel (2024) is a guide to breaking free from societal expectations and living authentically. It presents a five-step framework for rediscovering your passions, redefining success, and embracing a revolutionary mindset to create a life that truly resonates with your authentic self. 

The Art of Witty Banter (2018) is about mastering the skill of quick, clever conversation to engage and charm others in social settings. It provides practical strategies for developing wit, confidence, and humor, helping to build rapport and navigate social interactions with ease. Through actionable tips, it teaches you how to think on your feet and keep conversations light, playful, and memorable.

Sonny Boy (2024) pulls you into the world of a factory worker’s son who transformed himself into one of American cinema’s most recognizable names. Through poverty, stardom, exile, and redemption, you’ll witness the life of an artist who chose the high wire over safe ground.

Why We Do What We Do (1995) explores the science of human motivation, focusing on what drives people to act and how external influences shape their behavior. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, manager, or simply curious about human behavior, it offers transformative insights into fostering growth, collaboration, and authentic success in every area of life. 

13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do (2018) is a snappy, straight-to-the-point guidebook aimed at women who are ready to stop holding themselves back. It’s filled with practical strategies for building mental toughness through rejecting perfectionism, breaking free from gender roles, resisting guilt, and overcoming societal expectations.

Attitude Is Everything (1999) explores how cultivating a positive mindset can transform your life and help you achieve your goals. It emphasizes the power of thoughts, words, and actions in shaping outcomes, offering practical strategies for overcoming negativity and embracing a proactive approach. By focusing on visualization, positive communication, and persistence, it provides tools to unlock personal and professional success.

The Power of Self-Confidence (2012) explores the essential role self-confidence plays in achieving personal and professional success. It offers practical strategies for building belief in yourself, overcoming fear and doubt, and maintaining a positive mindset. By cultivating self-assurance, it empowers readers to set ambitious goals and take consistent action toward their dreams.

Better Small Talk (2020) is a practical guide to mastering the art of meaningful conversations. It offers actionable strategies for every stage of dialogue, from breaking the ice to fostering deeper connections. Whether speaking with strangers or familiar faces, it provides tools to engage confidently, leave lasting impressions, and transform small talk into impactful exchanges.

Don’t Say Um (2025) breaks down outdated ideas about speaking and gives you tools to communicate with clarity, confidence, and ease. Treating speaking as a skill that can be practiced and improved, it’s packed with useful exercises and actionable insights. 

How to Be Enough (2024) offers a transformative approach to overcoming perfectionism by shifting from harsh self-judgment to genuine self-acceptance. Through seven key mindset changes, from embracing self-compassion to practicing emotional authenticity, the book provides practical strategies for breaking free from the cycle of never feeling good enough while maintaining healthy standards of excellence. 

Defy (2025) explores the pervasive societal pressures that lead people to comply against their better judgment and presents groundbreaking research on how to resist these forces. It introduces a revolutionary framework for understanding and practicing defiance as a positive force, offering practical strategies for speaking up and making decisions that align with your values.

The Danish Way of Parenting (2014) explores the core principles of Danish parenting that contribute to Denmark’s status as the happiest country in the world and its success in raising well-adjusted children. It offers practical guidance for parents worldwide on how to implement proven Danish parenting strategies, promising to help create happier, more confident children through methods that have been successful in Denmark for generations.

When Making Others Happy Is Making You Miserable (2021) invites you into a transformative journey from exhausting people-pleasing to empowered self-advocacy. Through practical strategies and honest insights, you’ll discover how to break free from the crushing weight of others’ expectations and reclaim your authentic voice. Your path to setting healthy boundaries and living confidently on your own terms starts here.

Taking Sexy Back (2020) is a radical guide to helping women reclaim their authentic sexuality. In a culture that reduces "sexy" to a performance while imposing shame and conflicting expectations, it provides practical tools and mindfulness-based approaches for developing sexual self-awareness, understanding boundaries, and creating meaningful intimate connections.

Get to the Point! (2017) is your guide to delivering clear, concise, and compelling messages. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and sticking to a precise point, and arms you with tools and techniques to build confidence in your written and spoken communications. 

The Art of Talking with Children (2022) offers practical strategies to create meaningful and engaging conversations with kids, promoting emotional growth and mutual understanding. By learning to connect on their level, you can nurture skills like empathy, confidence, and resilience in a supportive and enjoyable way.

Trust Yourself (2021) explores the connection between sensitivity and high achievement, offering science-backed strategies to help ambitious professionals manage stress, self-doubt, and anxiety. It provides practical tools for setting boundaries, trusting your intuition, and redefining success on your own terms.

Brag Better (2020) provides a practical framework for professionals to overcome their discomfort with self-promotion and effectively communicate their achievements. The book transforms traditional views of bragging into a strategic approach that benefits both individuals and organizations, offering specific tools and techniques for authentic self-advocacy in modern workplaces. 

Who Better Than You? (2025) explores the mindset, confidence, and strategic thinking needed to achieve success. It emphasizes the power of persistence, self-belief, and adaptability – showing you how embracing a bold, unapologetic vision can turn setbacks into stepping stones. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, it provides a blueprint for anyone looking to break barriers and carve their own path.

Stop Saying You're Fine (2011) explores why people feel stuck in unsatisfying routines and offers readers practical strategies to break free from their self-imposed limitations. It provides science-backed techniques for outsmarting your brain's natural resistance to change and turning small actions into big life improvements.

What You’re Made For? (2025) explores the life lessons of sports legend George Raveling – and his remarkable journey from hardship to influence. It offers a blueprint for discovering purpose, evolving continuously, and living an impactful life. 

Gravitas (2014) is your guide to becoming a powerful speaker. It provides a formula for gravitas through seven practical principles that balance knowledge, purpose, and passion. Its techniques can be applied to presentations, meetings, interviews, and virtually any situation where you need others to truly listen to what you have to say.

The Confidence Gap (2010) offers a refreshing approach to combating self-doubt and overcoming the constant pressure to be more confident. With practical tools, and strategies on how to embrace your fears rather than fight them, it offers a path to break free from the cycle of perfectionism and start living a life aligned with your values. 

Needy (2023) explores the importance of recognizing, honoring, and advocating for personal needs as a pathway to self-acceptance and empowerment. It challenges the societal expectation of self-sacrifice and encourages you to embrace your desires without guilt. Through personal stories, reflective exercises, and practical guidance, it helps you cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and your well-being.

Wild Courage (2025) is about embracing traits that are often seen as flaws – like being weird, selfish, or shameless – and using them as strengths to go after what you want. It encourages everyone to show up authentically and take bold risks, offering practical prompts to help build confidence and pursue personal and professional growth.