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.

The Psychology of Winning (1985) reveals the secret to becoming a winner in life. The author argues that there are ten qualities that a person must possess if he wants to achieve this positive, confident lifestyle. Each of these qualities is explained with the help of tangible real-life examples and accompanied by techniques that can help anyone adopt them.

Why We Make Mistakes is about the kinds of mistakes we commonly make, and the reasons behind them. With a broad focus encompassing neuroscience, psychology and economics, the book provides convincing explanations for our often fallible perception, our inability to recall simple data and the many biases that direct our decision making without us being aware.

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.

Resilience (2013) points the way to the true path to success. Making your dreams come true isn’t something that only happens in fairy tales; if you’re willing to put in the hard work and not shy away at the first sign of difficulty, you can pursue your dreams and live the life you’ve always wanted. All it takes is resilience – the ability to keep moving forward even when your inner voice is trying to stop you.

Finish (2017) is a guidebook for anyone who loves starting new projects but always struggles to complete them. You’ll discover how the real enemy to getting things done isn’t laziness, but rather the voice of the disgruntled perfectionist we all have inside us. This valuable advice can help you reduce needless, self-imposed pressure, giving you the opportunity to finish what you’ve started and be more productive.

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.

Chasing Excellence (2017) provides a revealing look at the mental toughness that is required of athletes who hope to be among the world’s best. Ben Bergeron takes readers behind the scenes to see what it takes to train for world-class competitions, and just how important mental fitness is to an athlete’s overall strength.

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.

Acting with Power (2020) takes the mystery out of power by breaking down what it actually is and how to use it effectively wherever we find ourselves. Borrowing techniques from the field of acting, these blinks also detail how to cope when we feel nervous or unprepared for powerful roles, or when we desire more power than we’ve been given.

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.

In The Power of a Positive No (2007), William Ury dives deep into the power of no. Since no is easily one of the strongest words in any language, people tend to misuse it or are afraid of using it for fear of upsetting someone. The Power of a Positive No tells you exactly how to stand up for yourself and deliver a firm refusal while resisting aggression and maintaining key relationships.

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.

Fear Less (2021) highlights the countless ways that fear infiltrates our lives, negatively impacting our work, relationships, and personal satisfaction. We may not even realize that we’re afraid, but identifying our underlying anxieties and insecurities is the first step to leading a more fulfilling, fearless life.

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.

Return on Ambition (2021) is a sensible and pragmatic guide for attaining success and achieving your goals. Based on the habits and strategies employed by high-performing and notable people, it gives insights that you can immediately apply to your own life.

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.

Existential Kink (2020) invites you to transform your life by embracing your deepest desires and hidden shadows. Through a radical and intriguing journey, you'll discover the power of turning your “wrongness” into personal growth and self-acceptance. With the help of seven axioms and practical exercises, prepare to unleash your true potential and create positive change.

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.

Flipnosis (2010) looks at the role of persuasion in our lives, and the social and biological underpinnings that allow some people to quickly and successfully encourage and convince those around them. By examining the science and looking at real-world master persuaders – from magicians and advertisers to criminals and psychopaths – you too can tap into the art of persuasion.

Can We Talk? (2021) outlines the seven communication principles essential for successfully navigating difficult conversations in the workplace, be it asking for a promotion, delivering negative feedback, or resolving a professional conflict.

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.

Be the Love (2022) offers valuable insights on how to overcome the hardships of everyday life. It provides helpful tools and a mindset to thrive and become more resilient in the face of daily challenges. 

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 Rational Male (2013) implores men to adopt a pragmatic view of intersexual relationships founded on evolutionary and behavioral concepts. Waking up to the evidence, it argues, will set men on a course to prioritizing their needs over the survival instincts of women who currently (covertly) rule the roost.

The Power of One More (2022) follows the idea that doing “one more” in any situation can bring you greatness and open up more opportunities.

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. 

Polysecure (2020) unites attachment theory, which explains the different types of attachment people form with each other, with consensual nonmonogamy – the increasingly popular practice of having multiple romantic partners. By learning more about your attachment style, you can develop healthy relationship habits, even in nonmonogamy.

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.

Single on Purpose (2020) is a candid exploration of love, closure, and the human quest for genuine happiness. Get ready to renew your relationship with yourself, redefine your perspectives on love, and ignite the engines of self-confidence and joy within you.

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.

Mindset Matters (2022) is your handbook to thriving in uncertainty. It contains actionable insights to help you cultivate mental agility for success in any dynamic work setting.

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.

Smart Brevity (2022) offers a guide to effective communication in an age of information overload. It emphasizes the importance of conveying ideas succinctly and clearly and provides practical strategies to streamline communication across various platforms, from emails and meetings to presentations and social media.

Negotiation Genius (2007) equips you with the tools to master the art of negotiation in any scenario. Discover how to decode your counterpart's motives, debunk common negotiation myths, and pivot around obstacles like a pro. Your deal-making skills will never be the same.

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.

The Upside of Uncertainty (2022) challenges you to transform your approach to the unknown. You're invited to shift from dread to discovery, learning to harness the potential within uncertainty to forge a path rich with innovation and personal growth. You'll emerge more resilient, creative, and ready to turn the unforeseen into opportunity.

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.

Quick Confidence (2023) is a highly useful primer on how to move through the world with more self-assurance and determination. It provides tips that are useful for team managers, executives and self-employed entrepreneurs alike. This is advice that anyone can use to make better first impressions and stronger connections.

How to Walk Into a Room (2024) talks about the big decisions in life and how to make them. Learn how to assess your life, make a plan on how to change things that aren’t working for you, and put that plan into action. 

Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity (2021) is a thought-provoking exploration of the societal expectations and pressures surrounding masculinity. Through candid anecdotes and introspective reflections, the book challenges traditional notions of manhood, inviting readers to embrace vulnerability, sensitivity, and empathy as essential human qualities. It calls for men to break free from limiting gender roles and redefine masculinity on their own terms.

Stop Checking Your Likes (2020) is a practical guidebook focused on liberating individuals from the constraints of external approval. It offers actionable advice and mindset shifts to foster a life filled with confidence, joy, and ease, encouraging readers to pursue their desires without hesitation, regardless of their current struggles with self-doubt.

Career Confidence (2024) provides essential guidance for building the self-assurance required to thrive in today’s complex and fast-paced job market. It presents a series of practical strategies, personal stories, and actionable techniques aimed at helping you secure a job that will not only satisfy you but will also allow you to excel in your career.

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. 

Love Life (2024) is a treasure trove of valuable relationship advice. By knowing what to look for in a partner, and what to say in difficult situations, we can walk away from dead-end relationships and find the person who’s right for us.

Unstoppable Mindset (2024) teaches readers how to leverage their mental power to achieve their goals. It presents a step-by-step process for building mental toughness, setting ambitious goals, and overcoming common obstacles to success. The book draws on the author's extensive experiences to provide practical strategies and inspiring stories to help individuals realize their full potential.

Power Moves (2024) aims to help readers unleash their authentic power by stripping away external expectations and embracing their true selves as seen by God. It provides principles for tapping into the most powerful version of yourself, giving language to changing needs, acknowledging growth, and confidently living as you are in the eyes of God.

You Deserve Good Gelato (2024) is a memoir that engages both the excitement and heartbreak of taking big leaps of faith, navigating the challenges and joys of expat life, and learning profound lessons about resilience, growth, and finding happiness in the moment.

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. 

I Shouldn’t Feel This Way (2024) is for anyone struggling with overwhelming emotions like fear, shame, and anger. It offers practical tools for managing and transforming these feelings to build healthier relationships, set firm boundaries, and foster a deeper sense of self-compassion and spiritual growth.

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.

Strive (2024) unveils a transformative approach to personal growth, blending hard-won wisdom with scientific insights. Drawing from the personal experiences of a tennis champion and her battle with an autoimmune disorder, it presents a compelling strategy for turning smart choices into sustainable habits – ultimately leading to a lifestyle of genuine fulfillment and success.

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.