5 Life-Changing Books to Improve Your Self-Confidence
Imagine being someone whose presence can’t be ignored in a room.
What do you think is needed to stop visualizing and actually be that person?
It’s your self-esteem and self-reliance that can make you attractive.
Self-esteem usually develops from childhood and is affected by your surroundings. But it’s also based on how you see yourself and how well-connected you are to your inner self.
Here are my five best reads that helped build my self-esteem and confidence to become what I am today. But before reading these books, remember to consciously apply the teachings in your life. Read on, and be mentally ready to bring a change in your life.
1. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
All of us have a bar set for ourselves in life.
The problem arises when our inner critic becomes active. We start talking negatively and feel unworthy.
This book discusses the secret to embracing that inner critic and accepting our imperfections. The Gifts of Imperfection has a collection of scientific strategies to improve your self-esteem by accepting your flaws and letting go.
Biggest self-confidence lesson from this book
No bar can define your worthiness, nor do you need to prove it to anyone. You’re much more than your job status, grade card, or appearance.
Low self-esteem arises from the quest for achieving perfection.
Once you accept your imperfections and start doing things creatively, not perfectly, you’ll see great results. Go easy on yourself and read this book.
My favorite quotes from The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
“We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”
“The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It’s our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.”
2. Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem will teach you the six foundations for building your self-esteem. These include
- practicing a conscious life,
- self-acceptance,
- responsibility for oneself,
- self-assertiveness,
- finding a purpose in life, and
- accepting your reality.
People with high self-esteem excel in all areas of life, including psychological health, relationships, work, and society. If you feel stuck or low, only you can rescue yourself from that state. Build trust within yourself.
This book was an eye-opener for me and completely changed my personality. I recommend reading this book because it is a quick read, wakes you up to take action, and has relatable aha lines that will blow your mind.
Biggest self-confidence lesson from this book
The true joy of life lies in being yourself. You’re on the right track if you’re doing slightly better than yesterday.
There’s no need to compare your life with someone else’s.
My favorite quotes from Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden
“The greater a child’s terror, and the earlier it is experienced, the harder it becomes to develop a strong and healthy sense of self.”
“Self-esteem is the reputation we acquire with ourselves.”
3. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
Do you get affected by what others say to you or easily get intimidated?
If yes, then Awaken the Giant Within is a must-read for you.
Low self-esteem can be the result of not knowing your inner strength and not being secure within yourself. This book is a step-by-step guide to mastering your emotions and self-love.
It will motivate you to take charge of your mental, physical, emotional, and financial status. It’s truly said that you become what you think. So, don’t sit idle or think lowly of yourself. Instead, focus on the things you can control and take action to find your purpose.
Biggest self-confidence lesson from this book
Awaken the Giant Within is now one of my favorite self-help books as it made me realize how our thinking patterns shape our lives.
What you think of yourself is more important than how others perceive you.
My favorite quotes from Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
“Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is to raise your standards.”
“One belief that I’ve developed to carry me through extremely tough times is simply this: God’s delays are not God’s denials.”
4. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
Do you know your life events are the manifestation of your conscious and subconscious minds?
Your subconscious mind has the power to build the life you desire.
The Power of Subconscious Mind has a unique approach that combines facts from science, religion, culture, and literature to understand the power we hold within us. It forces you to stop for a while and look inside when you’re feeling lost or stuck.
The book can help you heal, overcome fears, build better relationships, improve sleep, and grow spiritually.
Biggest self-confidence lesson from this book
Our subconscious never stops working and observing things. Mastering your subconscious is a must to change your life and become confident.
Our subconscious can’t differentiate between reality and imagination. So, always keep your thoughts positive and tell the subconscious that you’re living the life you desire.
My favorite quotes from The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, by Joseph Murphy
“Just keep your conscious mind busy with expectation of the best.”
“The only path by which another person can upset you is through your own thought.”
“Busy your mind with the concepts of harmony, health, peace, and goodwill, and wonders will happen in your life.”
5. The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama
Better self-esteem and belief in oneself are directly related to living a tranquil life.
The Art of Happiness is a beautiful book that teaches how to find peace and happiness in life. It’s a compilation of The Dalai Lama’s stories, meditation practices, and practical strategies to overcome insecurity, low self-esteem, anxiety, and low motivation.
This book is a gem that addresses different facets of life such as relationships, grief, and the pursuit of happiness. It will make more sense to you if you read it multiple times.
Biggest self-confidence lesson from this book
Happiness lies within us but we waste our whole lives finding it outside.
My favorite quotes from The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.”
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