25 best self esteem books for building confidence
Hi, I’m Ryan Zofay. If you’re reading this, I want you to know that I deeply understand how to boost self-confidence—not just from a self esteem books perspective, nor as an author, but from life itself. You see, I didn’t always have self-confidence. Growing up, I experienced incredible loss—I lost loved ones and, eventually, my path. By the time I dropped out of 7th grade, I felt like I was stuck in a spiral of drug dependency, pain, and self-doubt. My lowest moments were accompanied by one key thing—a complete lack of self-esteem.
Rebuilding my confidence wasn’t easy, but it was a process of learning, self-reflection, and, surprisingly, trust in the right resources. Self esteem books became one of my lifelines. Today, as a personal development coach and someone who has rebuilt their confidence to achieve personal and professional success, I’ve curated my list of the 25 best self esteem books to help you on your journey.
Whether you’re aiming to rise to new heights, or simply someone longing for self-acceptance, these self esteem books have something for you.
How I Used Self Esteem Books to Rebuild Confidence After Tremendous Adversity
My journey: From rock bottom to self esteem books expert
There was a time in my life when I felt utterly broken. Homeless, lost, and drowning in self-doubt, I couldn’t see a way out. My self-esteem was at an all-time low, and I felt like I had nothing to offer the world. But deep down, I knew I had to change. I knew I had to rebuild my confidence, not just for myself, but so I could help others who were struggling too.
That’s when I discovered the power of self esteem books. These books became my lifeline, guiding me through the darkest moments of my life and helping me rebuild my confidence from the ground up. As a self-esteem expert, servant leader, and mindset coach, I want to share how these books transformed my life and how they can do the same for you.
A turning point: discovering to applying self esteem books Lessons
When I hit rock bottom, I realized that my lack of self-confidence was holding me back. I didn’t believe in myself, and that belief (or lack thereof – or self limiting beliefs) shaped my reality. I knew I needed to overcome deeply rooted beliefs to change my mindset but didn’t know where to start.
That’s when I stumbled upon my first self esteem book: “Ten Days to Self-Esteem” by David D. Burns. This book was a game-changer for me. It offered practical exercises and actionable steps to challenge my negative thoughts and build confidence. For the first time, I felt like I had a roadmap to follow.
From there, I dove into more books on self esteem, each offering new insights and tools to help me grow. Books like “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown taught me the importance of self-compassion, while “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero inspired me to take bold action despite my fears.
How Self Esteem Books Helped Me Rebuild Confidence
Here’s how these best self esteem books helped me rebuild my confidence and transform my life:
- Challenging Negative Thoughts
- Books like “Ten Days to Self-Esteem” and “The Self-Esteem Workbook” taught me how to identify and challenge my negative self-talk. I learned to replace self-criticism with self-compassion.
Embracing Imperfection
- “The Gifts of Imperfection” showed me that I didn’t have to be perfect to be worthy. I learned to embrace and see my flaws as part of my uniqueness.
Taking Action Despite Fear
- “You Are a Badass” and “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” inspired me to take bold steps toward my goals, even when terrified. I realized confidence isn’t the absence of fear—it’s taking action despite it.
Building a Growth Mindset
- Carol S. Dweck’s “Mindset” taught me the power of a growth mindset. I learned to see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than threats to my self-worth.
Practicing Self-Compassion
- “Self-Compassion” by Kristin Neff helped me treat myself with the same kindness I showed others. I realized that self-compassion is the foundation of self-esteem.
Becoming a Servant Leader: Giving Back to Others
As I rebuilt my confidence, I realized that my journey wasn’t just about me—it was about helping others who were struggling, too. I became a servant leader, dedicating my life to coaching, teaching, and empowering others to build their self-esteem.
Here’s how I use the lessons from self esteem books in my work:
- Coaching: I help my clients identify and challenge their limiting beliefs, just like I did with the help of “Ten Days to Self-Esteem.”
- Teaching: I share the wisdom from books about self-esteem in my personal development workshop and seminars, helping others discover the tools they need to grow.
- Giving Back: I’ve made it my mission to give back to those in need, whether it’s through mentorship, charity work, or simply being there for someone who’s struggling.
My top 10 personal self esteem books recommendations
If you’re looking to rebuild your confidence, here are the 10 best books on self esteem that I highly recommend:
- “Ten Days to Self-Esteem” by David D. Burns – A practical workbook for challenging negative thoughts.
- “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown – A guide to embracing imperfection and practicing self-compassion.
- “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero – A motivational book for taking bold action.
- “The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem” by Nathaniel Branden – A deep dive into the psychology of self-esteem.
- “Self-Compassion” by Kristin Neff – A compassionate guide to treating yourself with kindness.
- “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck – A book on the power of a growth mindset.
- “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It” by Kamal Ravikant – A short, powerful book on self-love.
- “The Confidence Gap” by Russ Harris – A guide to overcoming self-doubt through ACT.
- “The Self-Esteem Workbook” by Glenn R. Schiraldi – A comprehensive workbook for building self-esteem.
- “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay – A classic on self-love and positive affirmations.
For the full list leap ahead to my 25 best books on self esteem list. You’ll not only find books about improving self esteem but also insights, tips and advice on what to make of each self esteem book I review.
Your self-esteem journey can start today
Rebuilding my confidence wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Through the wisdom of self esteem books, I learned to challenge my negative thoughts, embrace my imperfections, and take bold action toward my goals. Today, I’m living proof that you can rise again no matter how far you’ve fallen.
If you’re struggling with self-doubt, I encourage you to pick up one of these good self esteem books and start your journey today. Remember, self-esteem is a practice—it takes time, effort, and commitment. But with the right tools and mindset, you can transform your life and become the confident, empowered person you were meant to be.
More Resources
If you love self-esteem books, here are some of my favorite tools, guides, and programs that have helped me—and countless others—rebuild self-esteem and transform lives. These resources are available on my website, and I encourage you to explore them as you continue your journey toward confidence and self-love.
- Printable Self Esteem Worksheets Handouts: This guide contains the worksheets you can use to rebuild your confidence. My worksheets are practical, actionable, and designed to help you take control of your self-worth. My workbook with exercises can also help you rebuild your confidence and transform your life.
- Bestselling Books on Confidence to Raise Self-Esteem for Success: Boost confidence & empower yourself with the best books on confidence building.
- Secrets 4 steps to boost self-confidence: Join me as I reveal my secrets to surefire four steps to boost self-confidence and change your life through my real-life lessons.
- My Best Ever Daily Positive Affirmations for Women: These affirmations can change your life. Here is a list of 201 powerful affirmations to boost self-esteem and confidence. They will give you the tools to start your mindset transformation.
- My Story of Overcoming Adversity: If you’re feeling stuck or hopeless, my story proves you can rise again no matter how far you’ve fallen. Let my journey inspire you to take the first step toward change.
- 25 Self Love Journal Prompts for Confidence: Self-love is the foundation of everything I do. This resource will show you why it’s so important and how to cultivate it. Self-compassion was a game-changer for me. These prompts will help you treat yourself with the kindness and understanding you show others.
- Daily Affirmations for Self-Esteem: I start daily with affirmations to set the tone for success. Download my free list of affirmations and make them part of your morning routine.
- Mindset Entrepreneur Self Limiting Beliefs Guide: Negative self-talk held me back for years. This resource will help you silence your inner critic and replace doubt with confidence.
- Growth Mindset Coaching for Embracing Challenges – Adopting a growth mindset changed everything for me. I learned to see challenges as opportunities and build resilience along the way.
- Servant Leadership: How to Lead by Giving – Giving back has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Discover how servant leadership can help you find purpose and fulfillment.
- My Online Life Coaching Programs – If you’re ready to take your growth to the next level, my coaching programs are designed to help you achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.
- How to Set Intentions Good for Growth and Prosperity: Setting intentions changed the trajectory of my life. Learn how to set powerful, actionable intentions that align with your goals.
- Tips for Personal Growth: Dive into more articles and resources on self-esteem, confidence, and personal development. I share my best tips and insights to help you grow.
- Self Improvement Strategies, Tips, Laws: Take a no-BS journey through the potential of self improvement that will shake you to your core and rebuild you more potent than ever.
- Guide to the Mind & Emotions: I’m here to challenge everything you think you know about self-mastery. I’m not another run-of-the-mill self-help guru spouting feel-good platitudes. Nor will I coddle or tell you what you want to hear. Instead…
- Attend Life Coaching Seminars. Connect with like-minded individuals. You don’t have to do this alone. Join my community of like-minded individuals committed to growth, support, and empowerment.
Why These Resources Matter
My self esteem books list and resources are more than just tools—they’re the same strategies, insights, and practices that helped me rebuild my life after adversity. Whether you’re looking for book recommendations, practical exercises, or personalized coaching, I’ve got you covered.
Remember, self-esteem is a journey, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s grow together.
Let me know if you’d like personalized recommendations or help creating a self-esteem worksheet and action plan!
Jump To
Table of Contents
How I Used Self Esteem Books to Rebuild Confidence After Adversity
Discover how I used the best self esteem books to overcome adversity, rebuild confidence, and transform my life. Learn practical tips, find self help book PDF recommendations, and actionable strategies to boost your self-esteem today.
Why Do Self Esteem Books Matter?
Self esteem books are much more than guides to feeling better about yourself. They’re maps to self-discovery and tools for transformation. These books explore topics like self-worth, confidence, and emotional intelligence and resilience. They offer practical exercises, mindfulness techniques, and real-world advice, giving you the tools to build a stronger foundation for life.
If you’re struggling to see your value or looking to level up your personal development, these books will open the door to your future.
Benefits of Building Your Self-Esteem
Before we dive into the collection, here’s why self-esteem matters (and why I believe it’s worth investing in):
- Improved Relationships: Confidence in yourself reflects in your relationships with others.
- Career Growth: Higher self-esteem can give you the courage to chase opportunities you deserve.
- Resilience: A strong sense of self can help you bounce back when setbacks occur.
- Inner Peace: Building confidence helps quiet the inner critic, making space for self-acceptance.
Why These Books Work
Each book on this list has personally impacted my life or the lives of people I know and have coached. These books don’t just talk theory—they provide actionable steps to help rebuild your confidence. From affirmations and practical exercises to mindset shifts, they empower you to take control of your narrative.
How to Get Started
If you’re unsure where to start, I recommend two good self esteem books to get started: “Ten Days to Self-Esteem” and “You Are a Badass.” These are inspirational, encouraging, and packed with tools you can use immediately.
Remember, no book alone can transform your life; the action you take after reading creates change. Highlight passages, try the exercises, and don’t be afraid to reread the chapters that resonate most with you.
Personal Growth Is a Journey
I want you to know that rebuilding self-esteem doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, and setbacks are part of the experience. The key is to keep moving forward, even when it feels hard.
I didn’t start my personal development path expecting to become a success story, and I didn’t know I’d one day write lists like this to help others. But here’s my truth—if I can rebuild my confidence and create a path as a successful businessman and coach, so can you.
The 25 Best Self Esteem Books: A Curated List by Ryan Zofay
Self-esteem is the foundation of a fulfilling life. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we navigate challenges. Over the years, I’ve read countless books on self esteem, and these 25 best of breed self esteem books stand out as the most transformative. Whether you’re struggling with perfectionism or want to build unshakable confidence, these books offer practical tactics, profound insights, and actionable advice. Let’s dive into this curated list and explore how each self esteem book can help you on your journey to self-love and empowerment.
Curated List of the 25 Best Self Esteem Books
| Book Title | Summary | Insights, Tips, & Advice |
|---|---|---|
| 1. “Ten Days to Self-Esteem” by David D. Burns | A practical workbook offering a step-by-step method to combat self-doubt in just ten days. | “This book is perfect for anyone who wants quick, actionable steps to boost their self-esteem. Use the exercises daily to challenge negative thoughts and build confidence.” Here’s my tip: start with my daily routine PDF, it’s free and will rock your day. |
| 2. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown | A must-read for overcoming perfectionism and embracing self-compassion. | “Brené’s work taught me that vulnerability is strength. Let go of the need to be perfect and embrace your authentic self.” Here’s my advice, begin each day with gratitude journal prompts to visualize and accept youself as you progress to becoming the best version of yourself. |
| 3. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero | A funny, direct, and motivational book that challenges limiting beliefs. | “Jen’s humor and no-nonsense approach will inspire you to take action. Stop doubting yourself and start living like the badass you are.” Here’s some insights, you gotta take action, and that starts with personal goals planning and execution. |
| 4. “The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem” by Nathaniel Branden | A deep dive into the psychology of self-esteem and its foundational principles. | “This book is a masterclass in understanding self-esteem. Focus on building the six pillars: self-acceptance, self-responsibility, and more.” This is a great complimentary practice to emotional intelligence 2.0. Master your emotions and you can master your self esteem and success. |
| 5. “Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach | A guide to developing inner peace by accepting yourself as you are. | “Radical acceptance transformed my relationship with myself. Practice self-compassion and let go of judgment.” |
| 6. “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck | Explores how a growth mindset can transform confidence and achievement. | “Adopting a growth mindset changed my life. See challenges as opportunities to grow, not as threats to your self-worth.” |
| 7. “Self-Compassion” by Kristin Neff | A compassionate guide to treating yourself with kindness. | “Self-compassion is the antidote to self-criticism. Treat yourself like you would a close friend.” |
| 8. “Unfu*k Yourself” by Gary John Bishop | A brutally honest and empowering book for breaking free from self-imposed limitations. | “Gary’s no-nonsense approach is a wake-up call. Stop letting fear and doubt hold you back—take control of your life.” Read my guide on getting what you need. |
| 9. “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay | A classic on improving self-esteem through positive affirmations and self-love. | “Louise’s affirmations are powerful tools for rewiring your mindset. Repeat them daily to build self-love.” Want more support, go to my 101 short daily positive affirmations for work, stree, career and more. |
| 10. “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It” by Kamal Ravikant | A short, powerful book on the transformative power of self-love. | “Kamal’s simple yet profound message changed my life. Love yourself unconditionally—it’s the foundation of everything.” Discover more ways to propgrate self love through journaling prompts and see the difference they will make. |
| 11. “The Confidence Gap” by Russ Harris | A guide to overcoming self-doubt and building confidence through ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). | “Confidence isn’t the absence of fear—it’s taking action despite it. Use ACT techniques to move forward.” |
| 12. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown | Explores the power of vulnerability and courage in building self-esteem. | “Vulnerability is the birthplace of confidence. Dare to show up and be seen, even when it’s hard.” Ask youself what should I do with my life and take bold action. |
| 13. “The Self-Esteem Workbook” by Glenn R. Schiraldi | A comprehensive workbook with exercises to build self-esteem. | “This workbook is a practical tool for rebuilding self-esteem. Commit to the exercises and watch your confidence grow.” Here’s some exercises and self confidence worksheets you can utilize to enhance your self image and propel your presense. |
| 14. “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers | A guide to overcoming fear and building self-confidence. | “Fear is a natural part of growth. Feel it, but don’t let it stop you from taking action.” When facing fearful situations utlize the adapt improvise overcome Marine core model to deal with challenges. |
| 15. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle | A spiritual guide to living in the present moment and finding inner peace. | “Self-esteem thrives in the present. Let go of past regrets and future anxieties—focus on now.” Start each day with morning meditation techniques to reduce anxiety and strees. You do not have to try hard during meditation, this practice should feel natural, peaceful and pleasant. |
| 16. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear | Explains how small habits can lead to massive changes in confidence and self-worth. | “Build self-esteem one small habit at a time. Focus on consistency, not perfection.” Discover how this concept mirrors a continuous improvement process that you can apply in your personal and professional life. |
| 17. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson | A counterintuitive approach to living a good life by focusing on what truly matters. | “Stop caring about what others think and focus on your values. That’s where true confidence comes from.” A values approach resonates with professional Sanctified Soul Business Transformation approach that can help enhance your career and leadership skills. |
| 18. “The Self-Love Experiment” by Shannon Kaiser | A guide to prioritizing self-love and creating a life you adore. | “Self-love is the foundation of self-esteem. Experiment with Shannon’s practices to find what works for you.” Begin a self love journal to capture an attitude of gratitude as part of your gratitude journal process. |
| 19. “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Joe Dispenza | Explores how to rewire your brain and transform your self-image. | “Your thoughts shape your reality. Use Joe’s techniques to create a new, confident version of yourself.” For more resources, see my best confidence books list. Get inspired, learn how to get motivated and find tactics to transform while discovering your passions. |
| 20. “The Art of Extraordinary Confidence” by Dr. Aziz Gazipura | A practical guide to overcoming self-doubt and building unshakable confidence. | “Confidence is a skill you can build. Practice Dr. Aziz’s techniques to step into your power.” Gain reflection life skills as part of a career building transformative leadership mindset shift. |
| 21. “The Self-Esteem Guided Journal” by Matthew McKay and Patrick Fanning | A journaling guide to boost self-esteem through reflective exercises. | “Journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery. Use this guide to uncover and challenge limiting beliefs.” Apply my free journaling printable templates along with powerful self care journaling prommpts to get started. |
| 22. “The Body Is Not an Apology” by Sonya Renee Taylor | A radical guide to self-love and body positivity. | “Self-esteem starts with accepting your body. Embrace your uniqueness and let go of societal standards.” Discover the Best Body Language Books to gain your edge. |
| 23. “The Self-Esteem Regained” by Chris Green | A practical guide to rebuilding self-esteem after setbacks. | “Setbacks don’t define you. Use Chris’s strategies to bounce back stronger than ever.” Find more insights at my reading righting life guide. |
| 24. “The Self-Esteem Solution” by Dr. Cheryl Saban | A comprehensive guide to building self-esteem through self-awareness and action. | “Self-esteem is a journey, not a destination. Use Dr. Saban’s tools to stay committed to your growth.” Begin by creating SMART goals to hold youself accountable. Move on to notion goals to change your life. |
| 25. “The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens” by Lisa M. Schab | A workbook designed to help teens build confidence and self-worth. | “If you’re a teen or work with teens, this book is a must. Confidence starts early—nurture it with these exercises.” |
Self-esteem is the cornerstone of a happy, fulfilling life. Use these 25 self esteem books to gain knowledge and strategies to help you build confidence, overcome self-doubt, and embrace your worth. Whether you’re just starting your self-esteem journey or looking to deepen your self-love, these books will guide you every step of the way. Remember, self-esteem is a practice—commit to it daily, and you’ll see incredible transformations in your life.
Self Esteem / Self Love Connection to Growth
Final Thoughts
Invest in yourself today because your self-worth is worth it. Pick up one of these best self esteem books, set some time aside for yourself, and take that first step toward self-empowerment.
If you need more guidance, go beyond the top self esteem books and attend my self-confidence-building seminars or contact my team. Together, we can create change.
– Ryan Zofay
Resources
Sources
Here are author and Amazon product links from the curated list of the top 15 books on self esteem.” You will find external URLs to the authors’ websites and their Amazon book pages:
| Books for Self Esteem | Summary | Insights, Tips, & Advice | Author’s Website | Amazon Book Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. “Ten Days to Self-Esteem” by David D. Burns | A practical workbook offering a step-by-step method to combat self-doubt in just ten days. | “This book is perfect for anyone who wants quick, actionable steps to boost their self-esteem. Use the exercises daily to challenge negative thoughts and build confidence.” | Feeling Good | Amazon |
| 2. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown | A must-read for overcoming perfectionism and embracing self-compassion. | “Brené’s work taught me that vulnerability is strength. Let go of the need to be perfect and embrace your authentic self.” | Brené Brown | Amazon |
| 3. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero | A funny, direct, and motivational book that challenges limiting beliefs. | “Jen’s humor and no-nonsense approach will inspire you to take action. Stop doubting yourself and start living like the badass you are.” | Jen Sincero | Amazon |
| 4. “The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem” by Nathaniel Branden | A deep dive into the psychology of self-esteem and its foundational principles. | “This book is a masterclass in understanding self-esteem. Focus on building the six pillars: self-acceptance, self-responsibility, and more.” | Nathaniel Branden | Amazon |
| 5. “Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach | A guide to developing inner peace by accepting yourself as you are. | “Radical acceptance transformed my relationship with myself. Practice self-compassion and let go of judgment.” | Tara Brach | Amazon |
| 6. “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck | Explores how a growth mindset can transform confidence and achievement. | “Adopting a growth mindset changed my life. See challenges as opportunities to grow, not as threats to your self-worth.” | Mindset Online | Amazon |
| 7. “Self-Compassion” by Kristin Neff | A compassionate guide to treating yourself with kindness. | “Self-compassion is the antidote to self-criticism. Treat yourself like you would a close friend.” | Self-Compassion | Amazon |
| 8. “Unfu*k Yourself” by Gary John Bishop | A brutally honest and empowering book for breaking free from self-imposed limitations. | “Gary’s no-nonsense approach is a wake-up call. Stop letting fear and doubt hold you back—take control of your life.” | Gary John Bishop | Amazon |
| 9. “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay | A classic on improving self-esteem through positive affirmations and self-love. | “Louise’s affirmations are powerful tools for rewiring your mindset. Repeat them daily to build self-love.” | Louise Hay | Amazon |
| 10. “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It” by Kamal Ravikant | A short, powerful book on the transformative power of self-love. | “Kamal’s simple yet profound message changed my life. Love yourself unconditionally—it’s the foundation of everything.” | Kamal Ravikant | Amazon |
| 11. “The Confidence Gap” by Russ Harris | A guide to overcoming self-doubt and building confidence through ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). | “Confidence isn’t the absence of fear—it’s taking action despite it. Use ACT techniques to move forward.” | The Happiness Trap | Amazon |
| 12. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown | Explores the power of vulnerability and courage in building self-esteem. | “Vulnerability is the birthplace of confidence. Dare to show up and be seen, even when it’s hard.” | Brené Brown | Amazon |
| 13. “The Self-Esteem Workbook” by Glenn R. Schiraldi | A comprehensive workbook with exercises to build self-esteem. | “This workbook is a practical tool for rebuilding self-esteem. Commit to the exercises and watch your confidence grow.” | Self-Esteem Seminars | Amazon |
| 14. “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers | A guide to overcoming fear and building self-confidence. | “Fear is a natural part of growth. Feel it, but don’t let it stop you from taking action.” | Susan Jeffers | Amazon |
| 15. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle | A spiritual guide to living in the present moment and finding inner peace. | “Self-esteem thrives in the present. Let go of past regrets and future anxieties—focus on now.” | Eckhart Tolle | Amazon |
