10 Best Books On Self Esteem You Must Read

When self-esteem is low, one may doubt one’s abilities, feel unworthy of love and success, and struggle to make decisions. It impacts how we perceive ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we navigate through the world.

Anyone who struggles with shame or wishes to live more authentically must read these self-esteem improvement books. They will help you think differently and feel more confident.

These 10 best books help to improve self-worth and can help you reach your full potential.

You will receive great advice, strategies, and stories to keep you going and to boost your confidence. It will help you improve your mental health, relationships, and even your physical health.

Book 1: The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden

“Self-esteem is the reputation we acquire with ourselves.”
Nathaniel Branden

In this groundbreaking book, Nathaniel Branden, a renowned psychologist and self-esteem expert, explores the six key pillars of self-esteem.

He thinks that self-esteem doesn’t come naturally, but you can learn to have it over time.

When you practice these six pillars, you can learn to value yourself and your worth and build a foundation for a happy and fulfilling life.

Branden gives some tips for building self-esteem, including the six pillars. These guidelines include:

• Paying attention to your thoughts and feelings.
• Challenging negative self-talk.
• Setting realistic goals.
• Taking care of your physical and emotional health.
• Building supportive relationships.
• Engaging in activities that you enjoy.

The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to strengthen self-esteem.

Branden’s writing style is clear and concise, making the book easy to read and understand. His practical advice is applicable to everyday life.

Book 2: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Brené Brown

The book is based on Brown’s research on shame and vulnerability.

It provides a helpful framework for understanding how emotions impact our lives. Brown says that shame is not something to be scared of.

• Vulnerability is not weakness. It is the courage to be open, honest, and authentic, even when it means feeling exposed.
• Vulnerability is the catalyst for connection. When we are vulnerable, we allow others to see us for who we really are, and this can lead to deeper and more meaningful relationships.
• Wholehearted living means being courageous, compassionate, and connected. It is about living our lives to the fullest, even when it means facing fear, uncertainty, and rejection.
• The mantra for wholehearted living is: “No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough.” This means accepting ourselves for who we are, flaws and all, and knowing that we are worthy of love and belonging.

Book 3: The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris

“The actions of confidence come first; the feelings of confidence come later.”
Russ Harris

The Confidence Gap is a helpful book for anyone who struggles with confidence.

Harris uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people feel less anxious and better.

If you want to close the confidence gap, I suggest you read this book.

Instead of fighting or ignoring negative thoughts, Harris recommends thinking differently about them.

This means letting your thoughts be what they are without judging them and then choosing to act in line with your values, even if your thoughts say otherwise.

Harris provides a number of ACT exercises to help you learn how to relate differently to your thoughts. These exercises can help you to:

• Identify your negative thoughts and the emotions they trigger
• Distinguish between your thoughts and reality.
• Engage in valued behaviours, even when your thoughts tell you not to.

Book 4: Mindset by Carol S. Dweck

“Becoming is better than being.”
Carol S. Dweck

In her book Mindset, Carol S. Dweck talks about how our thoughts can affect how well we do things and how much we feel good about ourselves.

This book teaches you about the power of our mindsets. Dweck argues that there are two basic mindsets: fixed and growth. I love this book and learned many valuable lessons.

• People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities are fixed traits and, therefore, can’t be changed. They may also believe that their talent and intelligence alone lead to success, and that effort is not required.
• People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can be developed through effort and hard work. They are more likely to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Her research shows that people with a growth mindset are more likely to achieve their goals, be resilient in the face of setbacks, and be more successful in school and in the workplace.

Book 5: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

“You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it.”
Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life helps readers identify and change self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviours that prevent them from getting what they want.

• You Are a Badass at Making Money is a follow-up book to “You Are a Badass” that focuses on helping readers change their mindset about money so that they can attract more of it into their lives. The book argues that money is not evil and that it is possible to have both wealth and happiness.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the book:

• You are wonderful and capable of anything you set your mind to.
• The Universe is on your side and wants to help you succeed.
• Your thoughts create your reality, so focusing on positive thoughts is important.
• Fear is a liar and should not be allowed to control your life.
• You deserve to be happy and prosperous.

This book is a powerful reminder that you can achieve greatness and deserve all life’s success and happiness.

Book 6: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson

“You can’t be an important and life-changing presence for some people without also being a joke and an embarrassment to others.”
Mark Manson

This book helps you discover what really matters to you and encourages you to focus on the things you can actually change. It’s a wonderful reminder to prioritise the things we truly value in our lives.

The book is divided into three parts:

• Part I of the book explains the idea of not giving a f*ck and why it’s important to choose our battles wisely. Manson says that we should not spend our time and energy on things that don’t matter and instead focus on the things that do.
• Part II: The value of suffering—This section of the book argues that suffering is a necessary part of life and that it can be used to build character and resilience. Manson argues that we should embrace our suffering and learn from it rather than trying to avoid it at all costs.
• Part III: Not giving a f*ck in the real world — This part of the book provides practical advice on how to apply the principles of not giving a f*ck to everyday life. Manson discusses topics such as relationships, work, and happiness.

The book has been praised for its unique approach to self-help and for its ideas about what makes someone happy. However, it has also been criticised for its profanity and its sometimes harsh tone.

Book 7: Quiet — The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain

“There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
Susan Cain

This book does a fantastic job of highlighting the amazing value of introverts, who often get a bit lost in our extroverted world. Cain brings together fascinating research on how our brains work and different personality traits, along with some inspiring stories from history.

It really celebrates the unique contributions that introverts bring to society.

Here is a summary:

• Introverts are not shy. Shyness is a fear of social judgment, while introversion is a preference for less stimulation.
• Introverts are not broken. They are simply different from extroverts, and their way of being is just as valid.
• The world needs introverts. Introverts bring unique strengths, such as deep thinking, creativity, and empathy.
• Introverts can thrive in the world. They just need to find ways to work and live that suit their needs.

Book 8: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”
Brené Brown

The book suggests that perfection is a way of protecting ourselves from shame. However, perfectionism is ultimately self-destructive because it prevents us from living our lives to the fullest.

• Imperfection is a gift. It allows us to show up, connect with others, and live more authentically.
• Shame is the root of all forms of ‘not good enough.’ It is the fear of being judged, rejected, or not measuring up.
• Courage, compassion, and connection are the antidotes to shame. They allow us to show up, love, and establish meaningful connections.
• Wholehearted living is a journey, not a destination. It is about choosing to be authentic, even when it is difficult.

It is a powerful book that can help us overcome perfectionism and live more authentic and fulfilling lives.

Book 9: The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
Norman Vincent Peale

The book says that positive thinking isn’t about pretending that everything is perfect or ignoring reality. Instead, it encourages us to focus on the good things in our lives, even when we encounter challenges.

• Positive thinking is a choice. We can choose to think positively, even when things are tough.
• Positive thinking is a habit. The more we practice it, the easier it becomes.
• Positive thinking can change our lives. It can help us achieve our goals, overcome challenges, and live happier and more fulfilling lives.

Peale offers numerous practical strategies for developing a positive attitude, including:

• Affirmations. Repeating positive statements to ourselves can help to change our thoughts and beliefs.
• Visualization. Imagining ourselves achieving our goals can help motivate us and stay focused.
• Gratitude. Taking time to appreciate the good things in our lives can help us to feel more positive and optimistic.

Book 10: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

“Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean.”
Don Miguel Ruiz

In “The Four Agreements,” Don Miguel Ruiz shares ancient Toltec wisdom to help us overcome self-limiting beliefs and live authentically and with self-compassion.

The Four Agreements are:

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word. This means using your words carefully and intentionally, and not saying anything that you don’t mean.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally. This means not taking other people’s actions or words personally and not letting them affect your emotions.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions. This means asking questions instead of assuming what other people think or feel.
4. Always Do Your Best. This means giving your best effort in everything you do and not beating yourself up if you don’t succeed.

It can help us to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life. They can help us to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improve our relationships.
• Increase our self-esteem.
• Live more in the present moment.

It is my favourite book. Although it is less than half the size of a normal book, it has more powerful words.

You can also use our positive affirmation tool to boost your confidence level everyday. (Affirmation Generator)