The 12 best confidence books to boost self-esteem and self-worth

These are the best confidence books to read in 2022 for a self-esteem boost

A selection of the best confidence books to read in 2022
(Image credit: Amazon/Future)

If you're looking for the best confidence books to read this year, we've got you covered with the top picks from psychologists, life, and confidence coaches. Ranging from the science behind the way we think to a guide on making friends at work and beating social anxiety, there's certainly something for everyone.

Even if you consider yourself a fairly confident person in normal life, it's perfectly natural to need a little self-esteem top-up. With life being so busy, we can face regular knocks to our confidence and having the chance to take a step back and read, or listen, to the words of others is sometimes the thing we need. After all, the journey to gain confidence isn't linear. 

Full of the latest research, sound advice and practical solutions, these are some of the best self-help books for building confidence and self-esteem. 

The best confidence books to read in 2022

Whether you're looking for a short holiday read to lift your spirits or want to change your outlook on life, there are so many great options to pick from on our list. 

There are books from some of the most famous self-help authors out there, including Dale Carnegie, Viv Groskop, Greg Behrendt and Liz Tucillo, as well as lesser known writers with brilliant insights. 


Read it because: It's a fantastic combination of science-backed explanations and sound advice. An ideal read for anyone looking to learn how to be more confident from a scientific point of view.



Read it because: This book offers a simple and comprehensive program for overcoming our own self-imposed barriers to personal fulfilment. A particularly good one for those looking for relationship advice and tips for marriage longevity. 



Read it because: This book, by New York Times bestselling author and success coach Jen Sincero, comes in 27 bite-sized chunks so it's a great book to dip in and out of. It's also entertaining to read with hilarious anecdotes, good advice, simple exercises, and a good pick for any fans of confidence affirmations out there. 



Read it because: It's a great place to start if you want to help yourself overcome self-doubt and possible imposter syndrome. "It's quite a complex subject and requires more than a 'think positively' solution," Kate says. 



Read it because: It's a great guide about all public speaking-related issues, from what to do when you open your mouth and nothing comes out to getting over performance anxiety. How to Own the Room also take a look at the topic from a gendered perspective - what to do in the moment "when you are made, as a woman, to feel small."

If you're interested in learning more about Viv before buying the book, she also has a podcast of the same name.



Read it because: Written by Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, this book explains exactly why it's not our abilities and/or talent that brings success - but rather how we approach them.


Read it because: This book is almost a cult-classic, and one of the best self-help books out there. It aims to teach you how to make friends quickly and easily, increase your popularity, grow your business with new clients and customers, become a better speaker and communicate with colleagues better. A great one for anyone looking to turn their work life around. 



Read it because: If you want traditional female-male dating advice, this is one book that Lucy recommends. Author Ali Binazir has been on hundreds of dates and thousands of men have written to him about their dating lives, so he knows what men want. 

While that's no reason to change yourself, the book does deal with topics like balancing your professional and dating life, self-confidence, how to handle long-distance relationships, internet dating, meeting people, and so much more. If you're using some of the best dating sites to meet people, this could be a good book for you.



Read it because: If you love the Sex And The City series, then you'll love this as one of the best confidence books. It's an honest, hilarious and playful explanation of male behaviour from a writer and consultant of the hit HBO television show, and can help you grow in dating confidence over time - without being too serious.



Read it because: It's a simple book with a three-pronged approach that explains where our feelings come from and how our life experiences can transform us for the better. The book suggests that you'll also come out the other side with an awareness of how to deal with stress.

The Inside Out comes in audiobook, paperback, Kindle and audio CD form. 



Read it because: 'The Element', as Ken describes it, is the place where natural talent and personal passion meet. Find this place for yourself with this book, which draws on insights from top names like Paul McCartney, The Simpsons' creator Matt Groenig, Meg Ryan, Gillian Lynne - the choreographer for Broadway shows like Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, journalist Ariana Huffington and Richard Feynman, a renowned scientist. 

Available in hardback, paperback, Kindle, audiobook and audio CD. 



Read it because: Bene Brown, P.h.D, is a leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging, so if you're looking to engage in more positive body language and boost your self-esteem, this could be the book for you. In it, she shares what she's learned from over 10 years of research and offers ten guideposts for how to implement what she's discovered into your own life.

Available in paperback, hardback, on Kindle, audiobook and audio CD. 

Grace Walsh
Health Channel Editor

Grace Walsh is woman&home's Health Channel Editor, working across the areas of fitness, nutrition, sleep, mental health, relationships, and sex. She is also a qualified fitness instructor. In 2024, she will be taking on her second marathon in Rome, cycling from Manchester to London (350km) for charity, and qualifying as a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. 

A digital journalist with over six years experience as a writer and editor for UK publications, Grace has covered (almost) everything in the world of health and wellbeing with bylines in Cosmopolitan, Red, The i Paper, GoodtoKnow, and more.