Self-confidence is something we all need to navigate our way successfully through life. Yet, only a few of us possess this attribute. The rest of us are busy being our own worst critic and pulling ourselves down. Even if you are an introvert, you will be surprised to know that a little self-confidence can help you feel more comfortable in a room full of strangers, although it may not make you the life of a party. For that, you’ll need more practice!
As a young professional, a techie, or a salesperson, you already know that half the battle is won if you can project enough self-confidence. But it isn’t as easy as that–how do you build this magical self-confidence? If you’re not too social and you don’t like huge gatherings, there is little chance that you’re going to attend self-confidence workshops or seminars. But you’re surely reading books, so you can benefit from the worldly wisdom distilled in these 5 books:
1. What’s Holding You Back? by Sam Horn
Goodreads gives this book an average rating of 3.63. Jack Canfield, of “Maximum Confidence” fame, gives a pithy description of the book. He says, “A must-read for anyone who would like to be more polished, poised, powerful at work, at home, in social settings, at school, and in sports.”
According to the book blurb, after reading this book, you will get comfortable interacting with strangers, you’ll be able to carry on a conversation with ease instead of fumbling for appropriate topics, you will stop comparing yourself with everybody else, you’ll be able to go to places alone and enjoy the experience, and you will learn to look at every mistake as a lesson instead of a roadblock. Instead of preaching, Horn has filled the book with funny anecdotes that instruct as well as entertain. This is a book you must not forget to read!
2. Unstoppable Confidence! by Kent Sayre
This delightful book averages a 3.6 on Goodreads and promises to teach you how to harness neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) to gain confidence. NLP is considered to be a powerful tool in personality development. After reading this book, you should be able to get rid of limiting beliefs, learn to move out of your comfort zone, and raise your confidence levels immediately. Sayre claims to have used the program outlined in the book himself to overcome his shyness and engage with people.
3. Unleash the Warrior Within by Richard Machowicz
Who doesn’t want to think like a warrior? Strategy, self-confidence, tactical knowledge–everything is important to a warrior’s game plan. In the battlefield of your business or organization, this book will teach you to adapt and engage like a warrior for ultimate success. Machowicz is a war veteran who uses his experience to help the reader learn to build focus and discipline. Goodreads rates the book at a cool 3.86.
4. The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self-Confidence by Robert Anthony
This book appears to be slightly more popular with Goodreads readers since it gets a rating of 4.01. Dr. Robert Anthony teaches several life lessons in this book, namely:
• How to be different and enjoy it
• How to stop feeling afraid or guilty
• How to conduct small talk
• How to set goals and adjust one’s perspective
• How to communicate in the best way
He guides the reader day-by-day and breaks the process down into easy steps, so that the program is easy to follow. He has distilled the knowledge disseminated in his workshops and seminars into this fantastic book.
5. Instant Confidence by Gary Vurnum
Vurnum lists 92 tips to help you reach the pinnacle of self-confidence. He talks about small changes that can have a big impact on your life, such as changing one word or making a one-second change. With a 3.75 rating on Goodreads, this book should be on your reading list.
