Improve Confidence
Build steady self-belief by acting despite fear and treating yourself with kindness.
- 5 books in order
Why these books, in this order
This path combines action-based confidence, the science of self-esteem, self-compassion and the courage to be vulnerable. Confidence grows from doing, so each book includes something to practise.
The path
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1
The Confidence Gap
by Russ Harris
What you'll learn: Why confidence follows action, and how to make room for fear.
Exercise: Pick one valued action you have been avoiding and take a first small step.
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2
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
by Nathaniel Branden
What you'll learn: The practices that build healthy self-esteem, from living consciously to self-responsibility.
Exercise: Complete Branden's sentence stems for five minutes a day for a week.
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3
Self-Compassion
by Kristin Neff
What you'll learn: How kindness to yourself builds resilience better than harsh self-criticism.
Exercise: Write yourself a compassionate letter about a current struggle.
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4
The Gifts of Imperfection
by Brené Brown
What you'll learn: How to let go of who you think you should be and embrace who you are.
Exercise: List three perfectionist expectations you could loosen.
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5
The Confidence Code
by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
What you'll learn: What research and experience say about confidence and taking risks.
Exercise: Take one risk this week where the downside is small.
Progress milestones
- Completed 10 small acts of courage.
- Kept a confidence journal for two weeks.
- Spoke up in a situation where you would usually stay silent.
Exercises for the whole path
- Do one small thing each day that makes you slightly nervous.
- Write down three things you handled well at the end of each day.
- Notice your self-talk and rewrite one harsh statement as you would speak to a friend.
When you finish
Continue with Daring Greatly and The Courage to Be Disliked.
Create a free account to tick off books as you go and track your progress through this path.