10 Self-Help Books Women Must Read to Boost Confidence in 2025

Confidence isn’t something you’re either born with or not—it’s something you build, day by day, through mindset, habits, and the voices you let shape your perspective. One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to strengthen your self-worth is through books. The right book can feel like a mentor in your pocket, whispering truths that stick with you when doubt creeps in.

If you’re ready to step into 2025 with more courage, clarity, and confidence, here are 10 self-help books every woman should read this year. Whether you’re craving bold empowerment, gentle self-acceptance, or fresh tools to navigate challenges, you’ll find a book here that feels like it was written just for you.

1. Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Glennon Doyle’s Untamed is more than a memoir—it’s a rallying cry to stop living for others and start living fully as yourself. Through raw, funny, and deeply moving stories, she challenges the expectations placed on women and shows how freeing it is to follow your own voice.

Why it boosts confidence: It reminds you that you don’t need permission to be bold, different, or authentic. You’re allowed to disappoint others if it means not disappointing yourself.

2. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

No list of confidence-building books is complete without Brené Brown. In The Gifts of Imperfection, she flips the idea that confidence comes from perfection. Instead, she shows that real self-worth grows when you embrace your flaws, live wholeheartedly, and let go of constant comparison.

Why it boosts confidence: You’ll finally feel free to stop chasing perfect and start embracing real. And real, it turns out, is where confidence thrives.

3. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

If you want a no-nonsense pep talk with a side of humor, Jen Sincero is your girl. You Are a Badass is filled with tough-love advice, personal stories, and bold reminders that you already have what it takes—you just need to stop holding yourself back.

Why it boosts confidence: It pushes you to stop apologizing for your goals, stop doubting your worth, and start owning your power unapologetically.

4. Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

Confidence isn’t always about louder energy—it’s also about peace within. Tara Brach’s Radical Acceptance blends psychology and mindfulness to help you quiet the inner critic and stop feeling “not enough.”

Why it boosts confidence: You’ll learn to meet yourself with compassion instead of criticism, which creates the kind of inner strength that doesn’t get shaken easily.

5. The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser

Shannon Kaiser invites readers into a gentle, step-by-step journey of self-love. Packed with reflections, exercises, and honest stories, this book helps you rebuild your relationship with yourself from the inside out.

Why it boosts confidence: It shifts your focus from “fixing yourself” to “valuing yourself,” which is where real, lasting confidence begins.

6. Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo’s mantra—that everything can be figured out—feels like rocket fuel for women who feel stuck or overwhelmed. Her book is packed with strategies for shifting from helplessness to action, and her energetic voice makes it easy to believe in yourself again.

Why it boosts confidence: When you know you can figure things out, fear shrinks. Confidence grows not from knowing every answer, but from trusting that you’ll find one.

7. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Rachel Hollis gets real about the lies women believe—like “I’m not enough” or “I don’t deserve happiness.” Her writing is casual and honest, which makes the lessons easy to take in and apply.

Why it boosts confidence: It reminds you that you don’t have to buy into every negative thought you’ve carried for years. You can rewrite your own story.

8. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Another Brené gem, Daring Greatly digs into vulnerability as a source of strength, not weakness. She encourages you to show up fully, even when it feels scary.

Why it boosts confidence: You realize that confidence doesn’t mean being fearless—it means being willing to step forward despite the fear.

9. The First Rule of Mastery by Michael Gervais

This newer book zeroes in on one of the biggest killers of confidence: worrying about what other people think. Michael Gervais provides tools to release yourself from the opinions of others and anchor in your own values instead.

Why it boosts confidence: You’ll stop measuring your worth through comparison and start defining success on your own terms.

10. Beauty Sick by Renee Engeln

Renee Engeln’s Beauty Sick takes a bold look at how culture’s obsession with appearance harms women’s confidence. More importantly, she shows you how to step off the hamster wheel of body obsession and reclaim your energy for what truly matters.

Why it boosts confidence: It gives you the tools to detach your worth from your looks and build self-esteem rooted in your full self—not just your reflection.

How to Get the Most Out of These Books

Reading a self-help book is inspiring, but the real confidence boost happens when you apply the lessons. Here are a few tips:

• Read with a journal nearby. Write down quotes, insights, and how they apply to your life.
• Pick one book at a time. Let the ideas sink in before jumping to the next.
• Try one action step weekly. Whether it’s practicing radical acceptance or speaking up at work, confidence grows through small, repeated actions.
• Share the journey. Discussing these books with a friend, book club, or even online community makes the lessons stick.

Final Thoughts

Confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room, or having it all figured out—it’s about trusting yourself enough to keep moving forward, even when you stumble. These books offer wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools that remind you that confidence is already within you.

As you step into 2025, choose one (or several) of these reads to be your companion. Let them guide you through the doubts and back to the truth: you are enough, and your voice matters.