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Wise Confidence: Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Lasting Self-Esteem

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“A road map to self-empowerment, illuminating the journey from self-doubt to authenticity. The book’s unique blend of psychology, spirituality, and personal growth creates a comprehensive guide for building lasting self-assurance.”
—David A. Treleaven, PhD, author of Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness


Imagine you had total confidence in yourself, in all areas of your life. We all want to believe in ourselves to the fullest—yet in a culture that confuses bravado, delusion, and narcissism with self-confidence, it’s no wonder we subconsciously internalize a limiting identity defined by fear and doubt. “My goal is to show you a different approach to confidence,” says Giovanni Dienstmann. “Not based on arrogance, but integrity, rooted in a fully integrated, energized, and unwavering faith in yourself. I call this wise confidence.”

With Wise Confidence, this expert teacher and life coach brings together lessons and research from psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and mindfulness into a practical framework for genuine self-belief and inner strength. Here you’ll

• Three pillars of Aspiration, Awareness, Action
• Finding the best in you—getting clear about your strengths, weaknesses, and vision of who you want to be
• Practices for releasing negative emotions, embodying self-confidence, facing fear, and more
• Guidance for cultivating authentic relationships and setting boundaries
• The four spiritual principles that support connection, optimism, and a sense of purpose
• Dozens of exercises, meditations, and powerful awareness tools for developing a new self-image with limitless potential

“So many of us labor under a mistaken idea about who we are and what we are capable of,” teaches Dienstmann. “Wise confidence is a skill that can be learned—a skill that you can learn. Though the journey can be challenging, the only requirements are a deep desire to change and a willingness to take ownership of your healing, growth, and purpose. It is time to reclaim your power—and your true self.”

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2024

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1981 people want to read

About the author

Giovanni Dienstmann

6 books29 followers
As a self-discipline coach, Giovanni Dienstmann has helped hedge fund managers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, ambitious professionals, artists and pro athletes to live a more focused and disciplined life. Since 2014 he has been successfully coaching people to overcome distractions, procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and other forms of self-sabotage.

Whatever self-discipline challenges you face, and whatever excuse you are telling yourself—Giovanni has seen it, and has developed a tool to deal with it.

Whether you need help building a consistent morning routine, breaking bad habits, finding your life purpose, increasing motivation and willpower, achieving your goals, or simply being more effective with your time and energy, his Higher Mind system can help.

As a meditation teacher, Giovanni runs LiveAndDare.com, which is one of the top five most visited meditation blogs on the web. His first book, Practical Meditation, is available in eight different languages and has popularly been called “the meditation Bible”. Giovanni has over 10,000 hours of personal meditation practice and is a sought-after consultant to award-winning meditation apps. His meditation programs have helped over 20,000 people start a daily meditation practice, improve their psychological well-being, and master their minds.

“Mindful Self-Discipline exists so that you can live life on your terms, and be the person you aspire to be. My purpose is to mentor and inspire you on this path. Will you join me?”

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Eleni21.
91 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2024
4.5 stars.
Interesting read, many thought-provoking parts. Lots of actionable items to incorporate in one's life.
3 reviews
February 3, 2025
I was privileged to be allowed to read a few chapters of Wise Confidence before its public release date. My review is based on that reading. It led me to pre-order the book that arrived on 12 March 2024. I am confident that neither you nor I will be disappointed.

I was introduced to Giovanni Dienstmann through his writing on Mindful Self-Discipline and newsletters. His writings are not “earth-shattering original thoughts.” However, he is a masterful synthesizer/interpreter of wisdom and knowledge that has been helpful for centuries.

In Wise Confidence, he explains clearly the importance of confidence and how it relates to our lives.
Our intentional behaviors (and probably many of our unintentional behaviors) start with our mindset. The saying goes, “If you think you cannot do something. You are probably right.” Developing a growth mindset is essential to an individual’s capacity to change and improve. Giovanni integrates this observation (perhaps made famously by American psychologist Carol Dweck) with ancient and contemporary knowledge of human nature.

Of course, believing in the possibility of human growth does not automatically lead to such development. It is a necessary factor but is not sufficient alone. One also needs the motivation to change and an effective method/training to effectuate the desired change.

Giovanni’s book assists with all the elements. As he writes in his book, there are three essential elements to being confident: Your aspiration, your awareness, and your actions. The book helps you systematically integrate psychology, mindfulness spirituality, and personal growth literature.

It is not a “magic pill,” however. Reading this book (or any other book) will not significantly change your life and confidence unless you work on it. Giovanni is upfront about that. The book provides a blueprint for effectuating personal change congruent with your best aspirations. Change is inevitable. If we do not deliberately choose the direction of our change, it will generally be a negative change. After all, the entire universe is subject to entropy/chaos.

Giovanni points out that many others deal with the issue of confidence and growth by looking at the methodology without first laying out the foundation of mindset, precisely the mentality that we must live “from the inside out.” That is the only way to develop self-confidence (never to be confused with arrogance or conceit). Instead, confidence comes from courage, optimism, integrity, and determination.

Of course, everybody will have challenges with developing and sustaining such confidence. The book guides us to respond accordingly.

For example, promoting awareness includes honest (and perhaps upsetting) self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses.

We are the designers of ourselves. If we don’t take charge- if we don’t have the confidence, motivation, and techniques to want to improve- it will not happen.

Wise confidence is not the end-all book that will meet your every need. But it will provide a good guide and blueprint- IF YOU WORK IT.

Read it! I am confident that you will find it worthwhile.
1 review
April 4, 2024
If you could use more self-confidence and you don't know how to go about it, then this book is THE recommended read. Giovanni's research on self-confidence is thorough and well-researched. He explains that self-confidence is a skill that you can learn. With small doable steps, everyone can build more self-confidence permanently. Every piece of theory he explains is supported with examples and visuals so that it is easy to understand. Almost every chapter also contains several exercises to choose from which you want to practice yourself. (At the back of the book there is also a handy overview of all exercises and when you can use them.)

However, this in-depth book is not for everyone. The journey to more real and authentic self-confidence requires a willingness to look and feel deeply within yourself. Wise confidence offers tools to make your own inner journey of strength and is therefore not a quick fix book with a few handy superficial tricks. Giovanni's teaching style is at the mindful end of the self-help spectrum. You will not find military drill exercises in his books. Personally, I find his method very refreshing. Giovanni is a modern teacher full of life wisdom with in-depth knowledge of the old classical teachers.

If you enjoyed his previous book MSD Mindful Self-Discipline: Living with Purpose and Achieving Your Goals in a World of Distractions then you should definitely read this book as well. It is a great deepening and addition to concepts of MSD. I have deep respect for the work of Giovanni Dienstmann and his way of life. He is a great source of inspiration for me. I got to know Giovanni and his work through the live events on Insight Timer and his own YouTube channel (@Giovanni-Dienstmann). Here he regularly gives interactive web classes about his work. I can highly recommend his live classes.
Profile Image for Zoe Carada.
Author 2 books
March 28, 2024
This is not just a book about self-confidence. It‘s a map and a toolkit to achieve it. If you are sick of, or disappointed with the flood of inspirational junk, read this and you‘ll find your Eureka. Giovanni gives the reader no empty phrases, waffling, fuzzy sentimental stuff; he offers specific guidance based on a synthesis of philosophies, methods, or practices. His voice is always clear, his writing is honest. Giovanni makes no promises of overnight transformation. One of the things I liked best about his book is that he constantly draws boundaries between his Wise Confidence and possible misinterpretations: arrogance, delusion, selfishness. It‘s very common for personal growth books to exaggerate the benefits of one view or practice, so that the advice has, in the end, only limited applicability. Giovanni offers, instead, a very balanced view of personal empowerment and acceptance of limits, of confidence coupled with pragmatism, of self-reflection integrated with action. This is not a one-sided eulogy of self-confidence; it‘s an all-round self-development tool, integrating everything from aspiration to mental exercises to body postures, from yoga and Eastern traditions to NLP cognitive psychology.
1 review
April 21, 2024
Before I discovered this book, I had read time and time again that an essential ingredient to success is self-belief and having faith in yourself. The only problem was I didn't know how I could develop these qualities without experiencing success in the first place. I tried many techniques recommended across various self-improvement books, but most of them left me feeling frustrated and with less confidence than I had in the first place. I was at a point in my life where I really starting to question if I would ever become the person I would need to be in order to achieve my goals. Then I discovered Wise Confidence. I truly can't express enough my gratitude for the opportunity to have read this book. I've gained from it so much more beyond what I had ever hoped or thought possible. Though I still possess many of my same values and qualities that make me who I am, I'm now aware of how I was holding myself back and have put to rest many of those self-defeating behaviors. This book opened up an entirely new way of living, being, and experiencing life that I used to believe would only be possible in the far distant future after achieving my biggest goals. What is interesting is it is this way of being that has actually allowed me to finally make real change and measurable progress towards my goals. It has also allowed me to enjoy the journey so far, because I'm finally free of the limiting beliefs and fears that used to make the efforts, quite frankly exhausting. I have never felt more in control of my future, or more at peace with who I am now in the present. Though I can’t wait to see where I am five years from now after continuous application of the knowledge in this book, I also am so grateful for the gift it’s given me to savor the present, and thus the journey itself. If you’re trying to decide whether to read this book, trust me when I say it will be one of the best decisions you ever make for yourself and even those around you.
34 reviews
January 12, 2025
Grade- C-
Difficulty Level- easy read

From reading Giovanni’s previous book Mindful Self-Discipline, I was excited about this book. I’d heard of it before it was released and planned to read it for some time.

I wanted to read this book to ensure that my unwavering confidence & self-belief is applied wisely, but after reading it I realised that I didn’t really need this book at all. It isn’t bad, but its mainly for people with little self-confidence. If you’re already extremely confident, there’s no need to read this book.

Also, the author is someone who reads a lot, and a lot of the time I could tell the other books from which he got his information, and already knew the majority of lessons he wrote in this book from these other sources.

Like every book though, I wouldn’t say I regret reading it because I still learned some important things, such as the pains of self-doubt & more of a sophisticated understanding on the true importance of confidence.

However, this book is more suitable for people with little confidence & not much experience in reading personal development, as they will learn A LOT more than myself.
1 review
September 8, 2025
'Wise Confidence' is a must read!
Anyone who like me wants to live free from self doubt and realise Wise Confidence aligned with deep Wisdom and Compassion this is a Book for today! In this book Giovanni Dienstmann is sharing his deep knowledge and wisdom realised from years of Spiritual Practice and deep inner work to bring together in a step by step process for the reader, so they too can realise their dreams, possibilities and opportunities free from self doubt and with wise confidence. This book is like a Spiritual Friend guiding you with firmness to find the courage and freedom to become the Person you were meant to be beyond the conditioned self and live fully with love and joy your aspirations without fear. This book shows us how we too can be an agent of change for the good of all.
With deep thanks and gratitude Marilyn
2 reviews
April 21, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I loved it so much I read it and bought the audio book as well. I’ve listened to it several times, I’ve done all the suggested exercises. It is a follow up book from Giovanni’s book Mindful Self discipline, which is also a brilliant book. There are so many “ah ha” moments and ways to implement immediate and simple improvements day to day that improve productivity, mental resilience and strength that have ultimately improved my life in so many unexpected ways. It’s a book I have beside my bed and I re-read and refer to it over and over. I implore you to buy this book (and his previous book) because it’s truly life changing. They also make fantastic books for friends and family.
1 review
April 23, 2024
Delving beyond surface-level self-help advice, this book offers a profound exploration of self-confidence from a deeper, more serious perspective. Giovanni masterfully dissects the foundational principles that underpin healthy self-esteem, providing readers with invaluable insights. More than just an intellectual discourse, the author's approach serves as a practical roadmap, guiding us on a transformative journey from crippling self-doubt to a place of authentic empowerment and inner strength. With wisdom and clarity, this book illuminates the path to true self-actualization, making it an essential read for anyone seeking lasting confidence and fulfillment.
Profile Image for Mai Anh Nguyen.
37 reviews4 followers
June 23, 2024
- Strengthen your self-confidence across five key areas and begin to believe in yourself.
- Identify barriers preventing you from developing a strong self-image.
- Embrace your strengths and weaknesses with self-compassion.
- Craft a compelling new life story by transitioning from self-discovery to intentional self-development.
- Let go of your past self and bravely explore new possibilities.
- Enhance self-awareness and shift away from negative thinking patterns.
- Manifest your inner growth through actions that reflect your newfound perspective.
- Unlock self-confidence using three essential traits: patience, persistence, and determination.
Profile Image for Tara Betancourt.
1 review3 followers
March 23, 2024
This teacher and this book saved my life. He opened my eyes to what was really happening in my life and his teachings helped me realize how I was letting others control and ruin my life. I found him and his book right at the moment I really needed. This book is solid gold for anyone struggling with self worth and direction in life. Anyone who feels victimized by others. It's a must read to truly being able to step up and live your best life with authenticity and loving power. Find direction and soul purpose with this book and this wonderful teacher.
1 review1 follower
March 23, 2024
The book is FILLED with amazing ideas, quotes and powerful concepts that allows you to gain awareness about how and why you have been holding yourself back and how can you overcome your self doubt and starting to live like Giovanni calls it "From the inside out" without letting anything dictate your identity for you. It is such an empowering read and I wish that if you are reading this, you take the leap and buy the book because honoring the value of the transformation it helped me experience in my life, the price is nothing.
1 review1 follower
April 21, 2024
I loved this book and just purchased another for a young adult relative who is experiencing some self doubt. The book is very well organized and I love how it ties self confidence and mindfulness together which takes away the “confidence is arrogance” myth. I have been following Giovanni for a few years and know he is legit. There are many mindfulness “coaches/authors” out there so if I can save one person from trial and error I’ve done my part. I agree with the “aha moments” which other reviewers have mentioned.
1 review
April 22, 2024
Big fan of Giovanni. I’ve read all 3 of his books. His last book, Mindful Self Discipline, I bought 3 more copies as gifts. Wise Confidence is different from his other books as it’s more than a tutorial, self improvement book. It’s digs deep as he shares from past. He provides the tools and know how to let go of a person’s vulnerable conditioning of the past, to grow into the amazing potential you have inside yourself. Only on chapter 4, can’t wait to see the potential I find inside myself.
2 reviews
April 22, 2024
Having taken Giovanni's online meditation course and having read his previous books, I had high expectations for this one too.

As always, Giovanni did not disappoint. He goes about analyzing the topic very methodically, in a way that seems very easy and natural but, which requires in depth knowledge, understanding of the subject matter and the wisdom to strip the text from elaborate, confusing and pompous expressions and jargon.

A must read for anyone either facing confidence issues themselves or, wanting to help others overcome them.
1 review
April 22, 2024
I have been following Giovanni Dienstmann for about two on his his youtube channel.
Reading his Mindful Self Discipline has become a life changing experience for me.

This books takes the personal development from creating aspirational driven life of Mindful Self Discipline to self-transformation.
Book covers the concepts and methods about how to overcome conditioned identity.
It is full of practical methods to apply in daily life.
This book contains research, psychology, spiritualism all together blended and presented in
a balanced and concise way.


Highly recommended.
1 review
April 21, 2024
I am following Giovanni Dientsmann on insight timer since the last 18 months . I love his approach- profound and practical- rich and well documented. In this book, he covers the most important aspects of the subject- including spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, selh discipline, self development.

He definitely masters the subject: this book is a must read and is life changing!
Profile Image for Mark.
137 reviews
June 11, 2024
Epic. It has some real strengths. The writing is easy to read. The content is accessible and practical. The book doesn't talk down to you and feels like something real. The way it talks about self confidence feels useful and never drifts into being dry or abstract. I picked it up from a library and like it enough to buy a copy. The suggestions and exercises seem grounded and worth trying.
Profile Image for William Bookman III.
346 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2024
We are never too old to do worksheets. Even after school, we are still in school. Life can be one big schooling. It can be an opportunity to enrich our lives if we approach it and live like students. This is my practice and why this book presents a huge value for me. It is a text book for living your aspirational self.
Profile Image for Laura.
27 reviews
May 5, 2025
The quotes were overwhelming but overall a good book to read to improve your self confidence. I enjoyed the exercises and additional resources. Also appreciated the variety of books, people, and practices the information was obtained from. Very little religion/biblical applications mentioned in this book.
2 reviews
March 21, 2024
Giovanni Dienstmann's "Wise Confidence" goes beyond quick fixes. It offers a roadmap to cultivate lasting self-belief. Highly recommended for anyone seeking lasting self-confidence!
1 review2 followers
March 24, 2024
Very well written and insightful. It would be a great addition to any library.
1 review
April 22, 2024
This is a book that really helps. Giovanni is like always so clear in his teachings, easy to understand, but also deep.This book helps probably most people. i can really recomend it
1 review
November 26, 2024
This is a really amazing guide. I have read already the Mindful Self Discipline and Wise Confidence naturally complements and expands the techniques of the Mindful Self Discipline.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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