The Self-Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem

by Barbara Markway

Build self-confidence for a better life - an audio workbook full of tools.

Self-confidence begins with knowing yourself. From facing fears to practicing acceptance and self-compassion, The Self Confidence Workbook offers practical, accessible strategies to get to know your best self and see real-world results.

Barbara Markway, PhD, a licensed psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience, and writer Celia Ampel help you vanquish the demons of self-doubt and guide you through real-life self-confidence landmines like relationships, work, and health. With a goal-oriented approach, these proven strategies silence the self-critic within and guide you toward living your best life with confidence.

Walk out on stage, ask for a raise, write a blog post, or ask someone out on a date. Adapted for audio, this self confidence workbook helps you achieve whatever you set your mind to,

A five-step program that begins with setting goals and uses evidence-based strategies to foster acceptance, mindfulness, self-compassion, etc. Interactive exercises that include reflections, checklists, and quizzes to foster self-confidence A guide to understanding self-confidence that defines what it means to be confident, and determines your level of self-confidence as a starting reference Remember who you are, what you value, and gain self confidence in all areas of your life with The Self Confidence Workbook.

2018 Althea Press. Produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Personal Development, Mental Health, Self Esteem, Health

Audible Audio

First published October 9, 2018

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read. I read this book for myself and to review for recommendation to a few I know who could use a confidence boost. Some good activities, suggestions, and tools. Good description of some well-known therapy models. After reading, I identified a few tools and daily practices I will put in place to promote overall well being.

[Valerie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally started this workbook with the therapist I left for being a lil anti-vax conspiracy nut….. anyways! I found much of this workbook to be incredibly helpful. It does a great job of examining confidence as a concept, how it forms (or doesn’t), how it can be shaped and then walking you through tangible strategies that can help you improve it.

I LOVE chapters 5 and 6 on countering negative self-talk and examining and challenging your core beliefs. Having a deeply rooted negative sense of self from a very young age is something I’ve spent years coping with in some not-so-healthy ways. Changing my core beliefs about myself seemed daunting- but the strategies in the book feel genuinely helpful and applicable to my life. There is a sense of empowerment in taking action of any kind, even in small steps. The workbooking aspect made the read so much more meaningful. I enjoyed jotting notes on what strategies could work for me, what my goals are, how to break down my goals, what negative thought patterns I have, what a good friend would say to those thoughts, what the realistic outcomes of anxiety-producing situations could be, etc.

I can’t say my anxiety or self-esteem is magically cured, but I can say that by the end of this book I was able to write positively myself in a way that surprised me. In comparison to just 6 months ago, I am so much more accepting of my own inherent worth, and so much better at recognizing and feeling proud of the little successes in my life journey. It might seem bare minimum, but it feels really good to say I am worthy of treating myself well, worthy of trying things without deeming myself a failure, worthy of kindness.

[Stephanye Hernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful book with immediate results!!

I was in denial that any type of change would come from this book and I am glad to see that I proved myself wrong. I read this book slowly, really trying to grasp all the concepts every chapter had to offer. It took me about 3 months to complete it and wow, looking back at my notes from the first 2 chapters was mind blown on how much my confidence and thought process changed for the better. I feel more confident and in love with myself after reading this book. I have put into action many lessons in this book and they have worked in nurturing me and picking my crippling self-confidence up. I am so glad I read it, and will encourage anyone going thru a dark period of self doubt and lack of confidence to give this book a try.

[Amruta Jadhav · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me understand myself better and is a gem. It brilliantly defines what confidence is and what it isn't. Now, I have an entire toolkit for-practicing acceptance, being in the present moment, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, and facing fears. The author has designed the exercises & quizzes based on the psychological therapies like CBT, ACT, Exposure, and Mindfulness. This book has definitely increased my interest in human psychology and would continue reading about the human mind & behavior.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

آموختن، رشد کردن و تغییر پروسه های همیشگی هستند.

[Faheem Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The contents of the book thoroughly compliments the title, as this is a practical workbook with practical and sound advice for boosting self-confidence. Having quotes from famous people throughout history at the beginning of each chapter (and in between) gave the book a diffent flavor that helps to get through the exercises that people may tend to skip over in a work like this. Great work!

[Kari Mccrory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides some great tools for building self confidence and recognizing that we all have gifts to share.

[Ashley Roggow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from the Callisto Publisher's club and I love it. Most people could use more self confidence and this actually gives you good exercises and activities to embrace all parts of yourself and find confidence. It's got quizzes and like writing prompts and talks about acceptance, facing fears, embracing your body and more. I highly recommend.

[KBowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some Good Advice

This book offers good advice, but seems long and drawn out. I just don't feel confidence can be found from the info provided.

[Jennifer Dramis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and helpful

[Maryana · Rating 5 out of 5]

De todos los libros de autoayuda que he leído este sin duda es mi favorito. Un libro fácil de leer, entender y llevar a cabo la serie de ejercicios y preguntas que deberíamos de hacernos alguna vez en nuestra vida. Este libro me ha abierto otra perspectiva hacia mi yo interior y, me ha dado fuerzas a llevar mi autoestima arriba.

Soy una persona realmente con confianza y autoestima baja, y puedo decir que gracias a los ejercicios propuestos por la psicóloga Barbara, he logrado entender los problemas de mi interior que no me dejaban avanzar ni abrirme a mí misma.

Recomiendo muchísimo este libro, aunque tengáis o no confianza en vosotros mismos, los ejercicios, las prácticas y la teoría propuesta por la psicóloga, harán entender mejor vuestro sentimientos hacia vosotros mismos, y hacia el entorno que os rodea. Además, ayudará a sobrellevar los pensamientos negativos, los miedos y todos esas frustraciones que llevábamos escondidas en nuestro interior.

[Natalia Cazac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for improving your confidence.
Prepare to work as you progress through each chapter.
It teaches you how to identify your main negative thoughts and work on reducing and neutralising them. Not only that but much more.
Would highly recommend.
📍''Stay afraid, but do it anyway, What's important is the action. You don't have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.''
📍''Confidence is about being rooted in who you really are.''
📍''Self-confidence: the willingness to take steps toward valued goals, even if you're anxious and the outcome is unknown.''

[John Anchery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been living in an abusive household for like 16 years because of which, I've developed a pitiful personality based on fear and anxiety. But this book has sparked the flame of emotional growth and prosperity which was much needed for my soul

This book has become my Bible now. I read it whenever I feel depressed or anxious and it boosts my self-confidence

This is one of the books that have made me realize the power of reading

This book also made me realize the power of therapy

Sept 23, 2022

[melissa moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tested it out for a friend

I was looking to give this book to a friend I thought could benefit from it but figured I should try it out first before recommending it. I went through the workbook and despite, imo, not having a serous self confidence issue, I was still able to retract a lot of helpful information and exercises I plan on employing in my daily life. I definitely recommend this for my friend and I hope she gets a lot out of it or is at least receptive.

[Tiago Giusti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acho que a autora fez um trabalho sensacional aqui. Reuniu os melhores elementos que temos na psicologia e organizou junto atividades práticas muito interessantes, que tem funcionado bem pra mim. Leitura fluida, sem enrolação e muito didática. Ps. Comecei ler este depois de ter pausado o livro "Velocidade da confiança" (Covey), porque entendi que não tem como você inspirar confiança, confiar nos outros, sem antes confiar em você mesmo.

[Billrouseado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the book through Audible and it gave me the impression that the book was meant to be written on like a textbook. I ended up buying the physical copy, and I plan on using this as a weekly read based on the activities provided in this book. They're pretty easy to grasp thanks to the way the details are explained. I'll come back to this review later after I really get into it, but overall my first impressions with it are very good.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful. Full of actual strategies that work. Self compassion is also a key they take into consideration, as are your values. I have a learned new things I am really grateful for. I had this book from the library but will buy it as it's really worth to read and work through certain chapters for different fears in your life or goals you wish to reach and stay stuck with. Absolute recommended.

[maureenkirkwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have my just finished this book. And it was very informative and helpful I did a lot of the exercises. Which got me. Exam my feeling and break tho stuff and get me to.try harder stuff and how to handle. Thinks tho breAthing tech to move the doubt. And I am going to keep.the book in my lib on my tablet very good book

[Daleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in conjuction with my therapy and it's a great book that has everything I need in one place.
Definitely recommend if this something you struggle with, even if you're not at the point to seek a professional. It's way better and wwwwaaayyy more helpful than those "self-help" books written by influencers.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente!

Me encanto este libro. Se utilizan ejercicios de acuerdo a nuestras necesidades y se amoldan a nuestra vida actual. En mi caso, me recomendaron este libro para complementar mis terapias y desde el comienzo fue acertado. Tendrás las herramientas aquí para progresar y conocerte.

[Catherine A. Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice, unfortunately secular.

Lots of good advice, but seems deliberately to eschew truths of religion in favor of "whatever you think". Good for the particular goal of building self-confidence, but missing the opportunity to affirm the whole person in truth rather than neglect truth for the sake of book sales.

[Grace❣️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so helpful with my anxiety! It’s more centered towards people with anxiety so if you have bad anxiety plus confidence, it will teach you how to change your mindset and set realistic goals for yourself. The last chapter ensures that you will keep all those goals in place after you’ve read the book!

[Lenke K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Átlag problémákkal szembesülő átlag embereknek kiváló módszereket és tanácsot biztosít ez a könyv. Ellenben magasan funkcionáló szakmákban levő személyek számára ez a könyv csupán az alapokat mutatja be, hogyan birkózz meg a szembejövő problémákkal, amelyeket elég nagy valószínűséggel már maguktól megoldottak első vagy X-edik próbálkozás után. Számukra más könyv volna alkalmasabb.

[Janine Farrugia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Very well-written and understandable- this books looks at a lack of self confidence from every angle one may be experiencing it and offers realistic coping mechanisms to help individuals improve themselves.

[Risa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to help some students who struggle with self-confidence. I wanted to see if there was advice here that I’d not thought of. Though the answer is “No”, this is an easy read and may be helpful to those who lack access to coaching and/or therapy and/or thoughtful mentoring.

[Billie Cotterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished. I wanted to read the book completely before I started actually doing the exercises.

[Ammarah Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Loved loved loved it! Very helpful! I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling with self confidence :) it’s great

[Jesse Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!

What a great book!! So much information and burn worksheets to work through and make super you're getting the grasp of what you're reading and attempting

[Simone Mcfadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for someone who lacks confidence. There are some brilliant techniques to try and improve your confidence along with some beautiful quotes

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Very helpful book with many doable teachniques. Really helped me in my self confidence journey. Easy read with interactive style.