5 Awesome Self Help Resources for More Social Confidence
Here’s a list of 5 books and a video that I highly recommend. Whether you just feel low in social confidence occasionally or you feel socially anxious often these resources are definitely worth a look.
I've read them all and love them! While none are absolutely perfect (is anything??) these resources all have very helpful information focused on empowering you to feel confident and live your life to the fullest.
If you’d love a good read that could enhance your social confidence, give one or two of the following resources a try.
1. “You Are a BadAss: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero
Jen Sincero has a super casual tone (as you can tell by the title) that feels like a bold friend talking to you. This book was a New York Times Bestseller. Jen Sincero tells some stories we can all identify with and provides encouragement in a fun way. It’s all about finding your true self and feeling bold enough to express who you are.
2. Video - “The Power of Introverts” the Ted Talk by Susan Cain. (Author of Quiet)
Let me make something clear before I recommend this video. Being an introvert is NOT the same as social anxiety. However, many people who experience social anxiety are introverts.
Regardless of whether you are an introvert or an extrovert you should watch this video. It is inspiring, informative and fun. Susan Cain is an introvert activist. Her book Quiet is a must-read and her TED Talk is a must-see.
It’s one of the most educational feel-good videos out there. If you are an introvert or you know one, you should watch (takes 20 minutes) this video .Watch complete video here.
3. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life” by Mark Manson
You’ve probably heard of this book. It’s another one I love and also another New York Times Bestseller with an “off-colour” name. The focus of this book is letting go of the need to please others and the need for approval that we can so easily get caught up in.
Author Mark Manson also talks a lot about discovering and being true to your life purpose (which as you know I feel is an important first step for everyone but especially those with social anxiety).
4. “Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook: Proven, Step-by-Step Techniques For Overcoming Your Fear” by Martin M. Antony, PhD & Richard P. Swinson, MD
This book is a classic written by two Canadians, university professors and clinicians. The workbook is perhaps a little dry by some standards but it is an award winning and very comprehensive as it includes exercises you can follow.
The great part about it is the tools and exercises it provides that are typical of some that you might complete in therapy. It’s a very comprehensive DIY add-on to therapy that many clinicians provide their clients with for learning to cope with social anxiety.
5. “The Anxious Girl’s Guide to Dating” by Hattie C. Cooper
Hattie Cooper absolutely rocks! Even though she suffers from anxiety she is one of the most open, humourous, friendly, authentic writers. You will fall in love with her charm as she leads you through her dating struggles and triumphs.
6. "How to Be Yourself - Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety" by Ellen Hendriksen.
This is another awesome book written by a young woman with lived experience with social anxiety. She explores the myths about social anxiety and emphasizes the fact that over 40% of people in North America consider themselves quiet or shy. It's normal to feel socially anxious at times and the more we can stop shaming ourselves about these feelings the more comfortable we will feel.
Another thing I like about this book is that Ellen explores ways to replace the toxic thoughts of our inner critic with realistic healthy more positive thoughts - something I also focus alot on in my courses and coaching.
This book is so worth reading and I think you will love her style and emphasis on learning to be more like you than trying to be like someone else.
Stay Tuned for More Awesome Self-Help Books, Videos, Online Programs and Other Resources to build your Social Confidence
Want to print out this info or refer to it later? You can download the PDF version here.
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