confidence tips aren't actually helping you

Girl, Wash Your Face is a self-help book that combines memoir, motivational tips, Bible quotations, and common-sense advice. The book is structured around 20 lies that the author, Rachel Hollis, once believed about herself and how she overcame them. Each chapter focuses on a specific lie, such as 'I'll start tomorrow' or 'I am defined by my weight,' and provides personal anecdotes and practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles. The book emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, self-reliance, and living with passion and purpose. It also includes elements of Hollis's own life experiences, from her family background to her career and personal relationships, making it a relatable and motivational read for many women.

In this New York Times bestseller, Dr. Lois P. Frankel reveals over 130 behaviors that women learn in girlhood which can sabotage their careers as adults. The book provides practical advice on how to eliminate these unconscious mistakes, such as avoiding office politics, multi-tasking excessively, failing to negotiate, and inappropriate use of social media. Frankel offers coaching tips to help women develop the social and business skills necessary to advance in their careers and achieve leadership roles.

In 'Lean In,' Sheryl Sandberg combines personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to address the challenges women face in their careers. The book encourages women to 'sit at the table,' seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto. Sandberg provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, while also discussing the importance of work-life balance and equal partnership in household responsibilities. The book aims to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can, and it recognizes the structural and internal barriers that women face in achieving leadership roles.

Unbound: A Woman's Guide to Power is a comprehensive guide that offers precise, practical instruction on how women can stand in their power, find their voice, and use it effectively. The book, written by Kasia Urbaniak, draws from her unique experiences as a dominatrix and her training to become a Taoist nun. It addresses common issues such as why women often feel reluctant to speak up in meetings or difficult conversations and how they can overcome these barriers. The book teaches women how to embrace their desires, navigate resistance, flip power dynamics, and create new roles for the people in their lives. It is part manual, part manifesto, and part behind-the-scenes look, aiming to help women live their most satisfying and powerful lives by breaking ingrained conditioning and mastering influential conversations.

Women Don't Owe You Pretty is a book that explores intersectional feminism, discussing topics like body positivity, consent, and internalized misogyny. It serves as an accessible introduction to feminist thought, urging readers to question societal expectations and embrace self-love. The book is illustrated by Florence Given and includes personal reflections and advice on navigating relationships and societal pressures.