The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Brandon

The best self-help book on this topic ever. As simple as that.

​I have read a fair bit on the subject of self-esteem and psychology and generally have found it to be useless in most cases. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you're great; write a list of things you're good at; say three positive things about yourself every day for a month...Right.

This book is different. It focuses on taking control of yourself, living with integrity, self-awareness and responsibility. The six pillars result in self-respect as opposed to the shallow effects of telling yourself you are amazing.

Easy to read and to dip into, there are plenty of 'quotes' to remember. One of my favourites is 'no one's coming', meaning that you need to take charge of your own situation to change it instead of living like a martyr to your own self pity. It is a positive and practical book that guides you to live a life according to the six pillars. The result is self-respect.

I have never read a book of this type that avoids the faddiness of current buzz-words and concepts as this one does. I would recommend it to everyone who wants to live with integrity and purpose.

First published by  Bantam Press 1 February 1994.