How did he manage to maintain that impressive self-esteem and self-confidence? Mandela focused on his vision of South Africa as a country free of racial oppression, where every man, woman, and child could have the same opportunity for success and happiness. This focus allowed him to transform his ordeal into a source of strength. He saw each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow, each rejection as a test of his resolve.

From You Are Not a Failure, chapter 5: Failure: The school of the greats

Self-control enhances our ability to face challenges with determination and mental clarity. It also teaches us to make more informed and effective decisions under pressure. Instead of reacting impulsively, self-control helps us maintain a positive and proactive perspective, rationally evaluating situations to find the best solutions. With practice and patience, it is possible to develop mastery in the art of controlling our reactions, which inevitably leads to personal and professional success.

From You Are Not a Failure, chapter 3: Resilience: The muscle of the soul

These passages come straight from the books. So, if one of them speaks to you, read the full chapter. It goes further, and it ends with a practical exercise.

In addition, these titles look at books for self confidence from different angles. Each one opens with a passage from the book. Then, pick the one closest to your situation.

• I Want to Start a Business but I'm a Coward: Find Out Which of Your Fears Are Telling the Truth
• I Want to Start a Business but I'm a Coward: Eleven Fears, Checked Against the Evidence
• I Want to Start a Business but I'm a Coward: Eleven Chapters, Eleven Fears, One Evening Each
• Find Out Which Fears Are Telling the Truth: I Want to Start a Business but I'm a Coward
• I Want to Start a Business but I'm a Coward: Find Out Which Fears Are Telling the Truth
• I'm a Coward: I Want to Start a Business, and Eleven Fears Say Don't
• But I'm a Coward: I Want to Start a Business. Find Out Which Fears Are Telling the Truth.
• When the Coward Is Right: I Want to Start a Business, and Eleven Fears to Check First

Pick the fear that stops you, then answer three quick questions. The result tells you whether this fear is giving you facts or just noise.

The fear that stops me

Losing my savingsFailing in front of people I knowLosing the security of my jobNot being good enoughGetting into debtLetting my family down

Honestly, how likely is it to happen?

50%

If it happened, could you recover within two years?

YesNo

Could you test it this month without spending much?

YesNo

Check my fear.

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Finally, You Are Not a Failure goes deeper into books for self confidence. Therefore, it is the natural next step. You can read it or listen to it in the stores below. It is also available in 11 languages.

Go to the book page. All topics.

• How to start a business.Diego Segura's books begin somewhere else: with a small test you can run this week, a first paying customer, and costs kept close to zero.
• Business ideas.Lists of business ideas are everywhere, but a list can't tell you which idea fits you.
• Online business ideas.Online business ideas look easy because the tools are cheap.
• Low risk business ideas.These passages show how to limit the downside, so that fear doesn't decide for you.