The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self-Confidence [Paperback]

Robert Anthony (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 1986

Anthony reveals the step-by-step principles for building self-confidence that have changed thousands of lives. This classic features advice on tapping into creative imagination, clearing the mind of fear, worry, and guilt, communication skills, and goal setting.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert Anthony, a prominent psychologist, is also the author of such books as Dr. Robert Anthony' s Advanced Formula for Total Success and Doing What You Love, Loving What You Do.

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (November 15, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425101703
• ISBN-13: 978-0425101704
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,767 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

129 of 134 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Title should be - 30 Days to Total Self-Confidence., April 6, 2003

By 

Harinath Thummalapalli (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self-Confidence (Paperback)

This is an easy to read paperback that's only about 200 pages long. An hour or two per day will help you get to the end of the book in about a week. It then takes 21 days to break your old habits and reinforce the new ones that you desire.

Dr. Anthony's premise is that most of our problems with self-confidence, self-esteem and success can be traced back to our belief systems, habit patterns and level of awareness. He says that unless you accept that your current level of awareness totally dictates what you get out of life, you cannot change anything. According to the book, one's awareness is a result of one's belief systems. So, our belief systems are what limit us from achieving our potential.

We are trapped by our belief systems because of strong habit patterns. These habit patterns are a survival mechanism so we don't have to spend too much time figuring out how to respond in different situations. But, they also keep us on the same path in life. So, in order to get on the success path (if you are not on it already), it is necessary to start changing our belief systems. It isn't enough to realize that we are wrong about some of our beliefs, but we actually have to change our old habits and form some new ones to replace these old habits. The author believes that it takes about 21 days to break an old habit and form a new one.

It is a very simple theory but it has worked for a lot of people who have faith in this theory. I have myself utilized it at various points in my life when I felt that I wasn't going anywhere in life. A lot of people that I recommendeded this book to have found it useful too. The title sounds a little corny, but I guess the publishers used it to get people's attention. But this book is really about changing your life and the tools that help you do it quickly and effectively.

There is a lot more meat to the book than I have described here but it is definitely a pleasurable journey that the author helps you take. This book is one of my top 10 favorite books ever. I have bought several copies of this inexpensive book and given them out as gifts to my friends and family. Ignore the title and enjoy this gem of a book. Have fun improving the quality of your life!

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best confidence book you'll ever find, March 11, 2004

By 

"francois101" (montreal, canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self-Confidence (Paperback)

I have bought on amazon a lot of book and never wrote one review. I did this one because i think i own it to dr. robert anthony. This book change my life. It's not pep talk, it's an eye opener. With his help you become aware of the truth about yourself. I used to wish i was someone else, but now i don't LOOK UP TO ANYONE FOR ANY REASON. I prefer to be myself. I also bought the audio version of the book that i listen every day in my car.

It's the last book i bought on self improvement because i realize that low self esteem was the fondation of all the thing that was going wrong in my life.

82 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Lame., October 6, 2000

By 

William Walton (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self-Confidence (Paperback)

Maybe I had false expectations of this book, but, what I was hoping for was some practical information on how to actually become more self confident in my day to day life. This book simply states some of the characteristics of a self confident person. It never really tells you how to obtain those characteristics. For example, Secret #3 (Chapter 3) of total self confidence is "The Art of Self Acceptance." Basically, what the author says is that you can never be better than your own self-esteem. You must have a positive self esteem. He then goes on for the remainder of the chapter to talk about all the causes and characteristics of a low self esteem. Well, that's great, but what I want to know is...how do I actually create a positive self esteem? The author tells you what to do...but he never actually tells you how. Keep a positive mental attitude, remember people's names, don't worry about the past...these are all great ideas on paper, but how do you actually do these things?

In addition, the author spends a significant portion of the book on the topic of meditation and on what he calls the "Superconscious Mind," a large pool of all knowledge that everyone can draw from. I think that's fine that he believes this but he makes such universal statements as, "Every great thinker, philosopher, theologian, mystic or scientist has disagreed with his colleagues on many things but the one thing on which they all agree is that there is only one Mind in the universe." I'm sorry but how can you say that they all agree on this? It's just not true.

Don't waste your money or your time on this book. I've read quite a few self-help books and this is not a good one. In my opinion, the best book about increasing your self-confidence that I have read is "Awaken the Giant Within" by Anthony Robbins.