I know, as performers, we are all on top of our Uta Hagen and Stanislavsky, but building confidence and goal setting in our careers is just as important as studying the greats. Here are books that I wish I had read as a teen. Pair one of these with one of your acting books this month to build yourself into a confident, talented, and goal-oriented performer.

1. Big Magic: Creative Living Through Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

It even says it in the title! Elizabeth Gilbert gives her examination of a creative living with fear. And if you have an idea, make sure to grab with both hands because according to Elizabeth, it may just go to a willing participant. Spark creativity with this read.

Get the book here.

2. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

“Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want.” I wholeheartedly believe we, as creatives, are constantly fighting with this. Our entire careers are based on people telling us if we are good enough. Take a second and realize you are a badass!

Get the book here.

3. GOALS by Brian Tracy

I know we are supposed to be so into our process, reacting not acting but with all these methods…sometimes we get nothing done. Brian gives you the tools to turn your whimsical dreams into concrete plans.

Get the book here.

4. Acting as a Business by Brian O’Neil

Most of the time we are so focused on breaking into show business that we forget we are our own business. Brian has great strategies that every actor can implement to ensure success.

Get the book here.

5. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz

I side-eyed my father when he first gave me this book but then stay up almost a full 24 hours reading it! Why not have stars in your eyes and grandeur in your heart? The only person limiting your life is you. Why think small?

Find the book here.

6. #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso

You are probably asking why this book is on this list when the Netflix original based on her life didn’t get a second season? She talks about the art of not caring what other people think, how she learned every aspect of her industry, and being successful while still being yourself.

Get the book here.

7. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Such a great insight on how we should strive to go bigger when we are vulnerable. Being vulnerable is the best place to be; that’s where we grow. As actors, we are constantly vulnerable whether intentionally for a role or simply by putting ourselves out there at an audition.

Get the book here.

8. A New Model by Ashley Graham

This body positive advocate is proof that with a dream and rock hard stubbornness, you can achieve your dreams and maybe even break barriers. Great read for anyone in this industry.

Get the book here.

9. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Cheesy, I know, but I love the old adage, “If you believe it, you can achieve it.” I am a huge advocate for visualization and vision boards. Plus, the book just gets you in a great mood and motivated to tackle that next goal!

Get the book here.

10. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Rich can mean more than one thing. Napoleon gives 15 strategies to become your richest self. Along the same lines of The Secret, Napoleon Hill hones in on the power of the brain and the imagination. As well as the idea that you create your own destiny with your thoughts.

Get the book here.