Self Help Books And You

Finding Refuge in Self Help Books

 

 

 

manifestation miraclePeople always have questions to ask, and there are questions that they want to put forward but find it hard to do so. What is true is that people find it hard to admit to having problems. It is not easy to go to a friend and say that they need help, so they choose to find other ways to get the answers to their questions.

Self Help Books

Books are written for different reasons. Some books are written to entertain and some are written to inform. There are special types of informative books that are written by experts in the field of psychology and the like, and these books attempt to liberate people from their problems. Who knew that the bound sheets of paper can bring answers to people? If you want to know how to pick your life up from the slump, you can find a book that can enlighten you on the how’s and why’s. Many of these books are not even written by experts, but are written by ordinary people, based on their real life experiences and journeys.

Choosing the Right Book

All you have to learn is how to pick the right help available. You need to know how to spot a good read from one that will only waste your time. Here are some guidelines that will help you in your search:

Know your problem. What are you having problems with? What questions do you want answers to? To get exactly what you need, you have to specifically determine what it is that you are looking for. This is true. Some people go on with their lives, trying to figure out what is wrong within their lives and yet they do not know where to look and how to find something definitive and concrete. If you want solutions, you need to know the problem first it’s that plain and simple.

Read or listen? How would you like to learn from the book? Do you want to read it in the traditional method or would you like to get the audio version of the book and just listen to it? There are even DVD versions of the book, where you can watch and listen, instead of read and it comes complete with instructional videos and activities. When you choose a book, you have to know how you would like to conquer the book, so that you can get the most out of it.

Do your research. Finally, to make sure that you purchase the right self help, you have to take some time to study your different options. You will need to study the author, first and foremost; and this includes finding out more about this author, where he has come from, and how knowledgeable he is about the topic. You will also need to find something about the book itself. Look for reviews written by experts and ordinary readers. See how well it rates in the charts. It is important for you to know about the feedback the book was able to collect, so that you can have an idea of the usefulness of the literature you have decided to put your trust on.

To your success

Michael W

Michael W

Applying What You Learn In Self-help Books

You are essentially who you create yourself to be and all that occurs in your life is the result of your own making.” ― Stephen Richards, Think Your way to Success: Let Your Dreams Run Free

How to Apply What You Read in Self-Help Books

self-help booksSelf-help is an ancient tradition that is still going strong. Long before there were 250 varieties of chicken soup for the soul, advice-seekers were looking for answers in the Tao Te Ching or the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

Today, self-help is an $11 billion industry, with Amazon listing almost half a million choices in this popular category. According to some estimates, up to one-half of American adults have bought at least one title on weight loss, relationships, or other common concerns.

How do you find what you need in a selection so vast? Consider these tips for shopping for self-help books and translating what you read into concrete action.

What to Look For

  1. Check the science. Remember that you’re investing your hopes as well as the cover price of the book. Does it make realistic claims? Do the reviews suggest that it’s psychologically sound? Look closely at the author’s credentials and experience.
  2. Follow your faith. You may have an instant affinity with writers who share your religious beliefs. What are other members of your congregation reading?
  3. Know the target audience. Publishers often market to specific demographics. For example, the biggest buyers of self-help books are upper-income women on the east and west coasts. Ensure that the message seems pertinent to you.
  4. Feel engaged. Enjoy some laughter and entertainment while you’re enriching yourself. You’ll probably pay more attention to the text if you like the writing.
  5. Browse multiple categories. All kinds of books are taking a self-help angle. You may find the information you’re looking for in memoirs and fiction, as well as psychology and business.
  6. Stay up to date. Recent research may cast doubts on certain conclusions in books that used to be bestsellers. For example, many doctors and nutritionists now say that it’s okay to eat eggs regularly even if you’re watching your cholesterol.

How to Apply What You Read

  1. Consider counseling. While you can find valuable information in books, some situations may call for extra assistance. Talking with a therapist allows you to receive individual feedback and access medical care if necessary.
  2. Think critically. However popular a book is, you still need to evaluate whether it works for you. Beware of extravagant claims like, “Become a millionaire in thirty days!”
  3. Take small steps. Big changes often start with simple tasks. Look for tips that you can implement right away to build momentum and confidence.
  4. Go back for more. Some critics joke that self-help books don’t work because at least 80% of consumers buy more than one. Would you give up on a restaurant just because you wanted to eat again the next day? Becoming happier and stronger is a life-long process.
  5. Be flexible. You’re one of a kind. Check that a book encourages you to adapt the program to your own style. You might like to read a work cover to cover or you might browse chapters for takeaways you can try out immediately.
  6. Prepare for lapses. Sick children and leaky roofs can interfere with your plans. Does the author suggest what to do if you’re looking to get back on track after a few delays?
  7. Track your progress. How will you know if your reading is paying off? Some books have forms for setting and evaluating your goals, or you can design your own. Measuring your success creates great motivation.

Self-help books can teach you how to talk with your teenager, manage your diabetes, or enjoy more peace of mind. Shop wisely and put your new knowledge to work in your daily life.

Michael W

Michael W

 

Photo credits: “150 Psychology and junk self-help literature”- Helder da Rocha

CC license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/