Self-help books have become a part of book lovers' reading lists. Self-help books are written with the intention of helping readers become more self-aware. They shed light on how to overcome various personal and professional problems.
In many bookstores, the most highlighted part is the section on self-improvement books. The success of these books lies in the fact that they help readers through guidance. Many of us are confused about different things, and these books help us get out of these confusions. They provide a sense of understanding and help in strengthening our beliefs.
Many times, we are unable to tackle various issues in our lives properly. They show us a path and make us feel more responsible toward our duties. Self-help books are based on different themes.
Self-help books are for students, working professionals, and people in general who want personal and career-oriented growth. These books can also be guiding lights for people who don't have a significant amount of awareness regarding their own self-sabotaging behaviours. By reading them, they will become more aware and can take the necessary steps to stop unwanted habits. Additionally, these books teach them the consequences of their behaviour and its impact on the people around them.
Types of Self-Help Books
There are several types of self-help books, such as those based on lifestyle and health. They discuss healthy lifestyles, diets, and nutrition. Another type is step-guideline books that provide step-by-step procedures and instructions. There are also recovery books that guide readers on how to leave tobacco, alcohol, and other addictions healthily. One more type is exercise-related books that include practice sheets. Based on different fields of life and interest, one can find numerous self-help books.
Advantages of Self-Help Books:
- Changes Perspective: A lot of times, the things we assume to be problems are tests to check our ability to overcome them. A little shift in perspective can change our entire approach to tackling problems.
- Break Limited Thought Patterns: Many writers share their life experiences in self-help books. This inspires readers to overcome their limiting beliefs and build the confidence to improve their lives.
- Growth and Tracking Progress: The most valuable lesson from self-help books is the importance of tracking progress. This keeps you on track and motivates you to show up every day.
- Inspired Actions: They foster strong willpower to take inspired actions, leading to more trust and confidence in those actions.
Disadvantages of Self-Help Books:
- Addiction to Accumulation of Knowledge: Reading too many self-help books can lead to the accumulation of knowledge without taking practical actions, potentially causing anxiety.
- Acceptance: Reading self-help books can make us believe that they provide the only way forward, leading us to stop learning. Opinions can change based on circumstances, so we should remain open-minded towards other people's opinions and perspectives.
- Beginner-Friendly: Most self-help books are beginner-friendly for readers. They offer a good start and rhythm for people wanting to develop a reading habit or those feeling lost in life. However, for long-term growth, actionable steps are necessary; simply reading isn't enough.
- Delusional Mindset: Consuming excessive self-help guidance can lead to delusional thinking. Some books have exaggerated content that can make readers superstitious, leading them to believe that they can achieve a task in one or two days without acknowledging the need for consistency and hard work.
Here is the list of a few self-help books:
The Gifts of Imperfection
This book is written by Brené Brown, who is a professor, lecturer, author, and podcast host. The book sheds light on how to embrace our inner imperfections since nobody in this world is perfect.
We need to accept our flaws and work towards creating an incomparable life - Atomic Habits.
This New York Times Bestseller is written by James Clear. You can refer to his website, jamesclear.com. This book is based on the usefulness of building good habits. It contains self-improvement tips. It discusses maintaining small habits and achieving goals. It includes chapter-wise explanations of the advantages of building good habits.
Overall, a long-term dependency on self-help books is only for people who want external changes or short-term growth. Before picking up a self-help book, did you question yourself about what this self is? That's where the real journey starts. Books and Genres Beyond Self-Help Hero Within: Six Archetypes We Live By By Carol S. Pearson. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Novella by Robert Louis Stevenson
For people who are ready to explore and dive into the ocean of books and reading, these books will surely enhance their understanding and awareness. These recommendations are not only thought-provoking but also fascinating.
Conclusion
Books are humans' best friends in terms of knowledge and guidance. They can introduce you to knowledge and perspectives that you may have never dreamt of. Books are like a secret safe space to travel in time, cry, vent out feelings, and feel seen, heard, and understood. Self-help books can surely help you explore the magic of words and the beautiful fragrance of printed ink.
Balancing the advantages and disadvantages, self-help books are only a baby step on the path of life. Even many self-help books are recognised in the genre of personal development.
The journey is far beyond self-help books. To build a reading habit, surely you can add these books to your list, but don't be hyper-dependent on them. Ultimately, reading them should inspire you to build your own system. The aim is to discover your own tune and flow.