Why Self-help Books Don’t Work and What You Can Do About It!

There really is a lot of value in all of those self-help books you buy. You’re seeking answers to problems you face day-to-day, especially answers to how to end painful patterns of dead-end dating and relationships. However, when the book is finished, that is if you do finish, you toss it in your collection and expect your life to automatically get better and your problems solved, right?

If it were only that easy!

What a self-help book IS:
An effective self-help book helps you to recognize that change is possible.
They help you think about things differently, do things differently, improve your actions, and change your life. An effective self-help book encourages a person to change their circumstances or behavior and tells them how.

What a self-help book is NOT:

Not all self-help books give sound advice. Some give advice that is not presented in a clear and simple format, and they do not give supported answers for how to change your circumstances. They make claims that are responsible for promoting false hope.
So, to give you some support in finding the right book for you and using it correctly, I have provided the 3 Big Tips you can use NOW when learning from self-help books.

Big Tip #1 – Do the research for the self-help book that is right for you. You’re randomly picking and choosing, and probably out of desperation, in hopes that your problems will be solved right away. Do the research. What answers are you looking for? What experts are prominent in the issues you need resolving? Get recommendations.

Big Tip #2 - You need to apply the tools and principles to your own life NOW. After reading for a while you start to feel the author is really speaking to you. It’s all making sense and you GET IT! You feel changed just by reading it. Then after the buzz wears off you get even more frustrated that your issues are still there.  Try this: It’s simple, but NOT easy. After each chapter, apply the tools offered, to your life RIGHT AWAY. Doing this consistently, you will start to see results over time.

Big Tip #3 – Go the extra mile and seek out different support outlets. You’ve convinced yourself that you have to do it alone with self-help materials. No one has to do anything alone, especially when it comes to changing painful behaviors. Seek the support systems that will help maximize the results you desire. There are a few ways you can get support while learning from your book.
1.  Start a discussion group in your home with other people who are reading the same book.
2.  Hire a life coach to help you implement the book’s strategies while helping you stay accountable. Like I mentioned earlier, applying tips, strategies and advice right away is the perfect way to see change happen.
3.  Start a discussion on Facebook.

Let’s recap: When choosing the right self-help materials that will eventually lead you on the path to serious life lasting changes and to make those deep-to-the-core breakthroughs, remember this: Get the self-help materials that are right for you, practice principles and exercises everyday in your life and get support.

Also, remember, none of this is easy. It takes time, willingness and the perseverance to change the things you need to change in your life.

YOU CAN DO IT!