How you choose your self-help books matters
Most of us like to mix our own ‘hit and miss self-improvement cocktail!’ We either choose our self-development/self-help books randomly; based on either gut feel, a friend’s recommendation, the latest trend/book charts, or even by a familiar celebrity face or attractive design on the cover.
Or sometimes we are drawn to a specific trigger word or phrase - seduced by promises of a better and happier life. Either way, what we don't do is ask ourselves simple questions to make sure our choice is the right one (at the right time) for us.
The truth is randomly mixing self-help can end up weakening everything you are trying to achieve. So, what's the solution?
Before you buy your next self-help book, stop. Then modify by asking yourself:
Where does this new intervention fit in alongside some of the other self-development stuff I am trying out? Will adding another focus dilute what you are already doing?
Might this new book work better if you had a deeper understanding of something else first. For example, a new diet book might have a much more positive impact if you already know how to make new good habits stick.
How will you remember the content when the book is finished. Is there a way from the start you can take notes or plan out how you will recall the content when you need it most?
Take a little time to compare before you make your final selection! As a rule, we don't seem to mind spending ages agonising over a new outfit, but bizarrely when it comes to our mental health, we are happy to jump in after only reading a paragraph on the back of a book! Instead, if there is a title that triggers your interest, check out other similar books to ensure you have picked the very best one for you on the topic.
Still not sure about where to start. Check out modify (the workbook), it’s a prequel to self-development that will empower all your next choices.