Do Self Help Books Even Work?
Kelly was telling me this morning that she felt a little bad about making fun of her mom’s library of self-help books. But then she also quipped …
They don’t work anyway.
She didn’t intend it that way, but I almost took it a little personally.
I did however ponder the question …
Do they work???
And what does “worked” even mean in the context of self-help?
Funny thing about human nature; we often want/expect to see the results of our actions immediately!!! Unfortunately, in many cases personal growth is kind of like planting a tree.
There will almost certainly be benefits down the road.
But you’re likely to be disappointed if you’re hoping for shade right now.
Don’t get me wrong, there are times when a couple of sentences from a book I’m reading jump right off the page and almost immediately help with a problem.
But far more often, something I read 20 or 25 years ago (combined with the experience I’ve gained since) provides me with the (mental) tools I need to address some of life’s more perplexing situations in the present.
One more thing …
Much of that experience came through messing up and not following the advice that I read in those books.
So I ask again …
Do self-help books work?
The unsatisfying answer is that it probably depends a bit where you are in the timeline, what specific guidance you’re referring to, and how you (subjectively) define the word “worked”.
Personally, I’m quite happy that I’ve read most of the books I have; even if many of the changes promised on the back cover haven’t necessarily come true … yet.
Kelly and I ended our conversation with me pointing out that she’s told me many times how different (in a good way) her mom is now compared to when Kelly was growing up.
Sure, she retorted:
But it has nothing do with those books. 🙃
Your turn:
What has been your experience or impression when it comes to self-help books?
Til next time,
~ Todd
p.s. if you’re not a subscriber yet, I’d love to have your join our little group. If you do already subscribe, thank you! Please consider sharing this post with others:
