Are Self Help Books Helpful or Harmful?

Are you new to the world of self help books and looking for the best place to start?  A quick trip to your local bookstore or a search on Amazon will quickly show you that there are thousands of books to choose from, but how do you know which are right for you?  And when you start buying these books, how do you know when to stop?  Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular self-help books….

If you want your career to improve, then the best and most popular self help book is by far What Color Is Your Parachute by Richard N. Bolles.  This book has been incredibly popular for many years now and is considered almost the bible for people seeking work or changing their careers.  It claims to have helped thousands of people find the jobs that are perfect for them.

Another great selection is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey.  This book can help you change everything about your life so that you are both effective and organized.  Many people have no idea how much life can change when you manage to be effective in everything from action to communication.

If it is your interaction skills that you would like to improve, consider Please Understand Me by Marilyn Bates.  This book explains character and temperament types so that you can better understand and communicate with yourself and others.

These books are great for almost anyone and can help you get off to the right foot with self help.  The only thing to be aware of as you read is that buying these books is just the first step.  If you don’t have the will-power or the time to take the steps recommended in these books, you may just be throwing money away.  Also remember that buying a mountain of self-help books does not mean any guaranteed results.  Reading the book is just the first step – the rest is up to you.