Why Reading Self-Help Books Is Not Useless?

There is a lot of buzz lately suggesting that reading self-help books are useless and a waste of time. However, you should disregard these negative opinions. Self-help books are actually highly valuable resources that offer useful guidance in many fields. 

It would be inaccurate to deem a self-help book useless if one has derived knowledge from it. Learning is inherently valuable and rarely devoid of merit.

It is possible for a self-help book to lack substance and fail to offer meaningful insights if authored by an unqualified individual, resulting in the reader’s inability to effectively apply the knowledge. However, if one learns from a self-help book and succeeds in applying the knowledge, and reaps the benefits, then it can be regarded as success and success is never useless.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the supposed uselessness of self-help books. However, it’s essential to dig deeper and understand the reasons behind these rumors. By exploring the numerous advantages of self-help books, we can appreciate why they continue to be popular.

Negative rumors about self-help books are widespread due to people’s inclination to be attracted to negative headlines. Negative headlines tend to grab attention more effectively and generate a higher click-through rate compared to positive news.

Writers earn more revenue through advertisements displayed on articles that receive greater click-through rates. If an article fails to attract readers, it won’t generate ad revenue or drive product sales on their pages. 

As a blogger, I grasp the concept of ad revenue and product sales based on the number of people clicking. However, I make sure to avoid using such practices just to attract clicks.

Why Do People Like Negative News?

Negative news tends to be more attractive to people and has a stronger emotional impact. The preference for negative news can be attributed to various factors. Negative events often evoke stronger emotions such as fear, anger, or sadness, which can grab our attention and make news events more memorable.

Additionally, negative news may be perceived as more urgent and triggering our survival instincts and pushing us to pay closer attention. In contrast, positive news, although uplifting, may not have the same intensity of emotional impact and can be less attention-grabbing.

Consequently, negative news can be found on almost any topic, ranging from the dangers of water consumption to the potential negative effects of exercise. Clickbait tactics are often employed, using extreme situations to fit a specific narrative to entice viewers. For individuals prone to paranoia with constant worrying, this constant search for negative information can exacerbate their concerns, as they are compelled to find something negative to worry about.

The same applies to self-help books, which have transitioned from being viewed as beneficial and positive to being targeted with clickbait articles claiming their uselessness and waste of time. It is not unlikely that you soon might an article asserting that breathing is harmful and everyone should stop breathing.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these articles and delve into the reasons why it is crucial for everyone to resist falling for clickbait titles. These writers possess remarkable skills in crafting their words, making it possible for them to deceive almost anyone.

However, upon clicking on an article with a title like “Why Drinking Water is Bad,” you quickly realize that the negativity is often limited to extreme situations. These articles might caution against consuming excessively large quantities of water, such as 5 gallons daily, which is uncommon and contrary to common sense.

There are articles out there that suggest exercise can be detrimental to one’s health. However, upon closer examination, these articles often advise against engaging in excessive workout routines, such as spending five hours a day exercising which can lead to over-training. Something that maybe a beginner weight lifter might be unaware of.

Some skilled YouTubers are experts at using clickbait titles to attract viewers, but once you start watching their videos, you may find that they provide genuinely helpful tips. It can be challenging to harbor negative feelings towards them, and in fact, you might even be impressed with what you learn and choose to Subscribe to their channel.

One might find themselves appreciating the content and realizing that they gained knowledge, even if they were initially tricked by the clickbait. While it is easy to question the integrity of these tactics, it is important to recognize that positive and straightforward titles often lack the necessary to attract attention.

One noticeable aspect of clickbait titles is their tendency to be incomplete, presenting only a part of the story. It is only upon reading the entire article that one discovers the remaining details, thereby realizing that they have been tricked. Unfortunately, some individuals exhibit a habit of skimming articles or simply rely on the title alone, accepting it as factual information. This, in turn, contributes to the dissemination of information and the perpetuation of fake news.

It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and avoid taking these rumors at face value without fully understanding the context or reading the complete article. Engaging in critical thinking and seeking out reputable news sources can help prevent the spread of misinformation. 

Now, let’s explore the reasons why self-help books are beneficial and debunk the false rumors that they are useless. Let’s take a look at all the great benefits they actually bring. If you enjoy reading self-help books then take a look at some of my self-help blogs here.

Self-help books cover a wide range of subcategories, including health, business, mental focus, exercise, diet, eating, sleeping, and many others. These subcategories provide valuable information to improve different aspects of your lives. Let’s explore them to understand how they can help you and why you should read them.

How Do I Motivate Myself To Read Self-Help Books?

If you struggle to stay motivated while reading, try keeping your reading session to 20-30 minutes max, either in the morning or before bedtime. Breaking the book into smaller portions can make it more manageable and feel less overwhelming.

Additionally, reading while waiting in line at the grocery store can help, if you have a digital version on your phone through a Kindle app. Another option is to listen to audiobooks, which help you to consume books while driving or working out at the gym, providing a convenient way to engage with the content.

One subcategory of self-help that is highly popular is motivation. Motivation gives us the drive to continue reading or pursuing personal growth. Motivation covers various aspects such as health, diet, exercise, mental well-being, and money motivation. If you’re reading this, it means you’re already motivated to seek self-improvement, so don’t give up and keep pushing yourself. 

Self-help motivational videos are very popular on social media platforms. Have you ever come across a video featuring a sports figure or someone overcoming difficult obstacles, and it touched you deeply? Deep down, you felt motivated because if someone facing disadvantages could muster the willpower to overcome their struggles and achieve success, then you know you can do it too. Reading self-help books on motivation can also help you as you envision yourself overcoming the same situation.

Every year, it seems like there’s a new book about a famous person multimillionaire who overcomes struggles to achieve great success. These books keep getting published for a reason—they are popular and people enjoy them. When people read these stories, they often envision themselves in those situations, wishing it could be them. It creates a sense of motivation within them, inspiring them to pursue similar goals. 

If traditional self-motivation books haven’t increased your motivation, consider exploring alternative options like motivational coloring books with inspiring quotes. While it may not fit the conventional mold of motivational reading, trying something different can be a refreshing approach to maintaining motivation when you exhausted all other options.

How Do I Get Motivated To Exercise?

If you want to find motivation to exercise, it can be helpful to work out with a friend or family member. It’s beneficial to choose a workout buddy who is in better shape than you because they can push you to improve. Going to the gym is also a good option as you’ll see others who are already fit, which can help you visualize yourself reaching the same goals. If you got money then hiring a personal trainer can be a great investment. They are experts in motivating people to get fit and will push you to achieve your goals.

Fitness is another highly popular subcategory within self-help, as many people desire to look fit and attract attention with a toned six-pack at the beach. Reading a self-help book on fitness can be important because it can inspire you to start working out. One of the benefits is that most beginners might not know how to exercise properly and can risk injuring themselves. Therefore, learning about proper workout techniques through reading can help. 

While hiring a personal trainer isn’t affordable for everyone, investing in a $15 fitness book can provide valuable guidance and help improve your fitness. Alternatively, you can also find instructional workout videos on platforms like YouTube, which offer a faster and easier way to learn proper lifting. However, for those dedicated individuals seeking the secrets of celebrity bodybuilders that are not accessible through videos, reading a book about their workout routines may be the only way to obtain their secret knowledge. 

The diet subcategory is an essential aspect that complements fitness, in a country like America, which is one of the most obese in the world. However, diet extends beyond weight-related concerns. It encompasses various facets, including the impact of dietary choices on skincare and acne. What we eat can influence the occurrence and severity of acne, as well as the scarring left behind by unresolved acne.

Exploring different diets and their effects on overall well-being is important. Certain diets emphasize the incorporation of superfoods that offer a myriad of benefits. These superfoods, such as black garlic, purple sea moss, pink lotus, and white Himalayan salt, are known for their rich nutritional profiles and offer many health benefits. 

While the internet has become a source of information, it’s important to note that not everything can be found on the internet. Unlike the transient nature of online content, books require authors to invest significant time, effort, and expertise to create a comprehensive and credible resource with less misleading information. 

How Do I Find The Right Diet For Myself?

One way to discover the right diet for yourself is by reading about it. You can search for information online, but if you can’t find the specific answers, then a more trustworthy source is books written by renowned authors in dieting.

Look for highly rated books on platforms like Amazon, authored by experts with many positive reviews and high ratings. These books can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions for your diet.

Diet is not just about selecting what foods to eat; it also involves considering meal timing, which has a notable impact on weight loss. Important factors like fasting and meal timing can influence your weight loss. People may choose to fast for different duration, such as 20 hours a day or 18 hours a day. Moreover, the question of whether eating in the morning or at night is better for your health arises. To navigate these intricacies, turning to self-help books becomes essential as they provide access to a wealth of knowledge.

Self-help books provide valuable information on many aspects of dieting, including the types of foods to eat, optimal protein and fat intake, and the multitude of different diets. From keto to vegan, smoothie diets, and more, there is a wide range of options to cater to different religious, cultural, and genetic makeup. What works for one person may not yield the same results for another, making it essential to explore each individual’s unique needs.

Experts in specific fields often choose to share their knowledge through books rather than freely sharing their secrets online. This could be attributed to the desire to monetize their knowledge or the belief that publishing a book is a more honorable endeavor, as it fulfills the dreams of aspiring authors.

Most authors include comprehensive diet plans in their self-help books, covering not only what foods to eat but also when and how much. These self-help books often provide valuable guidance on meal timing, portion control, and food choices that is hard to find online.

The information found in these books is unique and hard to access online without paying a significant price. Compared to online meal plans that often require expensive monthly subscriptions, self-help books offer a more affordable option with valuable insights.

Let’s shift our focus to other benefits of self-help books as they are many left. When it comes to staying motivated on a diet, factors like focus, good habits, and willpower are important. Fortunately, self-help books cover all of these areas comprehensively, offering guidance and support throughout your journey. 

As someone who struggles with ADHD, I can attest to the effectiveness of self-help books in improving my focus. There are specific exercises within these books designed to aid concentration, such as slowly moving the finger and mindfulness meditation. These exercises have significantly increased my ability to focus, reducing the impact of ADHD on my life.

They’re also self-help books dedicated to building willpower for those lacking it. Another book everyone must read is “Atomic Habits,” which has helped me develop positive habits and transform my life. If self-help books were truly useless, how could they have had such a great impact on my well-being?

I’m certain that I’m not alone in this as evidenced by the continuous growth of the self-help book industry. The fact that people continue to write self-help blogs and books demonstrates their effectiveness and enduring relevance.

The statistics further validate the significance of self-help books’ growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 11% between 2013 and 2019. This growth indicates the ongoing demand for a self-help book and their positive impact on people’s lives. So, while rumors may try to downplay their value, the continued growth of the self-help book industry demonstrates that people genuinely benefit from these books in their personal journeys. 

How Do You Practice Spiritual Self-care? 

A wonderful way to engage in spiritual self-care is by reading spiritual books, which are a subcategory of self-help books. These books cater to various belief systems and enable individuals to explore and nurture their spiritual side according to their beliefs.

By reading these spiritual books and incorporating daily spiritual practices, individuals can uplift their bodies and mind to a higher spiritual level. These practices can include guided meditation, prayer techniques, breathing techniques, and chanting to establish a deeper connection with their chosen deity or higher power. 

Those interested in foreign religions and forgotten teachings can find translated books that offer insights into these fascinating subjects. While the spiritual category may not receive as much attention as other self-help categories, it remains an important resource for personal growth and development. 

Many people who have gone through rehab often turn to spiritual books after they leave rehab as they strive to transform their lives and leave behind their difficult past experiences. It’s completely understandable why they would choose this path because drug addiction is a serious problem that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

In fact, there are various types of addiction, some of which are too embarrassing for individuals to openly talk about. Reading self-help books on addiction can provide them with a valuable source of support and guidance as they seek solutions but still want to keep things discreet. 

Have you ever faced an embarrassing problem that made you too shy to seek out help from others, like a drug or sex addiction? Well, going to therapy can be extremely costly. However, by reading books you can keep things a secret.

In a book, you can gain the knowledge of an expert who has years of experience dealing with these issues and they put everything inside the book to be passed down. Some topics may be considered taboo or difficult to find information on online, but books can provide the guidance you need to overcome personal embarrassment and find solutions to your challenges. 

Does Reading Finance Books Help? 

Financial gurus often share recommendations in reading books written by their peers. They may recommend these books to readers because they genuinely believe in the knowledge and insights the books contain.

It’s unlikely that they would recommend books without reading the books themselves. Some financial gurus openly discuss techniques they have learned from these books and how they have improved their investments.

It is important to note that the financial industry is vast, and no single guru can claim to have all the answers. By recommending other books, they acknowledge the diverse perspectives and expertise they learned from the books.

Financial gurus understand the value of continuous learning and the benefits of gaining knowledge from various sources. They may read each other’s books to expand their understanding and stay informed about the latest strategies. How can self-help books be useless if even the gurus are reading each other books?

Skeptics might argue that financial gurus recommend each other’s books as a form of advertising, but this can be a risky game for them because if they are labeled as fake gurus who recommend books they haven’t read, it can lead to a loss of trust from their followers. Losing trust can have consequences and damage their reputation.

Furthermore, it may be challenging for financial gurus to receive compensation for recommending books since it’s difficult to track the direct impact of their recommendations. Therefore, when they claim to have read and benefited from a book by another guru and recommend it to their readers, it is reasonable to trust and believe them.

Maintaining credibility and trust is crucial for financial gurus, as their reputation directly affects their following. They understand the potential consequences of endorsing a bad book they haven’t genuinely read. Ultimately, it is up to you to trust their recommendations and consider their reputation, and track record.

What Are The Best Finance Books To Read? 

Instead of focusing on the best, you should read a bunch of the top finance books as one book won’t cover everything, finance is a big subject and information is always changing, so it is best to stay up to date with the latest information. 

I would like to share my recommendation of books financial books to read, even though they are widely known and many people have already heard about them. If you are one of the few who haven’t come across these books before, I am happy to be the first to recommend them. And if you have heard of them but need a gentle reminder to read them, I hope this serves as an encouragement.

The first book that transformed my life is “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. This book provided me with the motivational push I needed to turn my life around and sparked my desire to learn everything I could about generating wealth and improving my life. I highly recommend reading all of Robert Kiyosaki’s books, although it has been some time since I read them.

Please keep in mind that information is constantly evolving, and some books can become outdated. However, since most of Kiyosaki’s books revolve mostly around investing and real estate, I believe his insights and principles should still hold relevance. At the very least, I urge you to read “Rich Dad Poor Dad” to gain the motivational boost you might need to improve your financial situation.

My next recommendation is all of Tony Robbin’s books. He is not only a finance expert but also a motivational speaker with knowledge in many areas. He covers topics ranging from finance to spirituality, relationships, self-improvement, and many others.

Many consider him the greatest motivational speaker of our time, and he is also one of the richest men alive. While his older books are still valuable, his newer books contain more up-to-date information.

Other great books I recommend are the works of Dale Carnegie, particularly his most famous book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” It is a must-read for everyone, he is not a financial guru but is well-known for his self-improvement books.

If you have an interest in stocks, I highly recommend reading “One Up on Wall Street” by Peter Lynch. It is considered one of the greatest stock investing books of all time. Peter Lynch is known as the teacher of Warren Buffett, a renowned investor. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to toss some money in the stock market.

Conclusion

If you’re still not convinced about the value of self-help books, I suggest exploring a subject you’re highly interested in and reading a book on that topic. By immersing yourself in a book that aligns with your interests, you can experience firsthand the potential transformation of a self-help book. While we don’t have books available here, we do have a self-help section with blogs that can serve as a starting point for your interest. Give it a try if and enjoy learning something new and helpful.

By AL Tran