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Personal development books - what do you think?

I wonder how many people have hundreds of personal development books? If so, has it changed your life? Why aren't we all rich then or at least content in our respective areas? I know someone that reads every personal development book going but still can't seem to move on or elevate them self. My question then is why bother read all this stuff if you don't put it into practice? Surely after reading two, three even four books you should have the gist or what they are saying!

I think it all comes down to your own self and personal belief, which in my opinion no one can manage or believe for you. Read the article by Paulette West MBE in the forums section which I think covers this quite well. It comes from you, not a book or seminar. I believe you can gain tools and techniques for doing this from books/seminars, but don't expect miracles just because you have read a book. Bob Proctor won't change you but he will give you the tools too. I don't think enough people understand this.

Would be interested to hear what others think about this. Remember, this is just my opinion, not singling anyone out.

Veronica

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Permalink Reply by Ronke Lawal on September 10, 2008 at 9:46pm: I really think that personal development books are very important reference and motivational tools. I've read quite a few including a number by Marianne Williamson who might I add is an exceptionally spiritual writer. Its so important in a world where we're bombarded with some much materialism and commercialism even in fiction at times that these books offer an escape. I use them to compliment my own goals and beliefs. You can really learn a lot! ;-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jennifer G. Robinson on October 30, 2008 at 1:31pm: I have read numerous self-help/personal development books. You are right, there are so many of them, so much so that they've become a caricature! The ones which have helped to shape my new outlook on life (some time ago now) are Susan Jeffers; Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway and Iylanla Vanzantz; In the Meantime.

I think some of the best ways to find the types of books which could be effective are through recommendations. In the end though it will be down to the individual and how much/well they apply their learning to their lives. Many people just intellectualise stuff, thinking just becasue they have 'knowledge' stored in their brains, that will be enough. They don't understand that one has to live knowledge. Knowledge is only power if you do something with it. It will be down to whether or not they are 'ready'. That doesn't mean you stop directing them to appropriate books/help, but you have to learn to back-off and leave it to them. You cannot live their lives for them. It is the proverbial taking horse to water...It can be frustrating especially if you are dealing with loved ones, but after a time somewhere along the line they will remember a little nugget you once gave them and that could be part of the helping them to move with their lives. Also, when they see you living your life to the full and being 'successful', it can lead them to want to apply more.

As a teacher myself, my job can be very frustrating. Seeing students that just don't seem to want to learn. But I keep on if only for personal professionalism, but also, if just one student 'gets it', it is worth more than gold. To see just one student making wonderful, positive things with their lives, it helps me to get the satisfaction part of my job.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Yvonne Bignall on November 30, 2008 at 8:23pm: I love self development books but I agree with what you say - no amount of reading will make a difference to your life if you don't take action!

For me the books serve as a reminder of what I want to achieve and give me the opportunity to see how far forward I have moved - what have I actually accomplished and what do I need to do now... There's an awful lot of great advice hidden in some of the pages and you can't do everything at once so it is necessary to take small steps frequently.

Unfortunately most people want books to do the work for them hence there is no movement!

Yvonne; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jennifer G. Robinson on December 1, 2008 at 9:03am: Yvonne, glad you joined the conversation. Did you come to the Precious Awards event last month? Which books have you read which have helped to change your life?; ▶ Reply to This