Self-help programs...

Kevin · #1 01-25-2004, 12:04 PM

Who in here puts much stock in these? Books like "The Millionaire Mind", "7 Habits for Highly Effective People"?

I want to write one called "Don't be an Idiot". Isn't that what most of these books preach anyhow?

Self-help is a billion-dollar industry. How many people here sing its praises?

PM_Mama00 · #2 01-25-2004, 12:07 PM

My best friend's mother and late father wrote a few self help books. I don't know what they're called, and not sure if they made alot of money off of them.

CarolinaCutie · #3 01-25-2004, 12:10 PM

I think you can learn useful information from a self-help book, but I have doubts about their life-changing effects. It's important to keep in mind that not everyone has as much common sense as you! The information provided in "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" or whatever is probably hot hot new info to some people, but most of us could have already told them all of those hints. I don't think the books are completely useless though- I can always stand to improve

33girl · #4 01-25-2004, 12:10 PM

I think they empower you to think outside the box and be on the same page with others.

Seriously, I think a lot of them are just corporatespeak and pscyhobabble. One thing doesn't motivate everyone. As far as sales are concerned I don't think everyone can become an effective salesman (which is what many of these books preach, whether it's selling the product or selling yourself). You can refine your techniques but I believe you either have it or you don't.

Dionysus · #5 01-25-2004, 12:44 PM

I think at least 90% of SH books are worthless. But, those 10% that aren't, are extremely insightful. I think the "How-to" self help books are way more effective than the spiritual/inspirational/motivational self help books. But, that's just me, because I'm a very practical person.

Tom Earp · #6 01-25-2004, 01:53 PM

Why Self help Books?

Just come on GC and there will be someone who can help you!

Cheaper Too!

Dionysus · #7 01-25-2004, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom Earp
Why Self help Books?

Just come on GC and there will be someone who can help you!

Cheaper Too!

You are severely deluded.

Tom Earp · #8 01-25-2004, 02:03 PM

Yes? And Your Point is?

Read everything I could get My hands on about Howard Hughes. It didnt rub off either!!!!

GeekyPenguin · #9 01-25-2004, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 33girl
I think they empower you to think outside the box and be on the same page with others.

Seriously, I think a lot of them are just corporatespeak and pscyhobabble. One thing doesn't motivate everyone. As far as sales are concerned I don't think everyone can become an effective salesman (which is what many of these books preach, whether it's selling the product or selling yourself). You can refine your techniques but I believe you either have it or you don't.

Agree.

I think sales is something you are either good at, or you aren't. It's sort of like economics - something you get or you don't, and there's nothing you can do to make you get it.

miss4thofjuly · #10 01-25-2004, 08:14 PM

I think at least 90% of SH books are worthless. But, those 10% that aren't, are extremely insightful. I think the "How-to" self help books are way more effective than the spiritual/inspirational/motivational self help books. But, that's just me, because I'm a very practical person.

me too.

AlethiaSi · #11 01-26-2004, 02:37 AM

well.. as a psych major- i do think self help books can be helpful.... CAN be is the major word here b/c you can not change if you do not WANT to... you can read all the book son the shelf at barnes and noble- but if you aren't going put those things into action- then yes- it is worthless..... i think the best tool for sorting through your life and helping yourself.. is to do just that... talk and listen to yourself- what you are thinking and feeling..... counselors etc give you an arena to discuss what is on your mind since during your daily life- you are not thinking about how your family problems affected you when you were younger.... so they bring attention to what you already know... it brings inner strength and a good kick in the pants if you will lol.... i really like dr. phil but i find him more effective on tv... thats just me- and i like 7 habits for highly effective people- that book has been around for a long time- these ideas are nothing new.... but itsbeen around for so long because the ideas WORK.... if you apply the ideas properly- you're golden- its not an overnight hting... anyway- enough babbling- sorry guys...
and the whole business thing... im sure they can help you (again) if used right....

aurora_borealis · #12 01-26-2004, 04:30 AM

Alethia- I'm a psych major as well but I don't deal with any of the clinical or community stuff, it is all biological in my studies. I personally couldn't sit and listen to someone complain continually about how their life sucks, and have them not do anything about it. People do have all the answers within themselves, and therapists can help them organize their thoughts, but they can't "fix" them. I'd just tell the person they were an idiot for getting back together with a person that cheats on them and lets them treat them like garbage, and they need to leave them or quit complaining about the mess they put themselves in over and over. In fact I said this to someone this week about her boyfriend, if she was going to keep going back to him and complaining, I wasn't going to listen to her anymore.

I think most of them are a crock and just like most things in life people want a quick fix and all the answers without any work. In a psych class I had to find a self help book and present it to the class. I picked the worst one I could find. I find "What color is your parachute", "I'm OK, You're OK" and "Men are from Mars Women are from Venus" not worth my time.