When ABC News interviewed me for their upcoming show on the pros and cons of positive thinking and the Law of Attraction, one of their questions was, “Why are there so many self-help books?”
Apparently a published skeptic felt that if self-help books really worked, we wouldn’t need so many of them.
Does that make sense to you?
Consider —
With all the cookbooks in the world, there will always be more published, guaranteed. With all the books on psychology, or sales, or aviation, or pottery, or martial arts, or law, or religion, or marketing, or sports, or politics, or parenting, or skepticism, or – well, name any category – there will always be more books.
That doesn’t mean there’s a problem with the books already published. It doesn’t mean there’s a problem with the fields themselves, either. It means people are still growing and learning, discovering and sharing.
But somehow with self-help, it’s not accepted.
I find that odd.
I’ve spent most of the day reading Richard Wiseman’s book, 59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot. It’s mis-titled, as you can’t read much of it in 59 seconds. Still, it’s an excellent book. It’s research-based self-help. It’s packed with study after study proving or disproving concepts taught in the self-help movement. You should read it.
Side note: It’s interesting that scientific studies in the filed of psychology don’t usually come to any definitive conclusions. In other words, the studies indicate results may “suggest” a particular pattern or insight, but they don’t guarantee it. Even the so-called Law of Reciprocity can’t be guaranteed to work all the time. When you give something to someone, it’s no guarantee they’ll give you anything in return. Still, authors call it a “law” when they don’t allow any leeway for the Law of Attraction. In short, read the psychological studies as entertainment but test their conclusions in your own life. After all, a different study done with a different audience may indicate a different result. Or so it appears to suggest.
But isn’t 59 Seconds yet another self-help book?
Since it has the blessing of science behind it, it tends to be “allowed” as a self-help book, even by the skeptics.
Do you see the illogical nature of this?
I love self-help and success literature. If it weren’t for those books, and my taking action on what I read, I’d still be unknown, unpublished and unhappy.
One night I watched a documentary on happiness. An author being interviewed (I don’t recall his name) said over 70% of the people who change on their own, without therapy or a coach, do so because of a self-help book.
When celebrity fitness model Jennifer Nicole Lee visited me for the Rolls-Royce Phantom Mastermind (which ABC News filmed) she asked me, “How did you get into self-help?”
I replied, “Because I needed help.”
I told ABC News that neither I nor any self-help author I know set out to write more than one book on self-help. It’s the readers who ask for them. It’s the market that demands more. We simply supply what they request.
When I wrote The Attractor Factor, I never considered I’d write The Key or Zero Limits after it. Neither was in my mind.
And lord knows I never intended to write my recent book, Attract Money Now. That came as a result of my seeing so many people struggling. I even decided to give the digital version of the book away, for free, to help them.
I’m proud to be a self-help author. I don’t plan to write any more books, but I never thought I’d be the author of fifty books, either. (Yes, fifty.)
The point: When you need help, consider books. Yes, there are plenty to choose from. But that’s why restaurants have more than one special. Each person is different. Each desires and feels best with a particular approach.
Books that have helped me include —
The Magic of Believing
Think and Grow Rich
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Why Is This Happening to Me…Again?
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers
What self-help books have made a difference in your life?
Leave a comment and let me know.
Ao Akua,
PS – Studies suggest that if you read my new book, Attract Money Now, you’ll learn how to use the Law of Attraction to attract something you might need in your life: money.
27 Comments
Thanks for the blog post Joe. I agree whole-heartedly.
Do the people who are uncomfortable with self help books also feel uncomfortable asking a person for help, I wonder?
Joe: Your analogy (“cookbooks”) doesn’t wash. Self-help, as its core, promises to FIX something. (And usually the first thing it does is persuade people they’re broken to begin with, which is another story which we’ll leave in abeyance.) The better analogy is taking your car to a mechanic. Let’s suppose something went slightly awry with the Rolls during one of your Masterminds, and you wanted the problem repaired. You see a sign; it says OUR SEVEN-POINT PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE EVERLASTING MOTORING JOY. JUST $99. You pay the $99. Your everlasting joy lasts about a day before the Rolls acts up again. You go back. This time they tell you, “well, if you really want it to work, you have to buy the ADVANCED EVERLASTING MOTORING JOY program. That’s $500.” (And they also tell you that if you keep expecting your car to run better, it will, just on its own.) And on and on it goes…
Hi Steve. Thanks for taking the time to stop in and comment. I think a tiny percentage of self-help falls in the category you describe. If you look, you’ll find the same complaint in other fields, including cookbooks. Also, most of the self-help I read doesn’t try to fix anyone. That’s better left to therapists. But it does try to help improve lives with suggestions, tips, ideas, etc. Again, I agree with you that a small percentage does what you say, but let’s not toss out the baby with the bathwater. Again, thank you for the comment.
Blessings,
joe
Steve….
The self help book doesn’t suggest that the person is broken. This is a perception. Self-help books expsnd the mind and give you a different perspective on looking at life… it’s like hypnotic reading. Hypnotic reading is part of clearing process.
Blessings,
Michelle
It’s not that self-help books don’t work. It’s just that people easily forget what they’ve learned (like in my case here, http://jmjfamily6.blogspot.com/2010/02/juiced.html). And the learning must not stop with just 1 or 2 books or seminars. Mastering one’s self is an on-going process.
Personally, I love the fact that there are lots of self-help books and other materials available because there is no one guaranteed way to improve one’s self. We gotta combine all these methods and ideas for us to master ourselves. We gotta listen to different gurus because they have their own techniques and styles to teach us.
So, thank you Dr. Joe for all your books and materials that surely helped us become better individuals. We particularly are grateful for your book “Zero Limits”. It’s the best!
Dr. Bruce Lipton’s “Biology of Belief” is another such book, giving good science and clear explanations about the “law of attraction” at the cellular level, fascinating! Thanks for the 50 you have written so far. The ones I have read have certainly helped me.
I am an avid self-help reader. The very first self-help book I ever read was Louise Hay’s classic, You Can Heal Your Life. Louise, if you’re reading, you truly changed my life! Real Magic by Wayne Dyer was another turning point. I agree that we are always growing and expanding and that the amazing variety of self-help books and programs out there is a good thing. However, I also hear Steve’s point. It is easy to fall into the idea that we’re broken and that the next book or seminar or program is what we need to repair ourselves. But to his point, I would say “…the problems lies not in our stars [or in the self-help industry] but in ourselves.”
Sandra, I think that the problem lies with both – Individuals who are so desperate for “healing” that they make a lifestyle of ignoring common sense (or documented facts) and buying “magical” promises and products, and the marketers who provide a steady stream of “improved, magical” products in an obvious effort to maintain a cash flow.
I agree with Joe that we shouldn’t throw out the baby with the bath water, but I do believe we need to be more circumspect in differentiating between the two. IMO, the “bathwater” represents much more than a “small percentage” of the whole.
I love you,I’m sorry,Please forgive me and Thank you this phrase tops anymore books for me I found my healing within me.
Forgiveness what a major step for me. Thank you Joe
Thank you God
Joe, you wrote:
“Since [’59 Seconds’] has the blessing of science behind it, it tends to be ‘allowed’ as a self-help book, even by the skeptics.
“Do you see the illogical nature of this?”
In truth, skeptics are no more of a homogeneous group than believers are, though I think all of us — including you and I — often forget this. No matter where we fall on the belief spectrum, though, we all have our blind spots and irrationalities, not to mention a seemingly endless capacity for rationalization. I blogged about this in relation to politics recently ( http://tinyurl.com/y9go63z ). (Interestingly, the single “one-star” review of “59 Seconds” currently on the Amazon US page is from a person who was miffed about the author’s potshot at people who voted for Bush for president.) What is true for political partisanship is also often true for “belief partisanship.”
However, from what I’ve seen, very few “skeptics” categorically condemn the entire genre of self-help, though some are obviously less fond of it than others. I think Steve Salerno’s comment touched on the essential gripes many “skeptics” have about the genre: so many self-help books are full of simplistic advice, coupled with what appears to be many s/h authors’ calculated propagation of discontent in their customers, all in the service of relentless upselling.
As for “59 Seconds,” I’m not sure exactly what you mean by its being “allowed” as a self-help book. (I haven’t read it but intend to, thanks to your recommendation.) On the surface it appears to me that this book is mainly a compilation of research on what *seems* to be effective or ineffective in regard to making rapid changes, as reflected in a wide variety of contemporary (mainstream) scientific research. As you noted, research is inconclusive and ongoing, but in my view, the fact that “59 Seconds” is based on diverse sources of research seems to separate it from more conventional self-help books. Admittedly, the latter are not averse to citing studies of various types, but generally only those that appear to validate the author’s premise. An example would be all those studies “proving” the efficacy of the “Maharishi Effect,” most of which appear to have been conducted by institutions and people associated with the late Maharishi. (It’s not that confirmation bias doesn’t exist in mainstream research; it does. It’s also true that self-help authors are far from the only ones to cherry-pick data to support their premise. But this does not invalidate my point about self-help books.)
It seems entirely logical to me that “59 Seconds” would have more credibility with folks — call them skeptics if you will — who normally don’t care for the “six easy steps” or “three forbidden secrets” category of self-help book. And let’s be honest: there are huge numbers of books in the “easy steps/forbidden secrets” category, as Joe Kersey suggests. Perhaps “59 Seconds” is more “allowed” among “skeptics” because it doesn’t appear to be married to any single premise or simplistic formula for success or happiness.
As for the Law Of Attraction, I believe the issue many “skeptics” have, including one you’ve sparred with who goes by the name Skeptico, is the declaration that LOA is a scientifically provable and immutable law, akin to the law of gravity. And many self-help gurus have indeed made that very declaration. That’s a far cry from comparing the Law Of Attraction to the so-called “Law Of Reciprocity.”
Joe,
I am a voracious reader just like you. I have more books in my house than I have room or bookcases for. I need a bigger house, which I am working on attracting so that I can fit all my books into it at the same time in the same room, instead of every room in the house! Of all the self help books I have, the top MUST have and study books in my 1,000+ book collection is THINK and Grow Rich, The Magic of believing, several books by Abraham /Esther Hicks, and Your books…. Attractor Factor, Zero Limits, Expect Miracles, Attract Money now, and many more. My goal is to have a copy of every single book you have ever written, and dedicate an entire bookcase just to hold your books. That will be the most important bookcase in the entire house. I read, contemplate, study and put into practice what you say in those books. I also have several audio CDs of your books that I listen on my iPod Nano (which I attracted from the Universe).. and so I get the wonderful pleasure of listening to your words in your own soothing voice.
You are an inspiration to me as someone who went from nothing to millions, from living on the streets, to living in a mansion. From driving old wrecks of cars to driving a Rolls-Royce Phantom (My Ultimate Dream Car). This gives me the greatest joy and hope. If Joe can do it, so can I ! I am still working on my dreams everyday, and am seeing some results of things I wanted being attracted. I haven’t gotten the Rolls Yet, but will someday. I know there is one or two out there with my name etched in gold letters on a plaque on the dashboard somewhere.
Thanks for being such an inspiration to me and thousands of others around the world… You are my hero, and my favorite writer in the world…
Eric Webb
San Diego, CA
THERE IS ONLY ONE BOOK THAT IS A MUST READ FOR ANY SELF HELP READER……….”ASK AND IT IS GIVEN” , BY JERRY AND ESTHER HICKS (ABRAHAM HICKS). OMG!!! CHANGED MY LIFE!!
Hi Joe:
I read the comment by Steve and the example I have is this: I have about 10 books on deck building, each one is different, but the result is the same if you follow the directions, which is a deck. Now, I have gotten much better at building decks which is a result of taking action, using new ideas from books, re-learning, talking to other builders etc.
Not everything I read gels with my style, but I blend ideas and move forward by adding to what I already know.
Funny that you write about this today…yesterday I went to the largest bookstore in Dubai and thought exactely about that. But I like your reference to the cookbooks and stuff. This is so true, but it did not come to me yesterday.
THANKS
Daggi
FIrst of all i love the artticles and some of the posts are also really great. One of the main things that my brother alwasy told me was that the hard thing and the right thing are ussually the same. I like to belive that most days i am a good person, what i found it the most difficult was dealing with clients that are friends. In my proffesions which is web designer my work is based on time. How much time i spend is how my work or my cleints page turns out. One difficult thing is that when i want to help my friends out I want to make thier site look nice but bc they are not paying me $2,000 its hard to put as many hrs in. If i dont make it look good not only are they not happy with the site but also not happy our friendships. People who had friends that are doctors its so easey for them to give advice and then do few tests but when it comes to jobs that come down to hours and hours. My advice is dont do it. If you do it, do it once a year or 6 months and explain tot hem before you start what you can do or at least if they are not happy suggest them to some one else. we all want to be liked, but sometimes the right things is the hard thing!
This is an interesting discussion. Ironically, it was what I learned in my doctoral studies (PhD Communication) at a Christian university that opened my mind to accept how powerful our minds really are. It was in grad school that I learned about the “social construction of reality” and the power of language to shape perceptions, etc. Yet it’s not really academically-acceptable to talk about self help. So, I’ve started my own coaching practice. Thanks for the encouragement. I like _The Magic of Thinking Big_ by Dr. David Schwartz.
I love all the self-help books out there! What absolutely inspires one person might be absolutely meaningless to another. You have to figure out what works for you. I’m going to take a look at the “59 Seconds” just because you recommend it so highly, and hope I find something of value there. C. Clinton Sidle tackles happiness in his book, “This Hungry Spirit. Through much of our lives, we’re in the grip of a lesser spirit, and results in problems in careers, relationships, marriages, parenting — just about everything, because our acquired habits and ideas have caused us to lose track of who we really are and what we really want. The book is about finding our greater spirit. He takes the approach to help us use every experience in life as an opportunity for growth.
Great points Joe!
Should Mozart have just written one symphony? Hey Wolfie, you already wrote one! Do you write more because it is not good?
;-D
Claus
Great points Joe!
Should Mozart have just written one symphony? Hey Wolfie, you already wrote one! Do you write more because it is not good?
;-D
Claus
Beyond cookbooks and mechanics, here’s another good analogy to self-help products … fitness centers, fitness trainers, etc.
These health services often lure people with promises of quick results … but most intelligent people realize staying healthy is an ongoing activity. It’s not something you do once or twice, and then you’re set for life. The muscles and lungs need regular toning to stay healthy.
The same can be said for books that remind us to think healthy. One book, seminar or course won’t set us straight for life. We need regular reminders from different sources in various formats to help us stay mentally strong, positive and on track.
And there’s always a new generation of people needing this empowering wisdom — and they like to get it from contemporary sources they relate to. Hence the need and demand for new titles in the self-help category.
Bob
Can anyone out there tell me of one book that will qualify me to be a doctor, if I read it? Sound silly? Well, then consider the time needed to become a doctor, a lawyer, a mechanic, or an engineer, or even a plumber. Why do so many get the idea that reading one good self-help book or watching an inspiring video like The Secret is going to change their life?
We need to be realistic. The best books in the field need to be read through and perhaps repeated. Reading others as well is even better. Think about how much time you’ve spent becoming the person you are now. If you want to change who you are, it will require a certain amount of time and effort.
Don’t become disheartened. Continue with faith that you are on the right path when you read these books. They are for real. Bless you and I sincerely wish you the best on your journey.
Jeffrey Brandt
Author of “Close Your Eyes to Find Your Way”
I agree and have just come into this line of thinking as well. I have read many books, and continue to at present and know I will read many more in the future. There is no one right answer, if there were then one person would have all the attention and everyone would listen to them… wait a minute, that sounds familiar, sounds like someone I know, Joe Vitale?? LOL, just kidding. The point is everything I learn puts me in a new mental state to accept the next step, the next line of thinking for myself that moves me closer to my goal. If someone walked up to me with a box ‘containing the secret to my perfect life’ when I opened it my mind wouldn’t be able to comprehend it because you can’t jump ahead, it is a process, & if you’re mind isn’t prepared for it you will never see it or be able to accept it so it would be worthless at that time. I got it, I get it, the people who don’t aren’t taking our journeys, and will never know unless they chose to take their own steps to understanding it… They aren’t ready to see what’s in our box either…
Eric Webb, I thought I was the only one with the largest collection of self help, inspirational & motivational books beside Joe Vitale.
Ever wird you word could have been written by me and applies to me in the sane way.
Joe, keep us informed of when the ABC program will air.
I went to a book talk with the author of 59 seconds sponsored by the Boston Skeptics Society near Harvard.
He did a lot of magic tricks, showed optical illusions, misdirection etc.
He did 3 months of research on sciences based research on quick self help solutions. Many were contradictory of what one would normally expect. So the average non-scientist would able to improve their lives in the quickest and easy way possible without doing years of reseach. 59 seconds title was chosen because a friend asked him to give her a quick summary of practical ways to make herself happier in under a minute.
There so many self-help books because people enjoy variety and they think that they require different ways to help themselves! It is the same pill sugar coated and presented differently in different books. The ultimate goal is to help oneself to be happy – so whatever it takes to do this. Everyone desires happiness and they search for ways to find it in self help books (among other ways). A few rare people discover that happiness is their own nature – it is not different from them. The rest keep going on the journey to reach this state. Best wishes to all:-)
“Attract money now” was an amazing book: it changed my life INSTANTLY! Thank you so much for writing it!!! Then I ordered your “Zero Limits” and this one changed my whole attitude to life. I actually started ENJOYING this wonderful life after spending years suffering& struggling. I didn’t know this can get any better but it did: your “Attractor Factor” halped me to find out a lot more about myself and my children and your “Awakening course” is the best audio I ever had. This is so ecxiting! Thank you so much for spreading the good news AND the miracles,- you are one of them!
Great post thanks, just want to share the self help book I have just finished reading ‘strength to strength’ changed my life for the better.
I found a nice book on http://mind-enhancing-life.morthawt.com/ about being effective at persuading people and defending against other peoples persuasion.