The Best Self Help Books?

I am sometimes asked which books I consider to be the best self help books available. My usual response is that it depends on what you want to accomplish. Maybe you're looking for peace of mind, a better brain, more money or less fear and anxiety. Of course I can't read everything out there, and I welcome suggestions to add to my list, but here are five self help books which I have read and can recommend. I also have some tips on how to find more writings that are right for you.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - by Stephen Covey

This one deals with seven essential principles you can incorporate into habits that will make you more effective in any area of life. It is about character building above all.

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway - by Susan Jeffers

A book about personal growth and building confidence. It addresses the backward idea that we need to wait until we feel no fear before we can act to change our lives, when in fact it is in action that fear is overcome.

The Millionaire Next Door - by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

I met William Danko a couple years ago at a financial seminar, and found him to be very down-to-earth and practical. The book is about money naturally, or more specifically about how people accumulate wealth in the United States. It's subtitled, "The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy," and it clues you in to little known facts like the tendency of millionaires to buy used cars (nice ones) because they are a better value. It alos addresses the simplest strategy of all for getting rich (some of you might not like this): spend less than you make and invest the difference over the years.

Peace Is Every Step - by Thich Nhat Hanh

I really enjoyed this book. It's about living a more spiritual life and finding peace. If you have ever needed a good example of forgiveness and love to follow, this is the man. The subtitle is, "The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life," and details the method he uses in his own life: mindfulness meditation.

The Essential Laws of Fearless Living - by Guy Finley

My favorite one of these self help books. Finley has a way of getting at the heart of a matter with stories, metaphors and insight that is transformative. In my experience, nobody does a better job revealing what is really going on in the human mind in general, and helping us see into our own minds in particular.

The Best Self Help Books - How To Find More

You could choose from thousands of self help books out there, but if you want to find more of the ones that are best for you, watch for those presenting ideas which are new. By that I mean new to you or at least ideas which you haven;t seriously put into practice. See if learn something after reading a page or two, or are reminded of something that resonates with you. None of us would need self help books if the ideas we already have were working perfectly for us - that's why you need to look for those with new or unused ideas.

It's an obvious thought, perhaps, but it is easy to fall into the habit of looking for books which confirm our existing beliefs and ideas. Furthermore, there are "self help" books out there which will help you defend your desire for retribution, encourage your greed, give you reasons to stay angry and unforgiving, and help you engage in fantasies of instant wealth, health and happiness. None of us need that kind of "help."

Finally, don't limit yourself to regular books of the paper variety. In addition to ebooks, many of the best self help books are now on CDs too (or MP3 downloads). With these you can listen while driving, taking a walk, or cleaning the house. Some programs are only available as CD or MP3 recordings, and you won't find them in bookstores at all.

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