I used to think self-help books were cliche, but I’ve discovered I knew nothing about them to begin with.
I remember seeing the book in the tourist’s hand as she was stretched out on a lounger. It was the same one I had brought along on our trip to Cuba.
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero.
How awesome, I thought.
We even discussed the book and both agreed we’d never realized how much control we have over the way we think and the life we can create.
Self-Help Books Are Not Cliche, They’re Helpful
It’s crazy for me to think I used to be completely unaware that this genre of books “existed.”
I may have heard someone talk about it once, but I’d never paid attention.
Then, about a year ago, my self development journey began with these books and I can’t tell you how much I’ve grown as a person.
Of course, as a Christian, I always make the disclaimer that no other book could – or should – take the place of God’s written Word.
However, that doesn’t mean we can’t utilize these amazing resources that others have shared through their life experiences.
Nothing Bonds Us More Than Shared Life Experiences
There’s something so powerful about reading what someone went through in life. Especially when it hits home in an area where we struggled or were victorious as well.
Self-help books take it to a whole other level because the goal is for you to become the best version of yourself possible.
Every author will have their own stories and spin on things, but that’s what makes it so refreshing and possible to continue learning something new.
Here are 8 reasons you need to read self-help books today:
- It will change your thinking.
Our mindset is so important. The way we think about something or someone will greatly impact how we will experience it.
Self-development books will help you so much in this area. From your job, to your relationships, your health and goals, you’ll look at things differently once you start thinking differently.
2. It will change your attitude.
What’s a benefactor of thinking differently? Your attitude. Things that once seemed impossible or too hard, too scary, now seem like they’re doable.
Sure it won’t be easy to go after what you’d like to do, but you’ll have a great starting point.
No one can show up and do anything great with a bad attitude.
3. It will get you journaling.
Most self-help books cater to the benefits of writing in a journal. There are many reasons and benefits for it, one of which includes getting your thoughts out on paper.
Not just that, but it will make you more mindful of how you’re spending your time and your days.
4. It will make you focus on what matters.
Once you become more aware of how you’re spending your days and your time, you’ll begin to see where you should cut back on things and where you should make more time for what you love doing.
Obviously we still have to do our cooking and other obligations, but the point is to ease in more of your own time to do what you want to do.
5. It will help you tune in to your goals.
An important part of learning about ourselves is realizing what we’re capable of. Not just in the way we think or behave, but also in what we would like to achieve.
We all have dreams and goals, even if they seem far fetched. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Write down your goals and make an action plan to make it a reality.
The more you develop yourself and challenge your old way of thinking, the more you’ll start to see things shifting in your life. You just have to believe it’s possible.
6. It will make you get out of your comfort zone.
Once you begin to write down some of your goals, you’ll begin to realize that in order to get there, you’ll need to get out of your comfort zone.
Self-help books are amazing at helping you to do that. They push you to think outside the box. To really go all in and stop wasting time.
They’ll make you braver and make you show up and give it a shot. And that’s where things start to happen.
7. It will make you more aware.
The amazing thing about developing your mind is that is causes ripple effects in all other areas of your life as well.
You’ll become more aware of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Or the reverse, why you’re not doing something when you’d really like to.
You’ll stop being so afraid of what people will say and become aware that when others belittle you or don’t support you, it’s merely their own insecurities being projected onto you.
You’ll no longer be part of it because you’re aware of what’s really going on.
8. It will make you want to learn continuously.
One of the best parts of reading is learning something new – it will make you want to keep reading more.
I honestly believe that reading books, especially self-help books, is one of the most underutilized tools out there today.
This generation is hungry for something deeper and these books offer just that.
Not only do you learn about mindset, you learn about yourself and discover new ways to become the best version of yourself possible.
Self-Help Books Help Us Create The Best Life Possible
These books will push you, make you uncomfortable, make you question your motives, draw you closer to God, have you appreciate everything and everyone around you on a deeper level, and tackle your fears – one chapter at a time.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without having picked up Jen Sincero’s book. It was the first in a list of many self development books that I’ve read over the course of the last year.
Start Reading and Learning Friends
I encourage you to start reading too. Maybe it seems cliche, maybe it seems too “out there,” maybe you’re afraid of what you’ll discover, but let me tell you:
All your fears outweigh the benefits.
- Change your thinking
- Change your attitude
- Start a journal
- Focus on what matters
- Tune in to your goals
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Become self-aware
- Learn continuously
I haven’t once regretted opening up a book and learning from it.
While some points may not apply to you or your life, it is always nice to hear from others and gain different perspectives.
Overall, it’s a blessing and it’s wonderful to learn from others. We all have something to contribute to the table.
Whether you’re about to stretch out on a lounger at the beach or curl up with a hot cup of coffee on your cozy couch, there’s never a wrong time to start reading.
Let me know in the comments what you plan to start reading this week friend!
More Posts:
10 Relaxing Things To Do On Your Own Time
How Being Thankful Can Change Your Life
You Are Not What You Do
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