Self-help

Though the term self-help can refer to any case whereby an individual or a group (support group) betters themselves economically, intellectually or emotionally, the connotations of the phrase have come to apply particularly to psychological or psychotherapeutic nostrums, often purveyed through the popular genre of the "self-help" book. Sometimes writers refer to a "self-help movement", though this movement exists independently from self-help books.

Self-help marketplace, and criticisms

Group and corporate aid for the "seeker" has also moved into the "self-help" marketplace, with LGATs and therapy systems ready with more or less pre-packaged solutions to instruct folk seeking their own individual betterment.

Compare with other motivational groups that are sometimes called cults:

• Anthony Robbins
• Landmark Education
• Scientology
• Neuro Linguistic Programming
• Silva Method

Though remaining popular, self-help books and programs have been criticized as offering "easy answers" to difficult personal problems. According to this view, the reader or participant receives the equivalent of a placebo while the writer and publisher collect the profits. The book God is My Broker asserts, "The only way to get rich from a self-help book is to write one." Self help books have also been criticised for containing pseudoscientific assertions that tend to mislead the consumer.

History

The first "self-help" book was - indeed - titled "Self-Help". It was written by Samuel Smiles (1812-1904) and was published in 1859. Its opening sentence is: "Heaven helps those who help themselves", which is often quoted but rarely referenced. The author was of a progressive political bent.

See also

• Personal development
• Procrastination
• Self-development

Resources

Web books

• Take Control Today! 7 simple steps to claiming a life you'll love; by Anthony Quinn.
• Psychological Self-Help; by Clayton E. Tucker-Ladd; Mental Health Net. Click here to turn directly to the section on procrastination.
• Free eBook of Self-Help, by Samuel Smiles at Project Gutenberg The first self-help book, published in 1859.

Web articles

• Criticism of Self Help Article at Self Help Basics
• How to change a habit

Websites

A self Help Forum

• A collection of self help articles to enhance your personal development and accelerate your journey toward abundance and happiness
• Insights from Jim Rohn. Learn from the most inspiring American Speaker how to live successful life in our times. Solve the "Puzzle of life".
• Find freedom, relief and joy in life. Famous Guy Finley helps you find the way. Bookstore and lots of freebies.

Anthony Robbins European Seminars Personal Development, Self Help & Motivation Resources

Books

• Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical, & Financial Destiny; by Anthony Robbins. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, 1991. ISBN 0671727346
• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity; by David Allen. Viking Adult, 2001. ISBN 0670899240
• The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People; by Stephen Covey. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, 2004. ISBN 0743272455
• Unlimited Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement; by Anthony Robbins. Random House Publishing Group, 1987. ISBN 0449902803
• See Self help books