Self-help books are extremely popular. They’re a great friend of New Year resolutions, but with so much help around it’s a wonder that there is still so much help needed.
Turns out a lot of these publications and workshop handouts become what’s termed in the industry as ‘shelf help’ books. That’s because people buy them, collect them and then store them… never to look at them again.
I was shocked to learn that only a small percentage of people who people read these books, or attend motivational seminars or any kind of personal development events ever follow through on the advice they’ve received.
Of course it’s easy to feel motivated when you’re in a high energy positive environment, or when you’re relaxing at the end of the day reading for an hour before bed – but the challenge is to implement the advice when you aren’t feeling so upbeat.
People who read a self-help book or go to a seminar generally want something in their life to be different. The real question is whether they are prepared make the behavioural changes necessary to achieve it. If this sounds all-too-familiar make sure you spend as much time thinking about the process as you do the outcome.
It’s generally recognised that the difference between successful and unsuccessful people is the level of action they take.
What’s one extra action you could take to help you on your journey? Starting something? Finishing something? Or just taking a visit to the bookshelf?
To see more of Melina’s posts for MYOB’s The Pulse click here.