[flag]

How to Choose a Quality Self Help Book

jdds08 | Aug 31, 2009 | Views: 118 |

0 Comments | Rating: 0 You must be signed in to vote

E-mail

The market is currently flooded with self help books. These books vary in cost and quality. When choosing a self help book, there are steps to follow to ensure you get quality advice.

Things You Will Need

Critical thinking

Step 1 Find books that are specifically dealing with your issue. Self help books that promise to change your entire life or personality typically do not address issues in depth. Some issues do overlap. A quality self help book will address that. Self help books do not replace medical or psychological treatment.
Step 2 Self help books that promise a miracle or immediate change in your life are not realistic or honest. It takes patience, time and work to change. There will be setbacks, doubts, frustrations and points when you feel "stuck". A quality self help book will acknowledge this and have suggestions on how to deal with these issues.
Step 3 Read the cover and introduction of the self help book. Skim through the book to get a feel for the language used. Choose a book that you can understand. A quality self help book may use terms you don't understand, but will define them. The book should give clear steps or directions on change and why they are necessary to take or perform.
Step 4 Check the back of the self help book and see if there are references listed to valid sources such as scientific studies and valid publications. A quality self help book will justify their claims and provide external support for them and acknowledge what isn't known. It will provide you with resources on finding answers to any further questions you may have.