Has anybody of you benifitted from self help/improvement books?

[rockyct]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
I highly encourage anyone in a relationship, freshly out of one or hoping to be in one, to read Gary Chapman's "Five Love Languages." Personally, I think it should be required reading for couples before they walk the aisle. You will learn a TON about yourself, your significant other and what both of you need in order to truly be happy, as well as make others happy. There are several follow-ups to this book but just read the original.

FYI: you can find it in most Christian sections of bookstores but please don't let that steer you away because it's not really a religious book. The author has written several Christian-based books and that's the only reason "Five Love Languages" is in that section. It's strictly a self-help/relationship book.

Five Love Languages

Agreed, I've read this book and as cheasy as the cover looks, it's actually very good. People have different ways of showing appreciation and love, and if you ignore that you're going to have issues eventually.

 

[angminas]

His Needs, Her Needs (every couple should read this)
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus
The Neurotic's Guide To God And Love
The Worrywart's Companion
How To Have That Difficult Conversation You've Been Avoiding
Do What You Are (how to choose a career)
How To Write Fantasy And Science Fiction
Elements Of Style (how to write more gooder)
Dealing With People You Can't Stand

I agree with some of the previously listed ones, too. You don't need to be a Christian, worrywart, Martian, or writer to benefit from every one of these books. Even if you are personally perfect, you will learn how to deal with all the rest of us who are not.

It is also true that the Bible is the best self-help book ever written, though it is wise and appropriate to get help understanding it from people who understand it more than we do. Here is the list of booklets published by my church, on everyday subjects such as understanding the Bible and knowing who God is. Take a look at the titles- they will tell you exactly what the booklet is about. They discuss the issues directly from what the Bible actually says. I have read a number of them, and they, in conjunction with the Bible, have dramatically improved my levels of wisdom, knowledge, and connection with God.

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: Vic
Self-help books are legion. Some are good, most are bad, all of them require that you believe in them in order to work.

My favs off the top of my head:
Life 101 by Peter MacWilliams (basic common sense self-help without the BS)
Dig Your Well Before You Get Thirsty by Harvey McKay (simple guide to networking)


Simple tips: be positive and open-minded, and ALWAYS place yourself in other peoples' positions when dealing with them. Intelligence is the ability to communicate (or how else would people even know that you're intelligent?) and proper communication is the key to success in every imaginable aspect of human life. I cannot stress that enough.

FYI, you can read some of Peter McWilliams's books, including Life 101, on his site.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: grohl
Bible works pretty well.

yes, my self help book helped me alot. In the past i would have said:
"Give them the chair. Fry tham all!"

But nowadays, i've turned the other cheek:
"too slow to have them sit one at a time? Gas Chamber "

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
I suggest "How To Stop Being Such A Whiny ***** And Quit Blaming Your Problems On Everyone But You" by MercenaryForHire.

It's helped many of my friends.

- M4H

QFT - and while you're at it pick up the Kanye West Workout Plan

 

[pradeep1]

While not a direct self-help book, I read "The Road Less Travelled" by M. Scott Peck in 1996 and it really affected my thinking and changed the direction of my life when I was somewhat wandering.

http://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Traveled-25th-Anniversary/dp/0743243153