Whether you are pursuing a complete reinvention of the self or are simply in the market for a book which will add value to your life – try a self-help book. Self-help books are helpful because they present ideas and scenarios which allow us to reflect on our choices, behaviors, and their origins. Self-help books are written by people who have been through valuable experiences which have changed their lives – experiences which they believe can also change the lives of others. One of these books may inspire you to take a change or make a change that will lead you to become the person you truly want to be.
Any artist will tell you that despair is one of the greatest catalysts for art. Susan Cain is an American author who writes on the value of harnessing the power of a somber perspective. She creates a space for introverts to reflect on lessons to be learned from experiences like sadness and wanting. If you feel most inspired when listening to Claude Debussy’s “Clair De Lune” on a rainy day, you will feel at home in Bittersweet. This book offers authenticity where others only offer platitudes about positive thinking.
Psychologist Dr. Julie Smith draws on her years of clinical experience to advise her readers how to cope with the daily obstacles of life. Smith provides skills and techniques to help people to improve their mental health and emotional well being, and to just feel better. This book is a practical guide for a variety of human problems. Do you take criticism badly? Do you experience sadness? Do you need help building confidence? Do you need to forgive yourself? If you answered “yes,” then this book is for you.
Goldsmith and Reiter, through their decades of experience in the business world, provide a manual on how to align hard work and meaningful living. Contrary to the cut-throat stereotype associated with the corporate world, Goldsmith and Reiter believe that clocking high achievements, and living peacefully, are not mutually exclusive – you can have both, and without any regrets. If you aren’t willing to settle for less than you deserve, then this book is for you.
Entrepreneur Ed Mylett shares the strategies he has used to coach athletes, entertainers and business executives for over thirty years. Mylett believes everyone is much closer to their dream life than they could imagine. In fact, everyone is just one more intentional thought and action away from their best life. Think of all the times you turned left, where you could have turned right; that action may have completely changed the trajectory of your life. If you are willing to try one more time, this book will help you.
The colloquialism “toxic positivity” was coined to describe the idea that negative emotions like stress, anger, and sadness, should be avoided at all costs. It is a sort of emotional mismanagement system that causes people to repress their true selves in order to show up in a way that is more pleasant for everyone else. Therapist Whitney Goodman subverts the societal expectation that people should repress their negative emotions and experiences and encourages people to show up as their authentic selves. If you are so tired of trying to be that person who is nice no matter what, this book will help you.
Jackie Donaldson is an American writer and teacher. Her work has been published in Loud Coffee Press, The Vehicle, Across the Margin, and others. Connect with Jackie on Instagram and Twitter @Jacquiverse.