Self-Help: The Modern Day Snake Oil?

Have you ever found yourself browsing through the self-help section of a bookstore, looking for that one book that will change your life? Or maybe you've read countless reviews online, searching for that one book that will help you become the best version of yourself.

I know I have. I used to think that buying a self-help book was the answer to all my problems. All the reviews said, "This book changed my life," so I figured it must be true. Isn't it eerily similar to the con-men who would sell the 'Elixir of Life', the concotion that would bring eternal youth, cure all your diseases, or the tantriks who would provide you with a spell to quell your enemies? But today we are all educated. We of course know all that bullshit. And we don't 'buy' them. At least most of us don't. But then there is the human mind. Our educaiton has convinced us that there is no shortcut to life. That no elixir or spell would do. Yet we want the quick fix for our problems.

Enter the 'Self Help'.

And so, there I was. Going through, well, my problems! I would buy the book, read it from cover to cover, and then wait for the magic to happen. But it never did.

I was always left feeling disappointed and frustrated. Why wasn't the book working? Was there something wrong with me? It took me a while to realize that the problem wasn't with me or the book – it is not the book that needs to work.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that self-help books are a scam. They can be helpful, and there are certainly some good ones out there. But the problem is that many people think that a book can magically transform their lives. They believe that by reading a book, they can bypass the hard work that's required to achieve their goals.

Here's the thing, there is no magical solution (or pill, if you prefer) when it comes to self-improvement. No shortcuts or easy fixes. If you truly want to bring change into your life, you have to be prepared to put in the work. It's not the book(s) that work – you do.

These books, they offer insights and advice for personal growth and development. But don't let them lull you into a false sense of accomplishment. Sure, reading a book might make you feel like you've taken a step towards bettering yourself, but honestly, it's just the first step.

That feeling of satisfaction from reading a self-help book can be quite powerful. You feel like you've learned something new, and that you're on the right path. But this feeling can deceive you. In reality, you haven't achieved anything yet. The actual hard work begins after you put the book down.

It's crucial to remember that reading a book is just the start. You have to take action to see any tangible results. That means implementing the advice you've learned, even if it's uncomfortable or challenging. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that merely reading a book is enough. And most people do. Sadly, that's just an illusion.

Yet another pitfall with 'DIY Self Help' is you do not really know what works for you. Every book promises to transform your life, every speaker on podcasts tells you the same. But you know, after having been through so many of them, that IT. Did. Not. Work! And that is simply because each of us is different. A book or a podcast, or a speech is passive. You cannot do back and forth arguments with it. You cannot work finer nuances of your personality. This is where a trained and experienced coach can help. A coach is modern day guru of ancient India. The one who is well versed with various frameworks, toolkits to make you chart your own path.

If you're serious about your personal growth and development, it's important to realise that there are no shortcuts. Self-help books can be valuable resources, but that's all they are - resources. The real work comes from taking action, making changes, and consistently working towards your goals.

And that means taking action, even when it's uncomfortable or scary. It means facing your fears, confronting your weaknesses, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. It means being accountable for your actions and taking responsibility for your own life.

Self-help books can be a handy tool in your personal growth journey, but that's all they are – a tool. They're not the answer to all your problems. The real solution lies within you, in your own willingness to take action and make changes in your life.

So the next time you're tempted to buy a self-help book, remember this: the book is not the answer. The answer lies within you. Take action, make changes, and watch your life transform..