The best ‘self help’ book you’ve ever read…

[TrifledOut]

I’m not really into self help books, to be honest. I’ve got ADHD and usually get bored and demotivated and stop reading them halfway through. BUT… I’m really feeling the need for some ideas / guidance going into 2023, and maybe a bit of motivation, energy, creativity…something!

I’ve just left a hideously stressful job (and long career) in education. I start a 6-month corporate training contract next week, which is not something I want to do long term, but needed a short term, paid way out of education. I’m already stressed and bored thinking about it, if I’m honest.l, but it’s got to be better than the teaching / SLT madness.

I’m 45, knackered, perimenopausal, Mum to older teenagers, feeling really down on myself lately and I need to pretty much rethink my whole direction in life.

What book do I need to read to change my life? (Trying not to feel like a complete twat for typing that sentence).

Following.

Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler.
@Appalonia recommended it earlier in the thread.

You need a free day or at least half a day to work through it, but I’ve found the clarity it has given me really helpful already. Whether or not I can stick to the goals / plan it generates is another story! .

I've been inspired by The Moneyless Man.

It's about a man who lives without money for a year - lives in a caravan, trades his labour for food, grows his own etc.

I don't intend to go money free myself, but it has made me rethink the way I relate to money and happiness. His approach to problem solving the issues of money is helping me to work out how to take a year out to study and retrain at minimal expense to the household.

Seven Habits.

How are you getting on OP? Any of the books turned up?
I've been watching with interest as a fellow burned out forty something mum. I feel I'm spread too thinly and am ridiculously unproductive as a result.
I've ordered a few of the books recommended here (low self esteem, getting things done, best year yet) so hopefully this is a turning point.
Best of luck OP and thanks for the suggestions.

So glad you found it useful and well done for doing that exercise! I've found it to be very revealing and helpful and I'm going to do it again in the New year.

A New World Eckart Tolle

Many posters saying they have ADHD - have you tried or are you taking medication for the ADHD? I'm not sure advice from a book, unless it is more specifically aimed at Adhd people, will help that much. Or have you found some books a great help?

F

We a manifesto for women by Gillian Anderson. So good.

That title alone makes me want to read it!

If anyone's interested, Tony Robbins is running a free online live training course this January.
breakthrough2022.com/join-the-challenge

Tony Robbins is toxic. He’s had loads of people come out and expose his abusive behaviour.

Congratulations on escaping education! I’m trying to do the same thing just now. Not a book but I love Steven Bartlett’s diary of a ceo podcast. The one with Jimmy carr was life changing for me

Anything by Richard dotts. His books changed my life.

I'm sure someone has mentioned Atomic Habits by now? James Clear. Very good for ADHD people as it recognises that we are all different, and how to build our lives to maximise success around our strengths. And about how habits can build our self esteem.

Also very forgiving about the ways of the modern world and how these encroach on our ability to be "productive" and "successful".

Ok that will teach me to read pages 1, 2, 3 and 6 of the thread!!

It's not a self-help book as such, but Sarah Millican's 'How to be Champion' is good

You're entitled to your opinion but I've done some of his courses and found them really helpful.

This is a really good point. If you have ADHD go straight to ADHD resources.

ADDitude is a good YouTube channel with lots of seminars with advice from qualified experts on how your brain works.

It’s not “my opinion” there have been recordings of him being abusive, multiple female staff saying he sexually harassed them, I always got a bad vibe from him and it’s because he’s an abuser.

www.buzzfeednews.com/article/janebradley/tony-robbins-self-help-secrets

Atomic Habits is excellent

Thanks to everyone who recommended Atomic Habits" by James Clear.

I hadn't heard of it before this thread but thought it was a good book

I know this is an old thread but there are so many great suggestions here. I've added lots of books to my Amazon basket.

How are you getting on @TrifledOut ?