The Self-Help Paradox

When rethinking this article and searching the web I found a book that was already published in 2003: the self-help paradox (1).

I read the review and decided to write this article after all. The book is about the overflow of self-help support that is available in the marketplace. Basically as I understand it, the premise of the book is that certain books will tell you left, where others will tell you right; one example is: "am I at peace or just lazy?" Now how would you solve this dilemma for "yourself?"

Another way to look at the self-help paradox I had in mind is that with the decision to enter the self-help arena you start to become dependent of what you read. Or put differently: you accept that you need help when you are surfing around the self-help titles.

In my opinion the paradox lies in the fact that the only way to prevent this is not to enter the self-help section at all. So it is not I'm lazy or at ease, but I don't bother what or how you (others) call what I might be or not be.

Before freud there was no such thing as psycho-analysis. Now there is and there are much more solutions in solving psychological problems. Of course, not all self-help is of the same level or similar domain of psychology, but many books have that focus.

There are many self-help books on nearly any subject or niche. And in the article market it is one of the most heavy segments, both in number of post as in number of reads.

But even if you want to help-yourself, there comes a time to "have had it," where you leave the self-help behind you. The moment you start reading the self-help section (like this article) you are not able to spend time on other activities.

(1) - http://www.amazon.com/Self-Help-Paradox-David-Alan-Brown/dp/0972217428

Hans Bool

Hans Bool writes articles about management, culture and change. If you are interested to read or experience more about these topics have a look at: Astor White.

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