Self-help genre

Main

Self-help is a popular genre in literature that aims to help readers solve personal problems or improve their lives through their own efforts. The genre encompasses a wide range of topics, including personal development, health and wellness, professional growth, and relationships. Self-help literature offers advice, techniques, and encouragement to help individuals achieve their goals without relying heavily on others. For example, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle is a self-help book that focuses on the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of negative thoughts and emotions.

Terms

• Self-help genre: A category of literature that provides advice, techniques, and encouragement to help readers solve personal problems or improve their lives through their own efforts.

• Personal development: A sub-genre of self-help literature that focuses on helping individuals grow and improve various aspects of their lives, such as self-awareness, goal-setting, and emotional intelligence.

• Advice: Guidance or recommendations provided in self-help literature to help readers address specific challenges or achieve their goals.

• Techniques: Specific strategies or methods presented in self-help literature to help readers implement the advice and insights provided.

Analogy

The self-help genre can be compared to a toolbox filled with various tools designed to help you fix and improve different aspects of your life. Just as a well-equipped toolbox contains a range of tools for different purposes, self-help literature offers a variety of strategies, techniques, and insights to address various personal challenges and goals. The key is to select the right tool for the job and learn how to use it effectively.

Misconception

A common misconception about the self-help genre is that it provides a one-size-fits-all solution to life's problems. In reality, self-help literature offers general advice and strategies that readers must adapt and apply to their unique circumstances. What works for one person may not work for another, and it's essential to approach self-help literature with a critical eye and a willingness to experiment to find what works best for you.

History

1. 1859: Samuel Smiles publishes "Self-Help," which becomes a best-seller and establishes the self-help genre.

2. 1960s: The self-help genre gains prominence as a cultural phenomenon, reflecting societal changes and a focus on personal growth.

3. Late 20th century: The self-help genre evolves from a focus on mutual aid to a more individualized approach to personal development.

4. Early 21st century: Self-help literature continues to be popular, with a wide range of sub-genres and topics addressing various aspects of personal growth and well-being.

How to use it

1. Identify an area of your life you want to improve and choose a self-help book or resource that focuses on that specific topic.

2. Engage with the content actively, taking notes and reflecting on how the advice and insights relate to your own experiences and goals.

3. Implement the strategies and techniques provided in the self-help resource in your daily life, setting specific goals and tracking your progress.

Facts

• The self-help genre is a multi-billion dollar industry, with an estimated global market value of $11 billion in 2019.

• A study found that people who read self-help books are more likely to be depressed than those who don't, with 42% of self-help readers reporting symptoms of depression compared to 28% of non-readers.

• The average self-help book is only read for 20 minutes before being abandoned, according to a survey by Goodreads.

• In a humorous twist, the self-help book "How to Avoid Huge Ships" by John W. Trimmer became an unexpected bestseller on Amazon, despite its niche topic and title.

• The longest self-help book title consists of 670 words and was published in 2001 by Vince Stanzione.