Overcoming Procrastination: Can Self-Improvement Books Really Help?

Article by Louis Williamson

“This is a life-changing book”… “This book changed everything for me”…. How many times have you flicked through the internet or looked on the front cover of a so-called ‘Best Seller’ and read these types of testimonials from satisfied customers? Whether you are surfing the net or looking in your local book store it is not difficult to find a book or article focussed on self-improvement; either geared towards developing a specific area of your life or all-round spiritual or professional growth. From my experiences I would say that there is definitely some usefulness in investing in a self-improvement book, and I have now read a few books which have really helped me to understand and begin to overcome procrastination. However, I would air on the side of caution when it comes to handing over your hard earned cash as I do not believe that a few books are not going to revolutionise your entire life. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that those satisfied customers who write testimonials like the ones above are lying to you: they probably did find true enlightenment in what they read. However, I genuinely believe that these people were in the right frame of mind to receive the information which they read, and this is the key to overcoming procrastination. Initially, when I first started making a conscious effort to stop procrastinating, I started looking online for advice. Then I printed off every article I could find. Then I read a book. The quest for information, the desire to over-plan and that feeling that you are not yet ready to start something is a trademark character trait of the typical procrastinator. With this in mind before you decide to invest in that brilliant self-improvement book which has received rave reviews, be completely honest and ask yourself whether it is the critical tool that you need to ignite the new, non-procrastinating you… if this is not the case then you might find that the approach you are taking to overcoming procrastination is to procrastinate even further! However, if you are seeking this book as the means to start taking serious action then you will find that self-help books can really help you to learn a lot about yourself – what makes you tick and act the way you do – and provide practical advice and coaching for you to make genuine progress to overcoming procrastination, once and for all. If you are looking for books that could really assist you in improving various aspects of your life – whether it is procrastination, time management or career development, then this link could provide you with a good starting point for finding a wealth of information geared towards self-help, improvement and motivation. Alternatively you can visit my website, which documents my struggles as a (recovering!) serial procrastinator, and reviews materials that I have read on the subject of managing and overcoming procrastination.

About the Author

Louis Williamson is a 30 year old business manager. Through further studies he has developed an interest in self-motivational books and his website, Procra-STOP.com, documents his experiences in overcoming procrastination and various self-help books and materials.

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Self Improvement Books

In order to motivate other people, it’s important that you learn how to motivate YOU.
Here are some Self Improvement Books you may want to take a look at:

1.  “Indispensable Qualities of Leadership”: “Becoming the Leader Others     Will Follow,” by John C. Maxwell.

According to Maxwell, character is the defining quality of a leader.  He details what character actually is and how to be an effective leader.  Maxwell believes that “Everything Rises and Falls on Leadership.” A “must- read,” for anyone in a leadership position or want to become a leader.  There are 21 laws he says are “irrefutable” in terms of becoming a successful leader
going far beyond just to knowing how to lead.

2. “Discover Your Strengths,” by Marcus Buckingham

From the author who wrote”First, Break All the Rules,”comes this follow up.  In this book, Buckingham claims that the successful leader must concentrate on his strengths and make them a priority.  Doing what you’re good at always works.  There is also a self administered test you can take, which is a personal survey of what you are good at called a Strength Finder Profile.”
This is a serious guide for those who just aren’t sure what they’re good at.

3. “5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers,” by Spencer Stuart

This is a book that teaches you how to utilize what’s unique in you and use it to your best advantage.
One very interesting quote made by Stuart:  “It’s better to ask forgiveness after the fact than it is to ask permission ahead of time, reflects his overall suggestion to move ahead with what YOU believe to be a good choice.”  In other words, take risks and chances, don’t depend on someone else’s’ direction. Find things that will make you stand out and go do them.  Quite a remarkable philosophy, Stuart claims that people need to understand how VALUE is actually created in the workplace and that successful leaders abide by the 80/20 principle which means, doing your defined job, but stepping up and doing that 20% more.

4. “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson

This is actually the best selling business paperback of all times, according to the NY Times Review. Johnson’s theory incorporates the element of change, in its concepts and demonstrates ways to move people beyond their comfort zones.

5. “7 Habits of Highly Successful People,” by Steven Covey

This was an instant best seller on the New York Times Booklist for 18 weeks in a row and is still a very popular book today.  Covey believes education is still the best way to learn how to be effective.  He calls it, “sharpening the saw.”  He also believes that the first change must come from within and that the best leaders in history had specific habits they learned which gave them strong principals.  He refers to it as the “Character Ethic.”  Based on long term success, Covey feels people follow others because of moral principles rather than popularity, which he calls “Personality Ethics. “

6. “How to think Like Leonardo Ad Vinci and Discover your Genius:  How to think like History’s Ten Most Revolutionary Minds”, by Michael Gelb

This book is an interesting blend of thinking clearly, but creatively.  It
gives as examples, 7 key areas of self-improvement that genius’s
demonstrate:  Curiosity, Scientific Inquiry, a Refining of the Senses, an Ability to Embrace Paradox and Uncertainty, a Balance Between Scientific
Ability and Creativity, A concern for Physiology, and  a Deep Rooted Recognition of the Interconnectedness of All Things. 

7.  “The Brand You 50:  Reimagining the pursuit of WOW!” by Thomas Peters

The 50 is not an age but how many brand new “things” you can challenge
Your-self with.  This book motivates people to reinvent themselves by becoming what an employer wants and needs.  There are a lot of objectives and goals he says people can reach, as long as they have commitment and passion.

8. “What should I Do With My Life? “by Po Bronson.

According to Bronson’s and other involved in career counseling, it’s ok to be indecisive about what you want to do at any given stage of your life. We may want to be many things over a lifetime, so why shouldn’t we?  We choose our own happiness, he says and no one can make that choice for us.
Po gives us 50 stories about success and achievement and how they happen.

9. “Rhinoceros Success,” by Scott Alexander,

This is a small book that tells the reader that, in order to be looked at, one must stand out. Alexander is sure a stand out guy.
“I had a guy ask me to come and turn his cows into Rhinoceros’, I told him no because cows don’t want to be Rhinoceroses, he says very bluntly.”
Scott Alexander says his successful Rhinoceros Series is based strictly on self-motivation. He says any kind of motivational training given to someone who isn’t motivated never works. “rather than bringing cows back from the
dead .” he says.  “I only talk to people who are already excited.”
His famous motivational line is “KEEP CHARGING”!

10. “Advanced Rhinocerology,” by Scott Alexander.

The sequel by Alexander that teaches leaders to grow thick hides, as people will be attacking them from every which way.  Knowing your friends and enemies, according to Alexander, is knowledge you need.
In this second in a series of books by Alexander, he claims that anyone can do anything if they just work harder at it, so, Keep Charging!”

These are just 10 choices you may want to read.
There are many more self-improvement books that can be very helpful to you in your quest for self-improvement.  Your local library or bookstore can refer to the specific ones you want.

MindMaster is a self improvement program that can help have a better you through Subliminal Messages in text and images, and is used by professionals around the world. You can download and try the program Free by visiting http://www.mindmaster.tv.


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Simple Tips On Getting The Most From Self Improvement Books

Article by Robert N Jones

Self improvement and personal growth have been part of my staple diet for well over 15 years. Reading, watching, listening, discussing, researching you name I’ve been doing it in the quest to become a better more improved me.

I’m always on the lookout for the next book, DVD, or course that could increase my capacity to grow, develop and achieve more in my life.

A lot of the stuff I read and watch generally talk about the same kind of things, but there’s always some aspects that you can put your own perspective on and then implement in your life.

The famous quote by Sir Francis Bacon “knowledge is power” is something I’m a great advocate of. Armed with right knowledge and when used correctly I believe turns you into an incredibly powerful force that enables you to achieve anything and everything you want.

So with that in mind I’ll start by asking you this:

Is there a bookstore near you?

Have you visited it? If you have then you probably noticed that it has a whole shelf (if not shelves) stacked with self improvement books.

This should not come as a surprise since demand for personal development books are growing. It is not uncommon to see a personal development book title or two in reputable bestseller lists such as the one regularly posted by the New York Times.

If you are looking for self improvement books to read, finding the ones you need or simply the ones that are appropriate for you can be rather frustrating. There are just too many books out there. You are being offered too many choices that making a decision can bring out your migraine problems. To help you out in finding the perfect self improvement book for you as well as guide you in getting the most out of them, keep in mind the following advice.

I) What exactly are your concerns or problems that you need self improvement books for?

Why are you looking for a self improvement book in the first place? Do you want it to help you improve your overall health? Do you want to learn how to effectively manage your money and assets? Are you looking for more wealth? Do you wish to build your self esteem and confidence. Some books out there cover all of these in one binding but it is best that you choose one that specifically focuses on a niche.

II) Do your research and take time to read reviews of the self improvement books you’re planning to purchase.

Here is one thing that you need to keep in mind: just because a book is often seen on bestseller lists doesn’t mean it’s a good book. Don’t buy a book just because it’s number 1 or number 2 on the New York Times bestseller list for self improvement books. What you need to do is read as many reviews as you can on the book. If you get to read reviews that are mostly positive, then the book is probably one that you need. If the reviews are saying negative things about it, then it’s probably best that you forget about purchasing it.

III) Read the best self improvement books.

To help you get started, here is a list of some of the best self improvement books out there:

1) The Secret – Rhonda Byrne: There’s a reason why this book just exploded and become one of the most talked about book on the law of attraction.

2) The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle: This book teaches you how to live in “the now” and how to calm your being through meditating.

3) The 4-Hour Workweek – Tim Ferris: This book opens your eyes to the power of the internet and how you can use it to free up your time in order to live a lifestyle you want.

4) The Millionaire Mindset – Gerry Robert: This book will teach you how to create that abundance mindset that will enable you to improve your wealth.

Your life and your future is in your hands. Take control of it now and follow the above tips to get the most out of the value of self improvement books.

About the Author

Improving yourself and your life is a goal that millions of people all around the world are constantly aspiring to do. Living a fuller more successful life can be a reality for us all once you know how. Uncover the secrets within the greatest self improvement books ever written and start living a truly amazing and unforgettable life

FinishRichOnline.com | Network Marketing leader Carlos Aponte Jr. shares a list of the self improvement books that had the most impact in his life.
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