In a 1954 New Yorker essay “Howtoism,” writer and critic Dwight Macdonald states that authors of how-to books are to other authors as frogs are to mammals, and encourages people to read other genres.

Self-care can range from physical activities like taking a warm bath, to social activities like catching up with friends, to mental activities like taking a break. Self-care involves conscious ...

Self-help is a helpful resource for students who are motivated to do their own work, often focusing on small changes students can make to improve their lives. Self-help strategies can help students ...

Cultural critics and academics have long despised self-help books."How-to writers are to other writers as frogs are to mammals," Dwight MacDonald wrote in his 1954 essay "Howtoism." "Their books are ...

A self-fulfilling prophecy is when a person’s expectations about a situation come true due to changes in their own behavior. It is a psychological phenomenon that can play a role in mental health.

The best self-help books don’t promise to “completely change your life” overnight. Instead, a truly great one—written by someone who knows their stuff—will gently nudge you towards small shifts that ...

Self-affirmations can help increase your self-worth and motivation. With regular practice, you can shift your focus toward your strengths and adapt to new circumstances more easily. Self-affirmation ...

Working on self-awareness can help you realistically assess your strengths and weaknesses. Try to avoid blaming outside factors for negative outcomes. You can accept feedback and be open to ...

Many people come to therapy wondering why consuming self-help content isn’t helping them. They ask questions like: “I read more self-help books than anyone I know. It makes me feel inferior because ...

On the eve of each new year, people commit to making lifestyle changes they believe will usher in personal satisfaction and happiness. But while an entire industry exists to help people meet these ...