Here Are Five Self-Help Books That Helped Me

"Self-Help" is considered the best way to empower oneself. Instead of relying on external sources, one can privately find the solutions to the problems life throws at us. Self-help books also help change your outlook towards life in the same way, ie., they push us to introspect and find answers to our problems. Here are five of my favourite self-help books, and why I loved reading them.

Man's Search For Meaning, by Viktor E. Frankl

I have recently finished this book and find it a very good read. It is based on the first-hand experience of the author who was made a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps at Auschwitz. This book is not an account of his suffering at the gas chambers but about the source of his strength to survive. The first part of the book explains his experience and observations while being a prisoner while the later part discusses the techniques of 'Logotherapy'. The therapy focuses on the meaning of human existence. The author beautifully explains how one can discover the meaning of life in three different ways - by creating a work or doing the deed, by experiencing something and last by his attitude towards unavoidable suffering. At various points, the book provides you with real insights about life.

The Power Of Subconscious Mind, by Dr Joseph Murphy

This book focuses on bringing out the hidden potential of our minds. It highlights that our habitual thinking and imagination moulds and creates our destiny. The narrative stresses on positive thinking and scientific research. While reading this book I realised that we all have  preconceived notions about various problems in our lives. This book helps change the negative notions we carry with us.

Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert T. Kiyosaki

This book is one of my favourites, it talks about achieving financial success. The author of this book has portrayed the dark side of the education system as it never teaches the financial skills to the children. The system only emphasizes on making money, but never discuss how to make money. Kiyosaki, grew up with two fathers and both shared contrasting point of views. One who struggled all his life with money whom the author calls poor dad while the other an eighth-grade dropout was a multimillionaire or the rich dad. This book helped me change my mind about money and investment.

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, by Robin Sharma

It's a fairly light read that you will enjoy. So many lessons one could learn. It's a story of a lawyer who suffers from a heart attack and then goes to the hills to seek meaning and wisdom. This book teaches you many things, including appreciating what you have and being true to yourself. The core of the book is the Seven Virtues of Enlightened Learning. After reading this book I learnt to stay happy with myself by incorporating some virtues in my life.

The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch

This book is quite famous and I am sure you might have come across it. It is very inspiring, motivating and changes your outlook towards life. The story revolves around the theme what advice would you impart to others about life if you were about to die soon. The Last Lecture insightful with perceptions and small humour along the way as well. For a moment, I pondered over the theme that what legacy I would pass to the people if I am going to die soon.

Divya Rawat is an intern with SheThePeople.TV