7 Habits, Atomic Habits, Change and be Good, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Money Making Machine, Awaken the monster within… there are many famous titles that keep revolving around the groups of readers, intellectuals and elite thinkers who keep thinking, reading, suggesting and even writing about the advantages of reading motivational books. However, seldom a person cares to look beyond the layers of glimmer and pomp – what exactly lies behind the curtains of ‘make-me-feel-good’ content of the motivational books that claim to sell millions of copies? Motivational books have become very popular in recent decades, after the 1990s and the early 2000s, a list of highly successful motivational titles has appeared. And, after the release of the World Wide Web and its success on the grand scale, motivational books have become even more popular… today, as the world is torn between moving forward and stress that pulls us back, the role of motivational books is supposedly important. But how important? Do they actually work as people expect these books to work? Is it worth investing in motivational books? In this article, I will examine the validity of motivational or self-help books and their actual worth (with some examples and contrary scenarios).
In a world filled with an abundance of self-help and motivational books, it is imperative to scrutinize their true worth. Rather than following the trend blindly, do take a few minutes to sit down, relax and think about everything. As someone who has diligently delved into numerous volumes promising personal growth and empowerment, I have come to the sobering realisation that the benefits of these books may be greatly exaggerated. In this article, we will explore the strong cons of reading motivational books and shed light on alternative avenues for personal growth that extend beyond printed pages. You can discuss these points with someone who strongly believes that self-help books are worth your time. And by doing so, you can come to a middle point with some strong pros and cons of reading motivational literature. And thereafter, reading or doing something else will be your decision.
1. Superficial Solutions:
Motivational books often provide simplistic and generic advice that fails to address the complexities of individual lives. As a result, the one-size-fits-all approach may leave readers with an illusion of progress but rarely equips them with the tools to navigate the intricacies and challenges of their unique circumstances. Life’s dilemmas require thoughtful introspection and tailored solutions, not just motivational mantras. Yes, some books might be more helpful than others, no doubt. However, reading as many books as you want may not be as helpful as doing things and realising their results in real life.
2. The “Feel-Good” Trap:
It is not a truth you need to find by meditating in caves. Many self-help books excel at evoking temporary feelings of inspiration and enthusiasm. However, this ephemeral motivation often dissipates quickly, leaving individuals right back where they started, feeling disillusioned and disheartened. The pursuit of lasting personal growth necessitates consistent effort and a deeper understanding of oneself, rather than relying solely on momentary bursts of motivation. Once again, action speaks louder than words. And, in this case, you may need to rise and start doing rather than sitting down and keep throwing books in the ‘already-read’ bucket.
3. Overemphasis on Positive Thinking:
One common pitfall of motivational literature is the relentless promotion of positive thinking as a panacea for all problems. No! At times, you might want to be negative and think seriously about the consequences of throwing yourself down the roof with full momentum and positivity that you might cross the long road in between and reach the tall building 200 metres away from you… it doesn’t work like that! While optimism and a positive mindset are undoubtedly valuable, an excessive focus on positive thinking can neglect the importance of critical thinking, realistic assessments, and acknowledging and processing negative emotions. Growth requires a balanced and holistic approach to life’s challenges. And I can safely bet that 70-80% of books in this genre are excessively optimistic! WRONG!
4. Lack of Actionable Steps:
Motivational books often fall short when it comes to providing practical strategies for implementing change. They may inspire grand dreams and lofty aspirations but fail to equip readers with a concrete roadmap to turn those aspirations into reality. Without clear, actionable steps, readers may find themselves lost in a sea of good intentions without making tangible progress. Some books do tread in this direction, no doubt. You may enjoy learning from those and implementing the same in your life.
Alternative Avenues for Personal Growth:
1. Seeking Genuine Mentorship:
Rather than relying solely on motivational books, seeking guidance from experienced individuals can be immensely valuable. Mentors provide personalized advice, share real-life experiences, and offer meaningful insights based on their own journeys. Engaging in conversations with mentors fosters a deeper understanding of one’s goals, strengths, and weaknesses, enabling more focused personal growth.
2. Cultivating Critical Thinking and Reflection:
Instead of consuming motivational literature passively, investing time in critical thinking and self-reflection can yield greater self-awareness and personal growth. Engaging in introspective activities such as journaling, meditation, or therapy allows individuals to identify patterns, confront internal obstacles, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
3. Pursuing Skill-Based Education:
Rather than relying solely on self-help books for personal growth, investing in skill-based education can be highly rewarding. You can realise this truth just by looking around yourself. Many authors indulged in self-help literature are well-educated, successful and trained for some special occasion – Engineers, MBAs, PhDs or something else. One good and cunning piece of advice would be to study authors rather than reading the literature they produce! Acquiring practical skills, whether through online courses, workshops, or apprenticeships, equips individuals with tangible abilities and enhances their professional prospects. Learning by doing, with a focus on developing expertise, often leads to genuine personal growth and expanded opportunities.
4. Building a Supportive Community:
Surrounding oneself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who share similar goals and aspirations can be immensely valuable. Be it an office, home, society or a group with some special purpose. Therefore, participating in local groups, joining professional associations, or engaging in online communities fosters collaboration, feedback, and mutual growth and can be very helpful for anyone. Collective wisdom and shared experiences can provide motivation, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
Conclusion:
Motivational books, while often marketed as powerful tools for personal growth, may fall short of their promises. The superficial solutions, fleeting motivation, overemphasis on positive thinking, and lack of actionable steps undermine their effectiveness. By exploring alternative avenues such as mentorship, critical thinking, skill-based education, and community-building, individuals can embark on a more meaningful and sustainable journey of personal growth. Remember, genuine growth stems from a multifaceted approach that integrates self-reflection, learning, action, and the support of a nurturing community. Enjoying books that you read is a helpful timepass. However, it should not become a dreamy luxury that keeps you motivated in a virtual world that you generate for yourself… away from the realities of the actual world that are far more competitive to be survived just by being optimistic and positive in all situations. So, make wise choices and start acting instead of reading on and on. All the best!
By Alka for The Best Books