There was a time years ago where I used to obsess over self-help books and the methods or techniques they'd spout. I'm talking about daily reading for 'fun' and filling my head with as much as I could. This went on for a couple of years when I was at the tender age of 20.
Looking back at the time, I was in great shape, doing well at my job, and somewhat striving. Even though this was the case other factors of my life were lacking attention and eventually this burst of success turned into an intense downward spiral.
I'm not saying that the obsessive nature of the self-help material was a critical part to blame for the decline but it didn't exactly help matters when the time for change rolled around.
More than anything it made the effort for getting out of the rut more complicated. With all of this information whizzing round in my head it became a barrier that would lead me to overthinking the simplest of things. When I look back at the time now, I realise that I could have started some processes earlier by talking things out with somebody in a professional setting. No biases involved.
Nevertheless, the usual cliche always applies. I wouldn't be where I am now with what I know now yadda yadda yadda.
Strings of decisions can branch out from the main trunk of a problem which begin to cast a shadow over your overall growth. Everyone has different ways of approaching decisions in their life and what works for one may not for another. The roots begin somewhere and have their influences.
I'm not going to sit here and say that self-help material is not beneficial in some way since it has its merits when it can be applied practically, or if it allows for a change in behaviour through insights. I just think it is wise to know that it can become more of danger when it's sought after in excess. Kind of ironic really.
These days I avoid what I can when it comes to self-help reading but I do stumble into helpful insights from people on occasion. I much prefer to read fictional works now and I try my best to find the meaning and wisdom behind the words that the author has shared.
My favourite author of all time is Irvine Welsh; I've been reading his books for years now. I'm picking up classic books when I can since my range is minuscule when it comes to literature.
Any recommendations are appreciated.