Over the past 10 years of my life I have read less than 5 self-improvement books. Why? I guess I have always thought that either self-help books were overrated or wouldn’t work for me. However, in 2023 I started reading more of these types of books and more biographical books as well. I noticed something different in myself when I read these versus when I read fiction. I felt more fulfilled and inspired to do something new or productive after some of the books I read. Now, this wasn’t with all of the books, but enough to make me start to question myself on my previous expectations of how self-improvement books would work for me.
With this in mind I have decided to go into 2024 with a goal of reading a lot more self-improvement books and giving them a chance to show if the ideas they say work for me. I want to ask the question “But does it work?” with all the different books I plan to read and try to apply their methods for at least a week, or more depending on the book, and see if I can answer this question for myself.
The plan is to discuss books I read, my thoughts, what I felt worked or didn’t work, how I applied the methodology, or how the book impacted me overall. Now, some things to know about me on a more personal level so you can see if these books might also resonate with you when I post.
I am currently 33 years old as of writing this, female, straight(maybe?). Been married to my husband for 9 years, but have been with him for 12, struggle with depression, anxiety, and have in the last year been diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and ADHD. Keep the last things in mind in case I happen to disappear off the face of the planet for a few weeks at a time. I was homeschooled from 6th grade until I graduated high school so I do have a mild case of social anxiety I am trying to work through. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology with an emphasis in counseling, yet have a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology (This is a story for another time).
I hope as I share my thoughts and experiences you are able to get more out of my words and maybe even pick up a new book or two.
-Stephanie T.
