The evolution of my self-help library

From Seven Habits to Special Forces

In a very recent discourse with a friend, we swapped notes on the books we were currently reading, indulging in a bit of personal development porn if you like. She gratefully listed off a couple of money mindset titles, and despite the two-dimensional flatness of the words, the obvious absence of expressions, gestures or eye contact in the text, I could feel the transformation emanating from her.

I replied enthusiastically with a torrent of emojis and a gif, as is my favourite method of communication.

I text back again, this time to admit that my own personal development has taken a change in direction lately.

It’s all ultramarathons, sobriety, special forces training, and plant-based diets, I said … with a shrug emoji.

My mentors and coaches may well be turning over in their catacombs of self-awareness.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a self-help book.

Once upon a time, these aisles in the library used to be the hallways of shame, with their visitors skulking up and down trying to find answers, the source of their misery, and the elusive miracle cure.