The Best Self Development Books

Who or what do you turn to when you need help? Is it your mom, your dad, a friend, or your journal? People have different ways to channel a problem, a feeling, or a situation. When it comes to self development though, it is either a professional self-growth counselor or self-development books. If you are onto self-help learning, you can find a number of books for this purpose. In fact, here are some of the most famous and all-time favorites in the bookstores around the world:

1. The Bible. You will definitely agree that the Bible is the greatest self-help and development book of all times. You bet no other book can help you change to a better you than this book.

2. The Purpose Driven Life. A well-written spiritual book by Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life is a very useful tool in finding the path that your life is supposed to be leading. This 334-page divine inspirational book has an accompanying workbook and exercises for you to work on.

3. The Secret. Written by Rhonda Bryne, The Secret has become a phenomenal self-help and development book of all times.

4. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life. These two books offers 2-page lessons in life that will help you become a better you. You will find a lot to learn from with their 248 pages.

5. Fearless Living. One of the newest self-development books written by Ellen Dickstein and Guy Finley, the Fearless Living has made it to display rooms in 2008. This 208 pager message book also includes a training manual.

6. How to Win Friends and Influence People. The best self-help and leadership book back in the '70s. This was written by Dale Carnegie and newer versions with add-on principles were also published later.

7. The One Minute Manager. This is a book about effective management but is geared towards the male reader. The writers, Kenneth H. Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, meticulously laid out how a leader can make his followers do what is expected of them, the necessary encouragements and the perfect time to do them, and the kind of support they need.

8. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Stephen R. Covey effectively laid out 7 basic principles that can change the way you look at life and others. These principles are very obvious and in fact are right there staring at you every day, but got ignored all the time because of how busy you are.

Core Transformation: Reaching the Wellspring Within. Connirae and Tamara Andreas wrote this 232 pager self-help book. The concept was to bring together all the various parts of you which are not fulfilling your purpose in life.

How We Can Restart Our Lives Now

Our leadership matters. Wherever and however we serve, leadership is how we can restart our lives now.

I'm writing to encourage us as leaders. I'm writing to remind us that we can restart our lives.

How? I'll tell you how.

1. We can package up our abilities in ways that help people.
2. We can figure out ways to deliver help as results.
3. We can take action to help people now.
4. We can unleash the power of the Internet to get feedback.
5. We can adjust whatever we packaged up.

When we take action? We learn how we can restart our lives now. But wait!

There's more to it. Restarting our lives happens with the next step.

What happens next? Something really exciting happens.

We can launch ourselves:

• When we've taken these steps we can step up as a new leader.
• We can be a role model by taking action using what we gathered.
• We can step up and be noticed doing good stuff in whatever fits our organization.

In fact, we can do even more. Because we can unleash the power of the Internet to share our abilities.

How? We can sell what we've packaged up about ourselves.

We can keep it simple. We can deliver results in the form of an information product.

No matter what's happening in our lives or around us, now is our time! This is our day, right now.

Why? I'll tell you why.

When we look around the world now:

• There's a lack of leadership.
• There's a lack of positive role models.
• We can go make a difference right now.

Let's look in the mirror and simply acknowledge that we are worth a better life. Let's fix that by learning how we can restart our lives now.

First, let's consider practical ways to package up our abilities. Because that's part of how we can deliver leadership.

How can we help people?

How can we put that help into action?

How can we get our action

When we deliver results in ethical, caring ways:

• We help people.
• Other people notice.
• People observing us often copy us.
• Joy and contentment enter our lives through our serving.

I'm writing to encourage us as leaders.

Leadership is how we can restart our lives now. We can help people by serving in ways that deliver results. We can step up and be the leader as an entrepreneurial role model wherever we serve.

Overcoming The Burnout Syndrome

The psychological condition that causes people to feel emotional and physical exhaustion customarily and lose interest in their needs is known as the Burnout Syndrome. People suffering from this psychological condition also become critical and cynical of themselves and others, and they also lose efficiency in the work they do as well. Usually, lack of acknowledgement or support, long-term stress and overwork can result in this condition.

Physical Signs:

- Back and shoulder pain
- Considerable weight loss or weight gain
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Low energy
- Lowered immunity
- Neglecting personal needs

Psychological Signs:

- Cynicism
- Depression
- Dispassionate
- Dulled emotions
- Feelings of failure
- Irritation
- Lack of empathy
- Lack motivation

Isolating and withdrawing themselves from others is quite natural among people suffering from the burnout syndrome, as a means of dealing with the mentioned symptoms. People suffering from it can become less responsible, procrastinate over everything they do and take a lot of time doing things. People suffering from it will often use alcohol, drugs or sleep pills as a way of relaxing themselves artificially.

Preventing and Treating Burnout Syndrome

Prevention:

Recognizing the occurrence of the mentioned factors and attempting to avoid or change them is the best way of preventing the burnout syndrome. While burnout triggers cannot always be entirely avoided. At times, people cannot help but do things that tend to trigger burnout, such as carrying on with their jobs or continuing to be a stay-at-home parent.

The best way to prevent burnout is to make sure that emotional, mental and physical needs are being met. This can be done if:

- Activities are incorporated into the day. Even walking for ten minutes or so can prove to be helpful.
- A nutritious and well-balanced diet is consumed.
- Get enough sleep.
- Periods of relaxation are incorporated into the day.

The earlier burnout syndrome is recognized the easier it can be overcome, just like many other similar psychological conditions.

Treatment:

Burnout syndrome can certainly be treated even though it is a serious condition. Burnout can be dealt with using both alternative and medication-based methods. The efficiency of the methods usually depends on the underlying factor that is causing this condition to occur. Combining these two methods is also an excellent way of treating burnout and lifestyle changes must also be made.

Medications for dealing with the symptoms of burnout syndrome are often prescribed by a doctor, which include:

- Antidepressants
- Medication to aid any digestive issues
- Sleeping pills or sedatives
- Medications to help with the mentioned physical symptoms of burnout syndrome

Burnout can also be treated using non-medication-based methods as well, which include:

- Counseling
- Hypnosis
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Stress management techniques
- Therapy

No doubt the symptoms of burnout can be alleviated through these types of treatment. However, until and unless the underlying factors causing this condition are not avoided or changed, this condition cannot be entirely overcome. However, if people attempt to change the things that are causing them to feel regularly exhausted and also follow the mentioned treatment methods, then they will definitely overcome Burnout Syndrome.

5 Ways to Find 3 Lost Hours Every Week!

When you stop to realize that the reason we become hamsters on the proverbial wheel is that we do the same things as everyone else does, at the same times that everyone else does, every single day of our lives. Ranging from last-minute holiday shopping to leaving the house late, we are a culture of procrastinators. That is exactly what causes the vast majority of our stress.

Think about that. The things we choose to do are the very things that frustrate the heck out of us! The key word here is "choose." The simple question is, why do we do it to ourselves? Why are you creating your own stress? Do you not have enough without creating some more?

The great thing about that is that you have total control over changing it. You are the one creating the stress and frustration, so you are the only one who can do something about it. Pretty cool, no?

How do you "flip the switch?"

Let me talk about "the magic 10 minutes." What magic 10 minutes, you ask?

One example of this is the daily commute. Do you have any kind of commute in the morning or afternoon? If so, you most likely get caught up in traffic, especially if you live in a larger metropolitan area. This traffic is quite frustrating. It can stress you out. It can "make you late" (at least in your mind). It is probably something to which you really do not look forward! Yet, it is a conscious decision you make every day of your life to engage in this stress.

But, you may argue, I have to drive to work!

Yes... but what if I told you that you were doing it all wrong?

I first discovered the "magic 10 minutes" phenomenon when I had an early morning meeting every Thursday morning. Being at a location 45 minutes from my house, I had to drive across town going from one busy freeway to another busy freeway to yet another busy freeway. Did I mention that it was on a weekday, early in the morning? Although I, like most people in our society, am an expert at the "last-minute" habit, one particular morning I found myself awake, showered, dressed and ready to leave the house about a half an hour earlier than usual. Oddly enough, my first thought was, I can't leave this early." When I asked myself why not, I answered, "because I will be extremely early."

I thought about that for a moment. Something about it didn't sound right. Exactly what was wrong with being early, I wondered? I realized at that moment that I was so brainwashed by "last-minute syndrome" that I could not see the value in leaving a few minutes early, taking my time, and having less stress!

I put on my coat, gathered a few things into my briefcase (of course, my stuff was scattered all over the dining room table because I had not put it in my briefcase the night before even though I know I needed it the next morning), and headed to my car.

A life-altering thing happened over the next 30 minutes. I discovered a window of opportunity. There were fewer cars on the road. Not only that, but I actually drove the speed limit the entire time I was on the freeways. No more stop and go. I was less stressed. Not only that, but it also took me less time to get where I was going. How great is that!

When I arrived at my destination, early, I took a few minutes to ponder this discovery. It was so simple, so refreshing, and gave me a "gift of time." Aren't we all looking for those every day?

I began to think about other areas of my life to which I could apply it.

Here are 5 easy things I started doing that net me a collective 2-4 hours a week of what I simply call "found time:"

1. At the end of every day, take 5 minutes to put together all of the things you will need for the next day. This seems like common sense, but how often do you find yourself scrambling for your keys, your phone, your calendar, the information you need for the meeting in an hour? By spending five minutes the night before, you can save 15 minutes every morning, not to mention avoid starting off your day running around like the proverbial chicken with his head cut off.

2. Do your holiday shopping during 10 months of the year. Think that gives you enough time? Avoid all stores in November and December, and you will eliminate a ton of stress and self-imposed time crunches. Think you will miss the great deals? Do your holiday shopping in January and February. They are often just as good, if not better, than the holiday sales themselves! Buy things "off-season" and you will save money, time, and lots of energy.

3. If you have a commute for work of any kind, find your "magic 10 minutes."

4. Write down three things everyday that you will get done no matter what happens. Make them simple things: a quick phone call, a response to an e-mail, paying that bill. Get in the habit of accomplishing things every day. Develop the habit of checking all of those little things off of your to-do list early and often, and you will find you have a lot more time for the big things you want to accomplish.

5. Use the "f" word... FOCUS! Studies have shown that it takes several minutes to recover from an interruption. If you feel that you are "putting out fires" throughout your days, actually schedule "focus" times. You can find 30 minutes to close your door, turn off your phone, get out of your e-mail, etc. If you are telling yourself you cannot possibly do that, you are lying to yourself. Once you realize that, you accomplish more in that 30 minutes than you do for the next 4 hours, you will never look back!

Hans Hoffman said, "The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." When you identify where you find your stress, you will find that you are creating most of it. The beauty of that is you are the only one who can lessen it simply by tweaking things you are already doing. Only then can you find where you get your energy. That is clarity.

Get Clarity... Get Moving... Get Results.

Could This Bring About A Much Needed Radical Transformation To Leadership In All Areas?

When we so need a different kind of leader might this help transform economic gurus and political leaders? We certainly require people with a higher moral and ethical standing.

Is this note not a most profound spiritual note in the early days of 2013, but not only the early days?

Having been reading about prayer and fasting, these would probably be most strange concepts to many of our leaders but they are virtually foundation stones for sound solid leadership no matter where we serve and lead.

Jesus speaks to potential leaders regarding these topics as He was giving them fundamental teaching and initial training in the Sermon on the Mount.

There the note of sacrifice, because we can become so preoccupied with ourselves and with our own interests.

The times when we are really serious before God can be few and far between. We can become so busy.

Our own hopes and fears and ambitions as leaders can dominate our thinking so much, and there comes a time when we have to place God right at the very centre of our lives in a new way, and in a sacrificial way.

We move certain things to the side so that we can be with God in a new or deeper way.

The leaders of that day had made it a matter of ritual and show, but Jesus does not throw it out because of that. He teaches how it should be among His disciples.

Jesus encourages His disciples to do it in secret, as if it was a secret sacrificial devotion to God, or a secret discipline for spiritual reasons.

Nowhere is it commanded, but it is assumed, apart from the Day of Atonement, which continues right into the book of Acts. Paul refers to this important day.

To command fasting would be legalistic, and nor did Jesus say "if" which would make it optional.

Fasting can be a way to reinforce prayer. It can be a sign of repentance and humility, as in Psalm 35 verse 13. People who pray with fasting are indicating to God that they are really in earnest.

Fasting can be a way of seeking guidance, and all leaders need guidance and counsel at times, which goes beyond what man can offer and suggest.

Moses fasted before receiving the Ten Commandments, and in Acts Chapters 13 and 14: 23 fasting appears to have been a routine part of seeking God's guidance with regard to appointing elders. It was taught and practised.

When the leaders of the church fasted the Holy Spirit spoke and a wave of missionary outreach was birthed.

Fasting is a form of self discipline. Paul uses the analogy of the athlete training for a race.

Fasting helps to lessen the hold of material things upon us, and it can preserve us from becoming slaves to habits and it can help us learn and exercise self-control.

One of the reasons for fasting may be to share what we have with the undernourished.

We are told that fasting detoxifies the system, cleansing, healing, and resting vital organs, such as the kidneys and the liver. It is like giving the body a good spring clean. We voluntarily abstain from food for spiritual purposes and reasons.

I came across the briefest practical advice from someone who did fast. Do it firstly for 24 hours, and take water every 4 hours. Do not do it if there might be medical complications. Do it secretly. Use a tooth brush - and pray!

Prayer accompanied by fasting could transform leadership in every area of life and enable bad laws to be reversed comparatively quickly.

Can You Be Objective When You Are Involved?

The ability to objectively evaluate one's own performance is often the most challenging and difficult. We are often blind to our own shortcomings, either because we purposely or accidentally delude ourselves, vanity, insecurity, inability to accept criticism (even if it's self - criticism), or because we just don't fully understand the situation or circumstances sufficiently to perform a meaningful self - critique. One common trait of most great achievers is that they always expect and demand more from themselves, always seeking way to improve and do better. Critiques are important because only through introspection can we possibly improve and achieve.

1. Many people claim to be objective about themselves, yet few ever truly are. Many have fragile self - confidence, poor self images, or falsely build themselves up because it either makes them feel better about themselves, or because they don't sufficiently understand the situation. Just like the error in assuming that most course or seminar evaluations are extremely valuable, assuming that people know themselves is also an error. For example, if attendees at a seminar are not well versed in a subject area ( which obviously is often the case, because otherwise they probably would not attend that particular training program), how and why would we anticipate that they were knowledgeable enough to meaningfully evaluate the seminar. For this reason, the present day fixation by many organizations, event planners, and seminars, to rely heavily on evaluations, probably accounts for the popularity of entertaining presenters, even if they don't sufficiently cover the subject matter. Do you understand why it is so difficult for most of us to be objective when it comes to ourselves?

2. Most people find it challenging to objective when they are not personally involved, so why is it surprising that they could be not be personally objective? Objectivity is difficult when it comes to others because we generally are significantly and somewhat unduly influenced by our first impressions of someone, and whether we like that person, feel he is honest and has personal integrity, as well as being related to if we can respect someone. Not surprisingly, this situation is also true when it comes to how we feel about ourselves. The majority of people, I have observed, would probably not like someone else who was much like them. While many attempt to fool others into believing certain things about them, it is often more difficult to lie to ourselves. Until we get to the stage where we behave with the personal ethics and integrity that would make us both proud and self - confident, objectivity is often challenging.

Each of us should challenge ourselves to continuously be the best that we can be. That will only happen when we permit ourselves to be objectively introspective.

10 Essentials of Daily Practice

The air at this time of year is heavy with advice, resolutions, predictions and daily intelligence for how to live a successful life. While I like to reflect, review and reassess at this time of year, I also rebel at resolutions.
I've tried but it's futile. I don't make it through the first day and then I've blown it for the year.

Rather than giving weight to an arbitrary notch in an endless continuum of time, these elements have evolved into my daily practice.

10 essentials of my daily practice

• Authenticity. Be who I am; not who I think I should be; or who I think others are looking for. I am the only one here with my message; if I'm to live up to my potential and make a difference, it's important that I deliver it. If I am not being myself, how can anyone recognize me?

• Courage. Ironically, to be me. I'm no stranger to fear; but I've learned to recognize it's protective role, look beyond the message, and then put one foot in front of the other and do what I'm here to do.

• Self-care. The parallel to preventative maintenance for my motorcycle. My physical body is my home here on earth. Caring for it with a healthy diet, regular exercise, preferably in nature, and adequate rest honors who I am.

• Meditation and prayer. This quiet time is how I start every day. Before turning on the radio, checking email or opening any browsers, I pray (talk) and meditate (listen). It keeps me centered, grounded and in touch with who I am and what's important.

• Forward focus. I can't change the past. I can learn its lessons without getting bogged down in them. Grounded in the power of the present, I keep my eyes on my goals, follow the guidance I receive and apply throttle to maintain momentum. Anything is possible from this point.

• Say no. To people, things, opportunities that are out of scope or threaten to lead me there. There are many worthy causes and requests for my time, but I must do what only I can do and leave the rest to someone else.

• Gratitude. For the abundance and gifts that I'm showered with daily, the love that surrounds me in so many people and the magical beauty of nature.

• Trust. It is not my role to control the world. All I have to do is my part.

• Compassion. While I may not agree with others' points of view, we are all connected. We are each other's teachers and there are always lessons to learn.

• Fun! Play. Laugh. Love. Celebrate success. Celebrate friendships. Listen to the child within me and let her play.

Although this list continues to evolve, it works for me. It's easier to catch myself before going too far off track, helps with decision-making and stokes adventure!

How is your list similar? Different?

Wishing you abundance, joy, health and magical days.