Sunday and Monday’s posts reminds me of Dr. Julie Smith’s
I’ve been interested in personal growth all my life, and I’ve read a lot of self-help books. They often had good ideas, but they usually oversold how things would turn out. Nope, there are never any guarantees in life. For me it was knowing my values and focusing on playing my part well, hoping for the best but not giving up if things didn’t go my way. Dr. Smith understands that:
When you start to share things on social media or you write a self-help book, lots of people get the impression that you have it all sorted. I have seen a lot of authors in the self-help industry perpetuate this idea. They have to look as if the things life throws at them leaves no dents or scars. They suggest that their book contains all the answers — all the answers you will need in life. Let me demystify that one right now.
I am a psychologist. That means I have read a lot of the research that has been produced on this subject and I have been trained to use it to help guide other people in their quest towards positive change. I am also a human. The tools I have acquired do not stop life throwing stuff at you. They help you to navigate, swerve, take a hit and get back up. They don’t stop you getting lost along the way.
They help you to notice when you have lost your way and bravely turn on your heel and head back towards a life that feels meaningful and purposeful to you. This book is not the key to a problem-free life. It is a great bunch of tools that helps me and many others find our way through.
Hurray for her!
August 20, 2025
That sounds like a book worth reading. She sounds like someone who tells it like it is and doesn’t try and sugar coat things with unrealistic plans
And she’s giving people help without having to go to a therapist. Good suggestions that some people hadn’t heard about.
I agree with her and with you, and I think that people who are going through bad things need to show it, and not do the fake, every thing is fine, I am fine, because it makes people who are having problems think they are the only one, share what you feel and how you deal with it and it might help others do the same
Yes. 🙂
I’ve never read a self-help book. She does make some good points.
Personal growth has been a lifelong hobby for me. 🙂
…I try to help myself on my own.
Whatever works. 🙂
I don’t do good with the self help books because….my personality thinks it knows best!! LOL. I am sure they have helped a lot of people and for this I say GOOD!
Thanks. 🙂
I have read a ton of self-help books. Each one I get excited because I feel that they understand. Problem is they don’t really give you the answer how to change. LOL
How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? One, but the light bulb has to really want to change. 🙂
Sounds good
🙂
Yes, Hurrah for her for sure!!! And also, there are some people who will never be helped by self-help books, maybe because they just don’t do the work or don’t want to change
Yes, that wanting to change is the big one.
She sounds like a bright one.
Smart, with a desire to help people. 🙂
Years ago I went through many self-help books; even seminars (Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins). In the end, however, my lack of self confidence was my undoing. I’m no longer searching, but this sounds like a worthy read.
Thanks.