There is a problem with "self-help"
It's the name.
I have come across two objections this week to the concept of self-help.
Would anybody really object to a positive piece of encouragement, hack or a tip, a filip?
Would anybody really object to positive suggestions enthusiastically performed with love and affection from someone bringing hopes for the best in and from another.
Something given without financial transaction between you.
But even if there is the barter of token or passing of money in exchange for a podcast or book or talk or a course or workshop or presentation, if there is a value that leads to change, then it's of value.
A quick poke in the eye or a big long, luxurious bath presented in a modality that you yourself prefer to absorb messages.
Some people have a quick shower.
Some make it a cold one
Some people have a long luxurious bath.
Some wouldn't have a bath in the house. And if space is at a premium, always bear in mind, you could fit in fifty air fryers in the space taken up by a single bath.
Think about that briefly, why don't you. (By the way get yourself an air fryer.....trust me)
The first of the two " self-help deniers" was Jonathan Goodwin - essentially, if you're not familiar with him, Britain's only escapologist and a man I have been watching on TV for 20 years since his home-made Channel 4 programmes. He's appeared in various other variety shows with his stunts and warm personality but it was only Britain's America's Got Talent extreme that led to his paraplegia last year and facing a lifetime in a wheelchair.
He has just (September 2022) started his tips of positivity on Twitter but prefixed them by saying "I hate all that self-help stuff ", but of course that's exactly what he is offering.
And it's brilliant.
So this is undoubtedly a branding problem.
A disclaimer such as that is a sign of vague embarrassment at the concept of giving advice. How very British of us!
Who would say to their loving grandfather, giving them life advice.. "Sorry Grandad , I'm not into that self-help stuff. Find yourself a different sucker. My brother's over there"
A psychopath, you say? Well, possibly.
Certainly somebody who is telling you that they're not open to new ideas today, thanks very much.
The second of the two people was a friend to whom I was trying to send positive vibes and life advice - a bipolar who was struggling with his moods.
I wasn't claiming anything that I was doing was original but I know how useful it is to continue hearing inspirational stuff from time to time.
You may find it in your entertainment, Youtube, your music, a play, a book, a quote... really literally anything that fills you up with the joy of spring.
It's the name.
I have come across two objections this week to the concept of self-help.
Would anybody really object to a positive piece of encouragement, hack or a tip, a filip?
Would anybody really object to positive suggestions enthusiastically performed with love and affection from someone bringing hopes for the best in and from another.
Something given without financial transaction between you.
But even if there is the barter of token or passing of money in exchange for a podcast or book or talk or a course or workshop or presentation, if there is a value that leads to change, then it's of value.
A quick poke in the eye or a big long, luxurious bath presented in a modality that you yourself prefer to absorb messages.
Some people have a quick shower.
Some make it a cold one
Some people have a long luxurious bath.
Some wouldn't have a bath in the house. And if space is at a premium, always bear in mind, you could fit in fifty air fryers in the space taken up by a single bath.
Think about that briefly, why don't you. (By the way get yourself an air fryer.....trust me)
The first of the two " self-help deniers" was Jonathan Goodwin - essentially, if you're not familiar with him, Britain's only escapologist and a man I have been watching on TV for 20 years since his home-made Channel 4 programmes. He's appeared in various other variety shows with his stunts and warm personality but it was only Britain's America's Got Talent extreme that led to his paraplegia last year and facing a lifetime in a wheelchair.
He has just (September 2022) started his tips of positivity on Twitter but prefixed them by saying "I hate all that self-help stuff ", but of course that's exactly what he is offering.
And it's brilliant.
So this is undoubtedly a branding problem.
A disclaimer such as that is a sign of vague embarrassment at the concept of giving advice. How very British of us!
Who would say to their loving grandfather, giving them life advice.. "Sorry Grandad , I'm not into that self-help stuff. Find yourself a different sucker. My brother's over there"
A psychopath, you say? Well, possibly.
Certainly somebody who is telling you that they're not open to new ideas today, thanks very much.
The second of the two people was a friend to whom I was trying to send positive vibes and life advice - a bipolar who was struggling with his moods.
I wasn't claiming anything that I was doing was original but I know how useful it is to continue hearing inspirational stuff from time to time.
You may find it in your entertainment, Youtube, your music, a play, a book, a quote... really literally anything that fills you up with the joy of spring.
It might even just be the joy of spring. Who doesn't look forward to her (or his?) return.
Is spring a lady? Should we even ask?
I received a message back .. "Yes I know all that self-help stuff"
But we all need a reminder, I reminded.
This is simply another wall that my advice has to climb over. That is a common enough thing.
But why call this "self-help"?
This is one person helping another, or trying to (and that's enough, by the way)
Self-help doesn't work as well when it is said in your own voice. You know you too well.
I received a message back .. "Yes I know all that self-help stuff"
But we all need a reminder, I reminded.
This is simply another wall that my advice has to climb over. That is a common enough thing.
But why call this "self-help"?
This is one person helping another, or trying to (and that's enough, by the way)
Self-help doesn't work as well when it is said in your own voice. You know you too well.
It doesn't get round the outside. It doesn't come in the back door. It doesn't fill the cracks. It doesn't seep in.
For many, it doesn't, get this, work as well.
But in the voice of another, even if the words are familiar, it's NON-self-help, it. Agency from another agency.
Of course, the Universities supercharged this idea. And perfected it in lockdown.
They could get students to teach themselves, eliminate most of their teaching and still lumber students with £9000 of debt per year.
For many, it doesn't, get this, work as well.
But in the voice of another, even if the words are familiar, it's NON-self-help, it. Agency from another agency.
Of course, the Universities supercharged this idea. And perfected it in lockdown.
They could get students to teach themselves, eliminate most of their teaching and still lumber students with £9000 of debt per year.
Criminal? Well you could teach yourself a law degree on Youtube or in prison should you find yourself there for a modern crime such as freedom of expression. Then you could prosecute the Universities who are getting away with this travesty of profit-seeking over education.
Unless you're learning an artistic professions such as medicine, that requires interactivity, why go to University?
Most of the other crafts require apprenticeship more than a degree.
That is self-help.
Self-education is self-help.
But self-help, as the term is usually deployed, is something you give to another.
It involves humility and a kindness of spirit.
It is a gift.
Helping yourself... in the way the language is usually used, is of no credit. It is an act of selfishness.
Helping others... on the other hand is the road to apparent sainthood.
There is a significant branding issue.
Because self-help is ultimately the only help there is.
Unless you're learning an artistic professions such as medicine, that requires interactivity, why go to University?
Most of the other crafts require apprenticeship more than a degree.
That is self-help.
Self-education is self-help.
But self-help, as the term is usually deployed, is something you give to another.
It involves humility and a kindness of spirit.
It is a gift.
Helping yourself... in the way the language is usually used, is of no credit. It is an act of selfishness.
Helping others... on the other hand is the road to apparent sainthood.
There is a significant branding issue.
Because self-help is ultimately the only help there is.
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