What’s your opinion on the self-improvement industry?

[k e r f u f f l e]

All around, what are you thoughts on this multi-billion dollar world?

I’m talking the books, podcasts, speakers, courses- everything.

 

[Millysaurusrexjr]

I don't think I've really tried any self-improvement stuff, but if it helps actually motivate people then it's probably a good thing... though I guess it depends on the author/host/etc. Some people are only out there to make money, power, fame -- and could be taking advantage of those desperately seeking direction in life. I could see some self-improvement content becoming a cult or MLM/Pyramid scheme type thing. Especially certain self-described "gurus".

But then again, I've barely dipped my toes in the matter, other than subscribing to a self-improvement subreddit that I barely look at, and sometimes watching videos by this one guy which I think could be categorised as self-improvement for artists (more along the lines of motivational speaking, not technical drawing classes)

 

[QueenCobra]

I think like most industries, there's good and bad. For example, I like Brene Brown and Glennon Doyle's books and philosophy, because it's helped me with some things in my life. But when you get into Rachel Hollis, Tony Robbins, influencer, and/or televangelist territory-- that's when they're ripping people off, I feel.
However, if we're talking about celebrities-- it can be both good and bad. I like how some are more open about mental illness. Not really self-improvement, but I actually enjoy some Kylie Skin products, as they feel good and work with my skin type. Like, I'm no fan of the Kardashians and/or Jenners, but they're smart enough to know that a ****ty product would spell their downfall.

 

[Croconaw]

As sad as it is, I think most people are only in it for the money. I’m specifically referring to those videos on YouTube on how to improve your life, motivational videos, etcetera. Most of them are lying and telling you what you want to hear. I admittedly watch motivational videos on YouTube, and the ones I’ve been watching in particular have been helping. It did take a few years, though, and nothing changed overnight. I’ve been taking steps to improve my life over the course of four years and those videos along with a few events triggered that.

They can work, but it’s not just watching videos and doing certain things. You have to want to improve. I think the most notable thing that improved my life for me was deleting big social media and stopped watching television. I do watch one or two shows at the most, but they aren’t on television with commercials. If something is happening in the world and I need to know about it, someone will tell me. Most things shown to you on television are negative or portrayed in the most negative way. Social media is just a bunch of people trying to make you jealous or showing off pictures so you know they’re doing better than someone else. It definitely helped me stop comparing myself to other people when I stopped looking at their life. Most of it is fake anyway and just a way to show other people what they can’t have.

 

[QueenCobra]

I think like most industries, there's good and bad. For example, I like Brene Brown and Glennon Doyle's books and philosophy, because it's helped me with some things in my life. But when you get into Rachel Hollis, Tony Robbins, influencer, and/or televangelist territory-- that's when they're ripping people off, I feel.
However, if we're talking about celebrities-- it can be both good and bad. I like how some are more open about mental illness. Not really self-improvement, but I actually enjoy some Kylie Skin products, as they feel good and work with my skin type. Like, I'm no fan of the Kardashians and/or Jenners, but they're smart enough to know that a ****ty product would spell their downfall.

I should also say that I am by no means saying this stuff alone improved my anxiety, depression, or burnout from Asperger's. It's a work in progress. I am seeing a psychiatrist. I've increased my medication and am in CBT therapy. It's been a long journey. If you're really struggling, some ideas or doing some things can help you along the way, but if you have real concerns-- this self-improvement stuff isn't one size fits all or some fairy dust you can sprinkle on your problems. That's another issue I have with it-- some act like it's a kind of formula when in actuality we are all wired very differently.

 

[nightglow]

I feel like there are many different faucets? to self- improvement stuff which has good and bad.
I think if you are looking for help with something, a good start is meeting with a psychologist or counselor first. They help with a good ground base and they are someone to talk to in your process of change and learning. I also feel like they are a pretty neutral angle to begin with too. And if you are actually needing medication, they will be able to identify that while other people wouldn't be able too.
The religious and philosophy sides can be very helpful to many people, but it is easily abused.
I also think that religion and philosophy should be pursed on your own, instead of guided by a middle man in a book or tv. Like, read the actually texts on _____________ as they are. Then read scholarly articles for study, which often argue each other or challenge the texts.
And I am not even sure I would even say religion is for self improvement anyway... that is more about interaction with beings even though there are almost always self- improvement stuff in religion. And philosophy seems to be more about understanding the world around you, and the processes of things that naturally occur then adjusting your behavior based on observing those kinds of things. But I suppose that could be considered a philosophical opinion.
I personally don't see the benefit in workbooks, speakers, courses, or podcasts for self-improvement stuff.
Maybe if it was workbooks, speakers, or podcasts for psychology. People have thinking patterns and they do exist and they have been studied. And you could use what you learn there for self-improvement. I don't think courses would be much help. If you need something long like that, perhaps finding a support group led by a professional would be more valuable and would be personalized and perhaps even have goals set for you.

 

[tiffanistarr]

I feel like some of them are great. I’ve read many books on managing and dealing with my medical anxiety/ocd and it’s been very helpful. I do realize that some of them take on different things and are really just a front for money making schemes.

People who offer workshops that you have to PAY for seems icky to me. Like Dave Ramsey or Tony Robbins for example. A lot of their sales tactics are slimy and gross in my opinion.

People who offer financial and life advice for a ridiculous price are scammy to me. They always remind me of those scary freaky televangelists like Joel Osteen.

I think televangelists are some the worst people who claim to be helping people, but are really defrauding millions from people every year. It’s disgusting.

I do think however, there are some great people in the world of motivation and life coaching. I think they genuinely try to help people. However, it’s saddening that there are so many manipulative people out there who take advantage of people in weak places for financial gains.

Like the whole “Broke? Become a Millionaire NOW.” books where a whole set cost way more than it’s worth and the advice isn’t really going to make you a millionaire. Those books are marketed to people who are desperate to try anything to get out of their financial situation. It’s gross and predatory behavior.

It’s the same thing as MLM people trying to recruit. Like buy all this makeup and then sell it and make money like me from home. It rarely ever works out that an MLM rep actually makes a living and most end up in debt. They prey on women who want to be empowered to do better and have self worth. Also very predatory.

I feel like there are some that have peoples best interest at heart and usually those people aren’t marketing their stuff to so certain demographic. I read and listen to a lot of “self help” books to like i said, improve my anxiety and a lot of have helped.