Do you buy AND use personal development programs?

18 replies
"Reading a self-help book without practicing what it preaches provides entertainment value only." ~ RBs Keys

My PD programs used to collect dust. Then I realized that the personal development program would do nothing for me; I had to use it.

Do you have a tendency to burn thru program after program, or do you stick to one or 2, practicing the techniques until you see tangible results?

RB
#buy #development #personal #programs
  • Profile picture of the author Woody C
    Hey Ryan,

    This reminds me of the proverb, "To know and not to do is not to know."

    I'll admit that I'm an information junky, especially in the personal development realm. While I may not use everything I learn right away, I feel that I some how internalize what works for me and I have subtly evolved into a much better (I hope) and more effective human being.

    I'm more of a PD book reader than a program buyer, but I do tend to devour, highlight, and re-read the books that I find useful.

    I am currently reading The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, and I am kicking myself for waiting so long to get to it. From what I've read so far it seems to be one of the most practical and useful PD books I've read in a long time. I will definitely be putting the information to use ASAP.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3503231].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Fred1
    Yes, I use to burn through different programs.

    What opened my eyes to what I was doing was Zig Ziglar saying that you need to listen to a program 16 times for you to totally get everything out of it & for it to stick. I also heard Bob Proctor say that he broke his poverty mindset and began earning over $1 Million income/yr (back in the 1960's!!!) by reading one book, Think & Grow Rich, and listening to the same Earl Nightingale recording over & over for years!!

    I would listen to a program 1 or 2 times and move on to the next. Since then, I haven't ordered anything else from Nightingale-Conant, and I began focusing on the info I already own.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3503644].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JagSEO
    I think reading too much of personal development will just confuse you. It will alter your emotion and after that you will have these up and down feeling about yourself.

    You don't need personal development because you already know the answer to your question. You can have personal development just to input some knowledge on certain things other than that, Its an entertainment.

    i remember George Carlin saying " You don't need personal development books to get motivated, Walking alone to buy those book in stores is already a motivation in itself".
    Signature
    Hooked To Success -Personal development For People Who Wants Success.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3505708].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sandycmy
    for me It's almost like -- when u are doing fine, then there's no need of a PD program. When down I listen to brain tracy audios
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3506023].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Good feedback here guys.

    One note: you are whole and complete. You don't "need" anything, but let's face it....how many truly believe they are whole and complete, as is? That's why using a PD program can give you the boost, a form of inspiration to remind you, of You!

    RB
    Signature
    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3506696].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Fred1
      Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

      Good feedback here guys.

      One note: you are whole and complete. You don't "need" anything, but let's face it....how many truly believe they are whole and complete, as is? That's why using a PD program can give you the boost, a form of inspiration to remind you, of You!

      RB
      Great point, Ryan.

      I think depending on our upbringing or life experiences we can get off balance or in a direction that isn't best for us. That's where personal development and even counseling in some cases come into play.

      It's like all the pieces of the puzzle are there, but we sometimes need a little help or encouragement or even a plan to help us put all those pieces together.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3509902].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JagSEO
    I've learned a lot from personal development and it changed my mindset and my belief but at the end of the day only action will truly motivate you.
    Signature
    Hooked To Success -Personal development For People Who Wants Success.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3511973].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ScottCofer
    I usually try to stick with a single program until I see some type of results ... then I decide whether to continue or move on. However, I have a tendency to have 1-3 books going at a time which can conflict with the whole process sometimes. I've recently started doing my reading over lunch and that seems to simplify everything ...
    Signature

    You CAN make money online ... you just need a plan:
    http://www.netmoneyplan.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3512267].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Hi Scott,

    I use the same strategy sometimes. If you go light enough with each book you can take a piece from each, but the deeper you delve the more difficult it can be to maintain the balancing act.

    RB
    Signature
    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3512728].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
      When I first started on the self-improvement trail I'd buy and burn through self help books like candy drops. I even took a speed reading course. Why? Because I thought if I could read more and faster I'd get faster results. Sounds logical right? Wrong!

      I made rookie mistakes many people fall into. With experience, wasted time and money I found it's not the quantity of reading and studying you do, it's the quality. Deep and narrow as opposed to shallow and wide, so-to-speak.

      ... And that always involves what I call the 3 P's

      1. Preparation!
      2. Practice
      !
      -and -
      3. Persistence!

      I found it's hard to do the 3 P's jumping from one book to the next. A lot of people do that now. That's why you have so many people walking around with a head full of knowledge but little results.
      Signature
      Download "Free 80 Page E-Book"
      "201 Ways To Live Better On Less Money".
      "Because The Easiest Way To Make Money is ... ... By Saving Some First!"
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3513399].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TimoK
        Ryan,

        I used to go buy a program/book after program until I realized that I never had time to implement anything I learned.

        I have slowed-down the pace and nowadays I pick very carefully what program to buy.

        However, I thank for the lessons I have learned through personal development - I guess that otherwise I would still be "sleeping" without any direction.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3516626].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mypiapo
    I am also guilty of reading more than one book at a time, and not sticky to some certain technique. But like so many on this thread, i take what i need from the different books, and create what works for me. Although, i will admit, i tend to get lazy, and dont put forth the mind effort to change the things i need to change. Im the kind, who wants to see results fast, and if i dont, then i quit for awhile. I know, i know, this is foolish. I need to stick with it, make it a routine
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3515373].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mo Annuar
    I also tend to get quickly through different programs and most of the time I'm not patient enough to wait for results.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3516690].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author parislaw
      I like that you put "use" in the question. I believe you are right. Most people will enjoy absorbing the information from personal development and self improvement products.
      The missing factor is what to do about it. I have listened to Earl Nightingale's The Strangest Secret many, many times. Setting up a 30 day challenge to set a goal, listen to this audio each morning and setting aside 10 minutes each day to brainstorm actions that I can take toward reaching that goal.

      When you have that focused attention and then follow through with it, you're sure to achieve the results. As a coach, I work with clients to uncover the missing components and create forward moving action. It's fun to watch goals manifest in reality.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4836341].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author neeralt
    Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

    "Reading a self-help book without practicing what it preaches provides entertainment value only." ~ RBs Keys

    My PD programs used to collect dust. Then I realized that the personal development program would do nothing for me; I had to use it.

    Do you have a tendency to burn thru program after program, or do you stick to one or 2, practicing the techniques until you see tangible results?

    RB
    I usually read about self help on the internet and try them out soon after reading them. While doing this, I read other self help articles and also implement what I find suitable into my life.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4836390].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author abundantlife
      I used to read many PD books and listen to records (in the olden days) and tapes and even mp3. I've been finding since starting to post on WF that much of what I listened to or read has soaked in and is now a part of who I am.

      I catch myself recalling what Zig or Earl or Jim or Tony said because I was exposed to it so many times. Years ago I worked with SMI (Success Motivation Institute) and their program worked on what Paul Meyer, the founder called, "spaced repetition". They had records at the time and we listened to them over and over and over again and again. Eventually, the content just became a part of our conversation and thoughts.

      To answer the question: no I don't buy any more PD programs. I have some like, "Lead the Field", by Earl Nightingale and I listen to it every year or two. And I still go online now and then to re listen to "The Strangest Secret". I do know that reading or listening to PD info is stimulating and gets your mind to working, but in the end if it doesn't move one to action perhaps better to get a good one and just stick with it. You can't buy your way in to success. You have to do it "the old fashioned way, you have to earn it".
      Signature
      David Tampien
      Top Ten Reasons to Use Aloe Vera Every Day

      Prov. 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4837655].message }}
  • I know an believe that focusing on one strategy and book at a time will produce the greatest results.

    Here is what I do -
    1. Practice one program at a time. I usually like to dedicate 30 minutes to an hour to the program each day (5 days a week or 7 days a week).

    However, when I have done my work for the day, I sometimes will read something else or practice something else. I believe that this keeps my mind fresh and makes me more interested in working on my core program the next day.

    I do have to give the caveat that I have rarely gotten to the point of mastery with any individual technique so I suspect if you ask me this question a few years from now, my answer will be that I only focus on one program or technique at a time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4842872].message }}

Trending Topics