How Do I Choose the Best Self-Help Strategies?

With hundreds of different self-help strategies available, choosing possible methods can seem quite overwhelming. Since self-help is a highly individualized concept, even self-help strategies that provide assistance to thousands of other people might not be the right fit for everyone. Some ways to choose effective self-help strategies include narrowing options by condition, looking to trusted sources for recommendations, giving strategies a trial period, and performing regular self-assessment checks. Ultimately, the best self-help strategies are defined by their ability to provide meaningful, effective assistance.

Narrowing down options is a good starting point when trying to determine the best self-help strategies for a personal concern. It may help to write down a clear statement of the issue, such as “I am seeking help to get over stage fright,” or “I want to perform better in interviews.” Researching self-help topics that apply to a specific issue may yield more relevant results. Scheduling diagnostic sessions with a qualified therapist may also help identify and clarify issues that would benefit from self-help strategies.

Self-help books, theories, and philosophies are so prevalent in modern society, it may be difficult to bring up the subject without being bombarded with a dozen random recommendations. Since many self-help websites, books, and gurus are primarily concerned with making a profit, it can also be difficult to find reviews that are objective and trustworthy. Seeking assistance from trusted friends who have been through similar problems, or speaking with an objective mental health provider can be a good way to find useful suggestions. Be wary of any person who promises a full cure by purchasing his or her own products; people who are actually capable of helping will likely do so without an eye on profit margins, and rarely promise a miracle cure.

Once a collection of self-help strategies is compiled, it is important to give them a trial run. Consider setting a time limit, such as one month, to determine if a strategy works well for a given situation. It is important to commit fully to trying out the strategy, since the best advice in the world can be worthless if not applied in a comprehensive manner. If a strategy has not helped make any marked improvement over the trial period, it may be time to move on to the next option.

Even if a self-help strategy is initially useful, performing regular self-assessment checks can help ensure that methods remain effective. After adopting a strategy, sit down once a month and try to determine how, or if, it has helped during the past 30 days. If a strategy is not working as desired, there is no harm in researching other possibilities while still using the original method. Loyalty to self-help strategies can only be deserved if continued progress or control of the issue is maintained over time.