Are you overwhelmed by the bounty of self-help books in your local bookstore? Don’t just go for the latest bestseller, warns clinical psychologist Bea Potgieter. “Bestsellers don’t necessarily offer the best advice, they’re just well marketed.” Here’s how to find selfhelp that’s right for you.

BEFORE THE BOOKSTORE

Know thyself If you’re intrigued by self-help titles, you’ve already recognised that something needs to change. “There’s a moment where you say, ‘OK, I’m not happy with my life — maybe I can do something different’,” says Sally Kempton, author of The Heart of Meditation: Pathways to a Deeper Experience. But that moment isn’t always enough. Without really knowing what motivates you or what obstacles might stand in your way, it’s difficult to make real changes.

Connect within Harmful emotional patterns can be deeply ingrained and difficult to see. An ideal way to reveal those patterns is by meditating, says Kempton, as this is a way to tap into a more authentic you — one who is unaffected by the relentless barrage of thoughts telling you things about yourself and the world that aren’t necessarily true.

AT THE BOOKSTORE

Avoid quick fixes It’s easy to imagine that all it takes is a book to make you feel better. “Few people actually do the exercises contained in these books, and believe that their lives will change by osmosis, simply by owning the book,” says Stephanie Vermeulen, author of EQ: Emotional Intelligence for Everyone. “Personal change takes a great deal of courage, and unless the book challenges your existing ideas, paradigms or habits, reading it will be of little benefit. Buy books that you’ll be able to refer back to over and over again.”

Consider the source Investigate how much expertise the writers really have. Do they have the appropriate qualifi – cations, such as degrees or certifications from reputable schools, or long histories of study and apprenticeship with other, more experienced practitionersi Look for authors who offer realistic ways to incorporate profound principles into your daily life.

Trust your instincts You want a book that inspires you, not necessarily your best friend or sister. “Make sure your choice calls out to you, even if you aren’t clear why,” says yoga instructor Kate Hanley. If you find a book that intrigues you but aren’t sure how to incorporate the advice, don’t write it off — you may only discover its full impact once you’ve fully digested its meaning.

AFTER THE BOOKSTORE

Enjoy the journey Slow down and pay attention on your journey. “Most people get too focused on a goal,” says clinical psychologist Bo Forbes. “To value the goal over the process is a huge mistake because transformation takes time.”

Get physical As you inch towards change, you can accelerate the process by getting your body involved. “Entrenched patterns often manifest themselves physically,” says Forbes. “You can read tons of books and talk to lots of experts, but working through your body can help bridge the gap between insight and real change.”

Make a commitment “Only a fraction of people who buy selfhelp books get past chapter one,” says Vermeulen. “Most people glance over the exercises and only take in the information intellectually. If you’re not prepared to do the work involved, then buying a book is a waste of time.”

OTHER SOURCES OF SELF-HELP

Apply the same approach when searching for a life coach, website, newsletter or magazine to help you affect change in your life. Real change takes time, so use yours wisely.