Self-help

Written by Katherine Nicholls
Katherine Nicholls
Life Coach Directory Content Team

Many of us have areas we’d like to improve on. Whether it’s learning a new skill, progressing in a certain area of our life or simply finding a way to accept ourselves as we are. Wanting to grow, develop and learn is what makes us human, and thankfully there are lots of ways we can do that. Here we want to talk about self-help specifically, where we take control of our own learning and development, and some of the resources available.


How self-help supports us 

If you’ve identified that there’s something holding you back in life, self-help can be a great way to support yourself. You may find that through self-help alone you’re able to overcome your challenges and move forward with what you want to achieve. 

For some, more support and guidance is needed. This is where professionals such as coaches can help. Even then, using self-help alongside this is a wonderful way to continue your development, and often, your coach will suggest certain self-help tools as part of your sessions and progress.


Self-help routes to explore

The self-help industry is booming right now and it can feel a little overwhelming to know where to start. It’s important for you to find a self-help technique that works for you and your circumstances, so you may need to experiment to see what feels good. 

Speaking to others with similar interests to you can help too, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. Here we share our thoughts on where to start and offer some resources to explore. 

Reading, listening to podcasts and watching videos

Self-help books, podcasts and videos are all fantastic ways to learn more about a particular topic. Here are some quick recommendations to get you started:

  • Try a book from the Reading Well list.
  • Explore the self-help section on your podcasts app (may we recommend Happiful’s podcast, I am. I have?).
  • Browse some TED Talks that look interesting to you.

9 inspirational books

coffee table with book

Read more

Self-help podcasts

Woman wearing headphones

Read more

I am. I have - with Angela Cox

Angela Cox I am. I have

Listen Now

I am. I have - with Ben Bidwell

Ben Bidwell I am. I have

Listen Now

Taking courses and attending workshops

Learning in any form is great for self-development. Once you know what you would like to learn more about, search online for a relevant course or workshop that may help you. This may take place face-to-face or online.

As you’ll see, there will no doubt be lots available. Try asking your friends, family, and perhaps your online community for any recommendations.

Search our events section to find a personal development workshop near you.

Increasing self-awareness

Self-awareness is so often the first step to change. It can help us recognise and acknowledge when something feels difficult and what helps us feel better.

Here are some resources to get you started:

Identifying limiting beliefs

woman standing in doorway

Read more

How to journal effectively

Image of a coffee table

Read more

Wheel of life tool

woman smiling

Read more

Identifying different personality types

Young woman with short bleached hair

Read more

Identifying core values

Young man standing by the sea

Read more

The power of affirmations

Red headed woman smiling at camera

Read more

Making a change

When you're ready to take action and make a change, there are tools you can use to help you along the way. Take a look at our resources below that will help you take your next step and achieve your goals.

Goal-setting 101

professional woman working

Read more

8 self-development apps

Group of women working together

Read more

3 benefits of visualisation

man standing against wall of flowers

Read more

Create a vision board

Woman standing at edge of a lake

Read more

If you’re looking for content and access to professional support from coaches, counsellors, nutritionists, hypnotherapists and complementary therapists, try our Happiful app.

Practise self-care

In our efforts to overcome challenges and improve ourselves, it can be easy to forget the role of self-care. This is all about looking after ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally and really supports any self-development work we do.

Here are some resources to help you prioritise self-care:

Self-care

person holding flowers over face

Read more

Daily self-care rituals

Image of coffee on bed

Read more

How to set healthy boundaries

woman standing with hair blowing in air

Read more

The importance of self-compassion

Man smiling at camera

Read more

Benefits of a gratitude practice

person journaling in cafe

Read more

Self-care for leaders

man on sofa wearing headphones

Read more

Hopefully, the resources we've shared here have given you some guidance on your self-help journey. We wish you all the best and if you're ever in need of support from a coach, you can use our search tool to start your journey today.

Search for a coach
Image

Find the right business or life coach for you

All coaches are verified professionals

All coaches are verified professionals