Reading a self-help book is a great way to learn how to be happier. We’re often very enthusiastic about starting a new book, because it’s like the promise of a better life. Unfortunately, once the book has been read and closed, nothing really changes in our daily lives. So how do you effectively read a book of happiness? Here are my top 3 tips!

Why read a personal development book?

When we read self-help books, it’s because we have questions and are looking for concrete answers!

We may need inspiration. Sometimes we’re bored or feeling stuck in our lives, and we’re looking for a little help to set off on the conquest of our happiness once again.

Learning, inspiration, self-improvement and advancement are the needs that make us human. Satisfying them is the best way to be happier.

In other words, personal development books are our best allies in building and maintaining our happiness.

However, to get the best out of these books, we need real tools!

That’s why I’m sharing with you tips for reading at your best!

1 – To read a book well: have a notebook and a pencil to read properly

Our brain is a marvellous machine, but unfortunately our memory can be temperamental. Indeed, we can read things that thrill us, that seem precious to us, and within a minute of closing the book, have forgotten those things…

That’s why it’s so important to have a notebook in which to write down all the things we’d like to remember.

What’s more, we’ll find it much easier to go back to those phrases that inspire us, teach us something or move us forward, if they’re in our notebook.

Indeed, finding them in a book can be rather complicated at times, wasting our precious time.

Now it’s your turn! Write your own notebook of “nuggets of happiness” and reread it every day.

It can change your life, give you a boost when you’re feeling down or lost, restore your self-confidence, invite you to be more serene, and remind you that life is worth living and smiling about!

Here’s a lovely booklet that will make you want to read.

2 – Have an intention, a precise question

Let’s be actors in our reading and not be afraid to ask a specific question of the book we’re holding in our hands.

Reading a self-help book is an action, not a distraction. We have a goal or a need to satisfy.

Our intention, according to Wayne Dyer in his book “The Power of Intention” should always be: “I want to feel good”. I really like this idea of feeling good. It’s not frightening; on the contrary, it’s soothing. Feeling good is not the same as being happy. It takes the pressure off our shoulders. What do you think?

What if you read your next happiness book with this intention: “I want to feel good”?

Alternatively, you can ask yourself more specific questions:

“How can I be more serene, more motivated, less stressed, more joyful, less sad?”
“How can I have better relationships with those around me, how can I feel better in my body?”
By setting an intention or asking a question, you’ll read differently. You’ll be a real player in your reading, looking for concrete, precise answers!

3 – To read a book well: commit to a good habit

In life, setting goals and feeling we’re moving forward and improving is essential to feeling happy. What if we did the same thing when we read a self-help book?

Let’s make a commitment before each reading to find an exercise that suits us and turn it into a good habit in our daily lives.

Happiness doesn’t fall from the sky. Happiness is in the doing. We need to do things to feel happy. Yes, happiness is built and nurtured.

And nothing is more effective for our happiness than good habits. Of course, they have to suit us.

We don’t have to be like everyone else. We don’t have to do great things. We just have to do what makes us happy.