What self-development books do we choose today?

According to Svetlana Motylkova, editor-in-chief of the Popular Psychology section of the MIF publishing house, interest in the topic of self-development grew about 15 years ago, but the very subject of discussion within this niche is constantly changing. This is noticeable both in book sales and in assortment.

The growth of this interest can be divided into 4 stages:

1.Productivity and efficiency

“At the end of the 2010s and the beginning of the XNUMXs, the topics of productivity, efficiency, time management and goal setting were in the spotlight,” continues Svetlana Motylkova. — The main buyers of these books were entrepreneurs, executives and top and middle managers.

They understood that in order to develop their business, they need to “pump” themselves: acquire new skills and good habits, get out of their “comfort zone”, become a “better version of themselves” – that is, more organized, energetic and efficient.

Many books published at that time are still in demand, and the books “Without Self-Pity” and “On the Limit” by Eric Bertrand Larssen can be considered a kind of “peak” of this period – about how to push the boundaries of your capabilities and achieve goals in any, even unrealistically difficult circumstances. The leitmotif of these books: “You are capable of anything, the main thing is to work intensively on yourself.”

What to read?

• “Time Drive” Gleb Arkhangelsky (MIF, 2007)

The first and perhaps the most popular book on time management. The main idea of ​​Gleb Arkhangelsky is not “to do everything”, but “to do the main thing”. He tells how to learn to allocate this main thing and how to correctly allocate time for everything else.

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (Alpina Business Books, 2007)

Stephen Covey shows you how you can build trust with others without having to use influencer skills like the proverbial “smile more.” The most important thing is with what inner mood you come into contact with another person.

2. Replenishment of the internal resource

In 2015-2017, the tone of self-development books began to change. “Books began to come to the fore, aimed not so much at “pumping” oneself, but rather at overcoming stress and replenishing internal resources, says Svetlana Motylkova.

For example, “Magic of the Morning”, the absolute bestseller of MYTH, which has been at the top of the sales ratings for several years. Affirmations, meditations, mindfulness, relaxation techniques – this was exactly what readers were waiting for.

In this regard, one cannot fail to mention the surge in popularity of coloring pages and activities for adults – as a kind of relaxation and quick calming technique – and books about recipes for happiness from different countries.

What to read?

• Hygge. The Secret of Danish Happiness” Mike Wiking (Hummingbird, 2016)

The head of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen revealed the secrets of Danish happiness to the whole world. Here they are: a cozy home, delicious food, comfortable clothes and communication with friends and family. Hygge cannot be obtained quickly, for money and willpower. Hygge – love for yourself and the world, sincerity, hugs and awareness of the moment.

• “No fuss. How to stop rushing and start living” Carl Honoré (Alpina Publisher, 2015)

Carl Honore contrasts life at high speeds with the idea of ​​SlowLife – slow life. He advocates a reduction in turnover in all areas: in work, in sex, for food, during leisure hours, in communication with children, in music, in medicine. The author talks about each of these areas and about the bonuses that a leisurely and meaningful life gives.

3. Self-knowledge and self-worth

“In recent years, books on self-acceptance have become popular,” says Svetlana Motylkova. — We no longer perceive ourselves as a resource that is needed “for something”. You don’t have to squeeze everything out of yourself to be happy. Now we are learning to appreciate and accept ourselves as we are, to care for and love ourselves. The best examples of this are “The Gift” by Edith Eger, “Self-Compassion” by Christine Neff.

What to read?

• “Highly sensitive nature. How to Succeed in a Crazy World Alice Ayron (ABC, 2014)

The American psychotherapist awakened interest in the phenomenon of highly sensitive people – those who react sharply to what is happening around, and told how to protect themselves from negative emotional influences.

• “Self-Compassion” by Christine Neff (MYTH, 2021)

Once in a difficult situation, we most often criticize and humiliate ourselves. Psychology doctor Kristin Neff is sure: self-criticism is a road to nowhere. Only by becoming a good friend to ourselves, we can more easily go through difficult times and move faster to new heights. The book contains many exercises that will help develop compassion for yourself and get rid of insecurity.

4. Relations with parents

This is a special trend in the self-help literature of recent years – the desire to analyze the legacy of the past and deal with unresolved problems, heal from injuries and build life according to one’s own rules.

What to read?

• “Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents” by Lindsey K. Gibson (Elena Tereshchenkova Publishing House, 2018)

Lindsey Gibson, a clinical psychologist who works with childhood “unloved” adults, believes that the first thing they need to do is take an objective look at their parents. This does not mean blaming. On the contrary, one must understand that their immature, hurtful behavior is most often unintentional. Most of these parents are unaware of the trauma they inflict on their children.

• “Finding the Inner Mother” by Bettany Webster (MYTH, 2021)

The master of psychology is sure that maternal trauma – that is, the pain that women pass on from generation to generation – can cause many psychological problems. From feeling like we’re not good enough, to silencing feelings, depression and eating disorders. Bettany offers tools for trauma identification and healing strategies.

Why are these topics and books drawing our attention at this time? What can explain the change in interests?

“Heroism has been replaced by self-pity”

Lev Khegay – Jungian analyst

“I would associate the change in the reading trend over 15 years with socio-political processes in the world and in Russia. Until 2014, especially around 2010, there was a rapid growth of the economy and the strengthening of the ruble. Because of the high level of social optimism, books about success were in demand.

But in 2014, geopolitical games, sanctions, the fall of the ruble, a change in the world trend from globalization to isolationism (which culminated in the pandemic) led to lingering social pessimism. So heroism was replaced by self-pity.

And as for the popularity of bad mothers, one of the reasons I see is that with the catastrophic decline in the birth rate in the West, there is a growing concern for women to become “proper” mothers.

Hyper-responsible women are now the main audience for psychological books, courses and psychoanalysis sessions. The eternal theme of “daughter-mother”, the difficulty of separating from their mother, encourages them to also look for the mother’s fault in their problems.