From Dale Carnegie to Tony Robbins to Dr. Phil, the world is full of self-help gurus. And over time, they build up a massive industry of best-selling books, seminars and infomercials hawking products, all to supposedly improve your own life.
Often, the people that gurus aim to reach are “the other 80 percent” of the population, those folks who don’t have serious problems, but perhaps seek guidance on how to achieve their goals, handle mild depression and situational issues. However, some people with significant mental health issues do look for help from such resources.
Today’s self-help industry continues to evolve into a more fluid school of thought. Although many gurus do still hold live shows and release books, podcasts and webinars have taken a strong foothold as media of choice for people looking to improve emotionally and professionally. One such podcast and general resource is The Art of Charm, which leans away from finger-pointing and vague recommendations, and instead “deconstructs” the habits and attitudes of people who’ve achieved excellence to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
The self-help market is burgeoning with tips (and sometimes tricks) from authors and speakers that occasionally become celebrities. How much do you know about self-help gurus? Take our quiz to find out!
