Ah, the dreaded self-help manual tone!

I recognized a problem and asked for advice.   

    Looking for a place to start I could only rely on the materials from my past. I quickly realized a pattern that I was trying to emulate. 

I asked Google's Gemini AI for a brief history of self-help. 

A Brief History of Self-Help Books: From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Phenom

The self-help genre, while seemingly modern, boasts a rich history dating back millennia. Here's a glimpse into its evolution:

Ancient Roots:

  • Early Civilizations: Instructive texts like the Egyptian "Sebayt" (2800 BC) and Greek philosophical writings offered guidance on moral behavior and self-improvement.
  • Religious Texts: Proverbs, scriptures, and philosophical works like the Bible and Stoic writings provided moral and ethical frameworks for personal growth.

18th & 19th Centuries:

  • Self-Reliance & Individualism: The rise of individualism and the Protestant work ethic fueled self-help books promoting personal responsibility, hard work, and self-improvement.
  • Samuel Smiles' "Self-Help" (1859): This bestseller popularized the term "self-help" and championed self-reliance as a path to success and social mobility.

20th Century:

  • Rise of Psychology: Popularization of psychology led to self-help books focusing on mental health, personal development, and achieving happiness.
  • Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" (1936): This iconic book brought self-help into the mainstream, offering practical advice on social skills and communication.
  • Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking" (1952): This bestseller emphasized the power of positive thinking and visualization for achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

Modern Era:

  • Explosion of Topics: The genre diversified, covering everything from career guidance and relationships to financial management and mindfulness.
  • Self-Help Gurus: Charismatic figures like Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra gained popularity, offering motivational speeches and self-help programs.
  • Digital Age: The rise of online platforms and social media fueled the self-help industry, offering personalized advice, communities, and accessible resources.

Today:

The self-help genre remains a global phenomenon, constantly evolving with trends, cultural shifts, and technological advancements. While criticisms exist regarding oversimplification and commercialization, self-help books continue to empower individuals to navigate life's challenges and pursue their goals.

This is just a brief overview, and there's much more to explore in the fascinating history of self-help books!

Yup, there it is, My dad was a huge fan of  Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" (1936). 

Monetized self-help advise. Not what I am looking for. Sure if I could come up with something worthwhile that has a good impact on others and someone is actually willing to pay me for it, well lets just call that a win win! 


So back to Gemini I prompted with:

I am trying to write about my process of pursing regular days. All my attempts so far just end up sounding like 1980's self help manuals.


Here is Gemini's response: 

 Ah, the dreaded self-help manual tone! It's a tricky one to avoid, especially when writing about routines and personal growth. Here are some tips to help you write about your "regular days" in a way that's engaging and avoids sounding preachy:

1. Focus on your individual story, not the formula. Forget the generic advice and instead, highlight the specific quirks, challenges, and joys you encounter in your pursuit of regular days. Share personal anecdotes, humorous observations, and honest reflections.

2. Show, don't tell. Instead of listing out steps like "1. Wake up at 6 AM!" describe the experience of waking up at that time. What emotions does it evoke? What sights, sounds, and smells do you experience?

3. Embrace the imperfections. Don't shy away from sharing the times when your "regular days" go awry. A burnt breakfast, a missed appointment, a sudden craving for ice cream at 10 PM can all add humor and relatability to your story.

4. Inject your personality. Let your writing voice shine through. Use humor, sarcasm, or even a touch of self-deprecation if that's your style. Readers connect with genuine voices, not robotic self-help gurus.

5. Avoid preachiness. Remember, you're not trying to convert anyone. Share your journey, your thoughts, and your experiences, but avoid sounding like you have all the answers or judging others' lifestyles.

Bonus tip: Consider using literary devices like metaphors, similes, and vivid imagery to paint a picture of your "regular days" experience.

Here are some examples of how you can rewrite your existing content:

Instead of: "Yesterday was a productive day, I followed my schedule perfectly and accomplished all my tasks."

Try: "The morning alarm felt like a siren song, but I dragged myself out of bed anyway. The coffee tasted like burnt hope, but somehow it did the trick. By the end of the day, I'd conquered my to-do list, but the victory dance was more of a tired shuffle."

Remember, you're not writing a self-help manual, you're telling your story. Make it personal, engaging, and true to who you are.


Pretty good for an expert system on language. Taking Gemini's advice into account I am back to trying add to this blog. Wish me luck.

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