It seems to me that there is a growing number of people today who are anxious to find answers to their many questions; questions like, how to be healthier, how to be happier, how to be wealthier, how to be successful, and so on and so on.
With so many people looking for the next “Secret To Success”, is it any wonder why so many Preachers, Motivational Speakers and Self Help gurus are in such high demand?
In the world of Self Help and Personal Development, there are numerous Speakers and Writers whose reputations precede them. The very mention of some of these peoples names sends folks into a virtual tizzy of excitement, giddiness and hero-worship. I marvel at their reactions and yet I feel as though I’m missing something here. But am I? Is there something that I’m not getting out of these “Celebrities” that I should be so unaffected by mentioning their name, let alone standing in the same room as them? I think not.
The fact is, there are many people who struggle with life and are searching for answers. There are some people who will latch on to Self Help specialists, Motivational Speakers, Life Coaches and even Preachers, hoping for a message, a new revelation, a silver bullet even, that will rescue them from their miserable circumstances. They are the ones whose intent might have been to seek out legitimate help and answers but slowly, over time, after reading all the books and watching all the videos they began to stop listening to their Mentors and began to elevate their Gurus to Celebrity status. Before long, their innocent search for answers became nothing more than hero-worship. They have stopped listening to the message and began fixating on the messenger.
If you’re in search of answers and you should happen across someone who has the answers that you’re looking for, be careful not to let yourself get caught up in the charisma of the messenger. Remember Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker? While it’s possible that they had started out with a message of help and hope, ultimately, for many, the celebrity of the Bakkers began to take away from their message, turning their followers into frothing fans who would have done just about anything the Bakkers told them to.
And what about James Arthur Ray and his “Spiritual Warrior Retreat” (a.k.a. - the Sweat Lodge fiasco)? Again, another instance where people stopped listening to the message and started to fixate on the messenger. While it’s possible that this guy may have had a positive message that might have been helpful to some, clearly, the notion of discernment and good common sense went right out the window for those who were so enamored by him that they literally died for him.
Let’s face it, we like celebrities. We like to fantasize about being rich and famous just like them. We would rather sit on our couch and watch the lives of fictional characters on TV portrayed by superstar celebrities than live our own lives. We would prefer to watch someone on TV tell us how to be better rather than actually getting up and doing something to make us better. We might actually listen to a Self Help guru and take their advice, but we would never dare question their advice. And that, in my opinion, is truly the root of this evil.
While seeking out help and advice is a sign of someone taking personal responsibility, blindly accepting help and advice without question or thought or formulation of opinion is a sign of sheer stupidity. Blindly following someone at the expense of losing your individuality and simply agreeing to everything they say makes you an idiot (ouch!).
The very definition of Self Help is Self-Help. Yes, your Mentor or Guru of choice might have some great things for you to learn from and yes, they might have the answers to your toughest questions, but they are there to help you help yourself. They are there to point you in a new direction, they are not there to be your direction. Such as the finger that points the way, we should focus on the way, not on the finger.
It’s my opinion that anyone who decides to take up an occupation in the Self Help profession undertakes an enormous responsibility. Your level of success should be based on the level of service you offer to others, not in the amount of how many screaming fans you have. And while it’s safe to say that there will always be those who will want to emulate you and follow your every move, your responsibility is to operate with humility and integrity. I understand that you cannot be responsible for the few that might want to find out where you live and sneak into your home while you’re asleep, but you have been warned. Much like Stephen King’s Misery, you might just happen across your “Number One Fan”.
Again, Self Help is about the Self. If you are truly devoted to bettering yourself, then by all means, seek out direction and advice. Lord knows, there is plenty of it out there (such as this article by yours truly!). And even though there are many charlatans ready to take your money and leave you in a worse state then where you were, there are many who truly want to help you. If you should find someone who really speaks to you, great; but do your homework. Don’t just take to their advice blindly. Listen to them, be discerning, be willing to give thought to their message and formulate your own opinions. And remember - it’s the message that you are in need of, not the messenger. The messenger is there to point the way. Focus on the way, not the messenger.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have numerous adoring fans for which I need to sign autographs.
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