Extension Human Resources
Human Resources Library

Self Improvement

Angry Book (The).

Theodore Isaac Rubin. (1979).

Summary: Although anger is a basic human emotion, nearly all people have some difficulty handling it. The price paid for the distortion of a basic emotion is incalculable. The author attempts to help the readers understand and to work through their feelings about anger. He explains that a healthier angry outlook lead to greater health to improve parent-child relating, to a fuller life, and to success and happiness. (pp.223).

Key Words: anger, relationships, peace, personal development, health

Art of Living (The): A Collection of Six Essays.

Leichtman and Japikse. (1979), (1980), (1982), (1984), (1986),(1988).

Summary: The six essays gathered in this volume reveal the nature of the inner dimension of mankind, redirect us to the nature of our true self, help us train the personality, establish a relationship with the divine, and the divine in all of us. The book lays down the basic principles of living life more creatively. (pp.242),(pp.252),(pp.249),(pp.263),(pp.258).

Key Words: spirituality, personal development, healing, mind, religion, fulfillment, success, self, relationships, creativity, life

Bus 9 to Paradise.

Leo Buscaglia. (1986).

Summary: The author offers refreshing advice on looking around us and finding delight in simple things- food, flowers, dance music book art, families and memories. He believes that existence is precisely what one make of it and by embracing what one has, one can have unlimited joy. This book is and introduction to a life-affirming journey of paradise. (pp.267).

Key Words: success, personal development, fulfillment, life, love, relationship.

Choice-Making: For Co-Dependents, Adult Children, and Spirituality Seekers.

Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse. (1985).

Summary: This book is about recovery for the co-dependent, as well as the dependent person. Choicemaking not only addresses the dependent spouse, lover and parent, but also includes children of all ages. It helps to reader to understand co-dependency as it can affect a helping professional. (pp.217).

Key words: co-dependents, adult, children, spirituality, alcoholics, family, happiness, transformation.

Connections: Quadrant II Time Management.

A. Roger Merrill

Creating Closeness: The Communication Puzzle.

John R. Strong. (1983).

Summary: The book is designed to give you principles for understanding the processes of communication and help you develop the skill for taking control of your emotional life. (pp.333).

Key Words: communication, relationships, personal development, interaction, community, individual

Discovering the Secrets of Happiness: My Intimate Story.

Ken Keyes. (1989).

Summary: This a reflection of the author on his life and the changes he has made in order to succeed in relationships and work. He tells of dilemmas with girlfriends, polio, business, wealth, and marriages. The author has harnessed the power of superlove to create a deeply fulfilling life. (pp.231).

Key Words: love, relationships, personal development, success, marriage, happiness

Exploring the Road Less Traveled: A Study Guide for Small Groups.

Alice and Walden Howard. (1985).

Summary: This book is designed to encourage a lively and stimulating group process and is divided in twelve sessions, each containing questions, exercises, supplementary readings and space to record personal responses. It is a step-by -step guide for group leaders to follow to instigate change in their group. (pp.186).

Key Word: group relationships, change, interaction, guide

Freedom To Learn for the 80's.

Carl Rogers. (1983).

Summary: "This is not a 'How-To' book. One will not find her 'Ten Easy Steps to Learning and Teaching.' Instead, attitudes, the development of a personal philosophy, and a new way of being students and with oneself will be discussed. It has a deceptive simplicity" - Carl Rogers. (pp.307)

Key Words: education, attitudes, personal development, behavior, philosophy

Getting Organized.

Stephanie Winston.

Habits of the Heart.

Bellah, Madsen, Sullivan, Swidler and Tipton. (1985).

Summary: An exploration on the traditions Americans use to make sense of themselves and the conflict between our fierce individualism and our urgent need for community and commitment to one anther. This book is based on research from a five-year study of wives, husbands, managers, psychotherapists, local business people, and civic activists as they tell how it can be hard to commit yourself to other. This is essentially a forward-looking window on Americans' search for tradition and meaning in life. (pp.336).

Key Words: love, life , relationships, interaction, potential, self-improvement, community, commitment, tradition, individualism

Head First: The Biology of Hope.

Norman Cousins (two copies) (1989).

Summary: The author gives scientific evidence of his conviction that the mind can help mobilize the body's healing resources. This book is a journal of ten years of exchanges with doctors, patients, medical students, and research scientists. It provides a picture of modern medical care and biological hope, and recounts the experiments that were created to test this theory. This book presents the mounting scientific evidence that hope, faith, love, will to live, purpose, laughter, and festivity can help combat serious diseases. (pp.349).

Key Words: healing, health, attitude, medicine, mind, love, hope, biology, psychology, disease

I Am Right, You Are Wrong.

Edward de Bono. (1991).

Summary: The author shows why the most crucial problems facing the world cannot be solved using traditional Western thought. He explains the difference between current rock logic of technicality and water logic of creativity and perception. The author a New Renaissance in human thought that encourages originality and creativity. (pp.289).

Key Words: creativity, thought, personal development, self-improvement, mind, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy

I That Is We (The): Awakening to Higher Energies Through Unconditional Love.

Richard Moss. (1981).

Summary: This book is a collection of the authors thoughts, contemplation, and essays on self-discovery. From a deeper perspective and energy, Moss outlines the struggle that all of us must fight in order to find the path to our true selves. (pp.227).

Key Words: spirituality, religion, self-discovery, personal development, reflective thinking, healing, mind

I'm OK--You're OK.

Thomas A. Harris. (1969)

Summary: This book is the result of Dr. Harris's pioneering efforts in the field of Transactional Analysis. It is concerned with helping people help themselves establish mature, healthy relationships. (pp.317).

Key Words: psychology, transactional analysis, relationships, personal development, self-esteem

Intuitive Edge (The): Understanding and Developing Intuition.

Philip Goldberg. (1983).

Summary: The author shows us how to recognize and take full advantage of our natural intuitive powers. These exercises including developing and focusing this extra-rational faculty will expand your mental capacity, enhance your creativity, help you become insightful, confident, and decisive. (pp.235).

Key Words: intuition, personal development, healing, mind, psychology.

Learned Optimism

Martin E.P. Seligman. (1990).

Summary: This book show us how to be optimistic. It includes scientific evidence that optimism is vitally important in overcoming defeat, promoting achievement, and maintaining or improving health. There are documentation of the effects of optimism, tests to determine the degree of our negative and positive orientation, and a program of specific exercises for improvement. (pp.309).

Key Words: optimism, positive, attitude, healing, mind, feelings, personal development, psychology

Love and Will.

Rollo May. (1979)

Summary: The author attempts to explain the root of the problems facing modern man. He believes that the heart of the dilemma is our failure to understand the real meanings of love and will, their sources, and their interrelation. He helps us attain a deeper consciousness and the tools for successful relationships and love. (pp.343).

Key Words: relationships, love, will, consciousness, success

Loving Each Other.

Leo Buscaglia. (1984).

Summary: The author addresses the intricacies and challenges of relationships. He presents alternatives and suggests behavior that eases our way into loving each other. He also explains that society has created detached persons and perpetuated isolation, therefore we must work against traditions and establish new rule for relationships. Included are the results of an extensive survey on relationship by ordinary people. (pp.208).

Key Words: love, relationships, interaction, community, feelings

Notes to Myself: My Struggle to Become a Person.

Hugh Prather. (1979)

Summary: This is a collection of poems and reflections by the author. The book serves as a beginning for the reader's exploration of his own life and as a treasury of thoughtful insightful reminders.(pp.180).

Key Words: self-discovery, self-esteem, personal development, life, reflective thinking, feelings

On Becoming a Person.

Carl Rogers. (1961)

Summary: Author and psychologists Carl Rogers pioneers a new era in the study of mankind. He believes that contemporary psychology should set their sights higher, and be more concerned with the growth and potential in man. There is also a section on the authors famous, client-centered therapy. The focus of this therapy is on the person as an individual, with all his various qualities and possibilities infinitely capable of development. (pp.411)

Key Words: psychology, therapy, potential, growth, personal development

On Becoming Carl Rogers.

Howard Kirschenbaum. (1980)

Summary: A biography on the famous pioneer in psychology, Carl Rogers. The author traces Rogers' life and careers through decades of struggle with the psychological establishment. He comments on Rogers humanistic psychology and how it was rejected, approved of, and finally widely accepted. (pp.444).

Key Words: psychology, Carl Rogers, potential, growth, human

Organized to be the Best.

Susan Silver.

Paideia Problems and Possibilities.

Mortimer J. Adler. (1983).

Summary: In the follow-up to their first book, The Paideia Proposal, the Paideia Group tries to answer questions and discuss problems of implementation of the ideas they presented in their first book. This book is addressed to educators, administrators, teachers, school boards, parents, and others concerned with the state of the schools and enlist their support for a radical reform of the public school system, and the private schools as well. (pp.113).

Key Words: education, administration, reform, Paideia Group, teachers, school, students

Paideia Program (The): An Educational Syllabus.

Mortimer J. Adler. (1984)

Summary: This is a series of essays written by members of the Paideia Group on their proposed reform of basic schooling in the United States. It is intended for teachers who wish to apply it precepts and recommendations in their schools and classrooms. It is also directed towards school administrators and those concerned with the training of teachers, to school board members, and to parents interested in the schooling of children. This book is the third in a trilogy by the Paideia Group. (pp.238).

Key Words: education, administration, reform, Paideia Group, teachers, school, proposal

Paideia Proposal (The): An Educational Manifesto.

Mortimer J. Adler. (1982).

Summary: This is a proposal by the Paideia Group for the reform of public schooling in America. The reform is designed to improve the opportunities of the youth, the prospects of the economy, and the viability of the democratic institutions. The book is designed to address the needs of parents, teachers, citizens, employers , minority groups, public officials, college educators, and school boards who have a grim outlook for the future. (pp.84).

Key Words: education, reform, public education, teachers, administrator, school boards, opportunity

Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life.

Gail Sheehy. (1976).

Summary: This book is a road map of adult life. It show the inevitable personality and sexual changes we go through in our 20's, 30's, 40's, and beyond. The author tells us how to use each life crisis as an opportunity for creative change to grow to one's full potential. (pp.540).

Key Words: potential, growth, personal development, personality, change

Personal Peace: Transcending Your Interpersonal Limits.

Robert L. McKinley.

Personhood: The Art of Being Fully Human.

Leo Buscaglia. (1978).

Summary: This work is the authors attempt at celebrating personhood. He writes of the beauty, strength, and meaning of existence that can be actualized by a fully developed personhood. He discusses the quest for self-discovery, the resources within us, the process of maturity, death, immortality, pain, and childhood among other things. The purpose of this book is for the actualization of every living thing to its full potential. (pp.146).

Key Words: potential, actualization, human, personhood, success, personal development.

Power of Positive Thinking (The).

Norman Vincent Peale. (1956).

Summary: This book emphasizes the cultivation of the peaceful mind. It includes Biblical readings, personal experiences, insights, and writings of great thinkers. Positive thinking is taught as a practical application of fate to overcome defeat and to accomplish worthwhile creative values in life. This book offers happiness to a person who achieves victory over himself and the difficult circumstances encountered in this world. (pp.104).

Key Words: spirituality, mind, self-discovery, religion, success, life, personal development, happiness, reflective thinking

Power of Unconditional Love (The): 21 Guidelines for Beginning, Improving, and Changing Your Most Meaningful Relationships.

Ken Keyes, Jr. (1990).

Summary: Through the power of unconditional love, fulfilling relationships can be made. This book shows you how to unleash the power of unconditional love in relationships and marriage. There are seven guidelines for going into a relationship, seven guidelines for creating a successful relationship, and seven guidelines for decreasing you involvement, if necessary. (pp.205).

Key Words: relationships, love, personal development, marriage

Psychotherapy and Existentialism: Selected Papers on Logotherapy.

Viktor E. Frankl. (1967).

Summary: This book presents the major works of the author on his concept of logotherapy- an existential psychotherapy stressing man's freedom to transcend suffering and find meaning in his life. The author uses his experience as a concentration camp survivor and life to give a vital and humanistic look at daily experiences. This is a philosophy reflecting an enlightened concern for modern man. (pp.234).

Key Words: psychology, logotherapy, personal development, Viktor Frankl

Road Less Traveled (The): A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth.

M. Scott Peck.

Self-Esteem and Meaning: A Life Historical Investigation.

Michael R. Jackson. (1984).

Summary: This book brings a new approach to the study of self-esteem. It presents case studies based on extended interviews with middle and working class individuals. It also contribute to the methodological effort to develop a humanistic yet rigorous social science. Included is a discussion on the structure of meaning, the nature of self will, and the interview method. (pp.228).

Key Words: self-esteem, science, psychology, personal development, self-discovery, mind, identity, values, feelings

So...Why Aren't You Perfect Yet for $4.95?!.

Michael Popkin Ph.D. (1983).

Summary: This is a humorous book on the quest of mankind to be perfect. It takes look at why self-help books will not make you perfect, and the fact that the answer to most problems comes form within. Including are a whimsical list of things to do to achieve perfection such as: lie, blame, justify, attack and distract, etc. (pp.104).

Key Words: humor, self-improvement, personal development, perfection, success

The Universal Traveler. A Soft-Systems Guide to Creativity, Problem-Solving, and the Process of Reaching Goals.

Don Koberg and Jim Bagnall. (1991)

Summary: This is a guide book for those who want to unlock the potential in themselves. The authors write about a positive attitude, creative problem-solving, dreams, and other concepts that help unify the individual into achieving a goal. (pp.143).

Key Words: goals, values, potential, self-discovery, attitude, creativity

Trust Yourself

Dr. Tony Larsen. (1979).

Summary: This is a holistic guide to personal development. It combines common sense, Zen, meditation, Gestalt therapy, Taoism, exercise and nutrition into a comprehensive source book. The reader can learn how to handle their world, how to begin taking more effective action, and how to deal with feelings. This is a natural approach that depends on you! (pp.248).

Key Words: self, self-improvement, personal development, Zen, Tao, reflective thinking, trust, feelings, relationships, success

Way of Being (The).

Carl R. Rogers. (1980).

Summary: This book encompasses the changes that have occurred in Dr. Roger's life and thought during the decade of the seventies. He reveals the growing, changing aspects of his expanding professional concept and his experiences in facilitating learning. He also looks at the coming change in America and the kind of people who will live and grow in the future. (pp.379).

Key Words: Carl Rogers, personal development, psychology, potential, growth, human

Way of the Bull (The).

Leo F. Buscaglia. (1973).

Summary: The author shares his journey and the lesson that each person must find has or her own path. This book will inspire you to know and nurture yourself like a flower to be ever patient and open, and to grow every day of your life. He uses information and experiences form his travels in Japan, Honk Kong, Cambodia, and Calcutta. (pp.174).

Key Words: personal development, spirituality, reflective thinking, Zen

Work Addiction.

Bryan E. Robinson. (1989)

Summary: In this book, the author distinguishes between healthy work production and compulsive overworking, lets readers test themselves for addictive tendencies and provides a personalized plan for recovery. (pp.179).

Key words: overworking, worker, addiction, syndrome, characteristics, workplace, company.

Last Updated: August 23, 2000
Contact: Kaela Postma at postma@iastate.edu