What do you think?
Rate this book
Useful Belief
Positive thinking has had its time - the new way of overcoming life's challenges is Useful Belief . Useful Belief turns the "be positive" industry upside down with a fresh and modern approach to achievement. Sometimes things in life are not positive. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. If you've had a nightmare of a year, the last thing you want to hear is "Be positive!" Instead, you need an actual strategy to dig yourself out and a truly useful guidebook to show you where to go next. This is that guidebook. Through the engaging tale of a business traveler and the three significant encounters on his journey, this book takes you on a journey of your own - to self-awareness and an improved approach to business, parenting, and relationships. You'll learn how thinking "useful" is better than thinking "positive", and you'll uncover the utility of your past, present, and future challenges. You'll undergo a major shift in the way you solve your problems, and you'll learn how to navigate your way out of ambiguity and toward success. If you have challenges at work right now, just deciding to "be positive" will not fix them. Useful belief and strategy will. This book shows you how to frame your challenges to make them surmountable and how to formulate an action plan for getting where you need to be. Everything that has ever happened to you has happened for a reason. It doesn't matter if it's true, because it's useful to believe it is true. Useful Belief leads you toward the self-awareness and strategic outlook you need to achieve personal fulfillment and professional success.
MP3 CD
Published March 7, 2017
21 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Chris Helder
13 books13 followersCHRIS HELDER is one of the world's most outstanding speakers on the topic of communication, leadership and influence. He is the author of the best-selling book The Ultimate Book of Influence.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 5, 2017
My mum gave me this book as i have been struggling with abit of depression and anxiety, causing me to be very negative about a lot of things in my life.
This quick 112 page book was an eye opened, not only does it explain about Gen X, Y, and Baby Boomers and how each generation is different and should be approached with a different understanding, it also explains how just 'being positive' doesn't really work, and instead we should be looking for the useful belief in our situation.
Eg. Still holding onto issues from childhood with parents - the useful belief in this situation would be that they tried they best they could with the knowledge and life experience they had at the time.
Instead of focusing on the negative, it teaches us to focus on the useful.
I enjoyed this as a quick read as im not really into self help books, in saying that im glad i picked this up because i will be using this tool from now on and i definitely believe it is better than positive thinking.
Recommend to anyone liking: Self help books, or struggling with negative thoughts.
This quick 112 page book was an eye opened, not only does it explain about Gen X, Y, and Baby Boomers and how each generation is different and should be approached with a different understanding, it also explains how just 'being positive' doesn't really work, and instead we should be looking for the useful belief in our situation.
Eg. Still holding onto issues from childhood with parents - the useful belief in this situation would be that they tried they best they could with the knowledge and life experience they had at the time.
Instead of focusing on the negative, it teaches us to focus on the useful.
I enjoyed this as a quick read as im not really into self help books, in saying that im glad i picked this up because i will be using this tool from now on and i definitely believe it is better than positive thinking.
Recommend to anyone liking: Self help books, or struggling with negative thoughts.
July 27, 2019
نافع ومختصر.. احببت المعلومات الي فيه. منظور مختلف .
April 13, 2021
In his book, Helder offers up his philosophy of "Useful Belief" versus positive thinking - rather than trying to convince yourself to be positive and look on the bright side in life, it is actually more realistic and more "useful," to see what you can make of any situation.
A must read for anyone looking for personal development and a new perspective.
A must read for anyone looking for personal development and a new perspective.
July 6, 2020
يساعدك على التركيز بما هو نافع و بيتوجيه تفكريك ومعتقداتك لما ينفعك من ماضيك وحاضرك ومستقبلك.
انصح بقرائته.
انصح بقرائته.
June 1, 2019
Just a quick note of praise for this book as I’m off to grab a pen and paper and plan out my own useful belief for my journey
3.75 stars. Quick read full of top tips
3.75 stars. Quick read full of top tips
August 29, 2016
The premise of the book caught my attention, and I found Helder's ideas to be (ahem) quite useful. It is a quick and very simple read. Frankly I had to overlook the writing style in order to get through the book, but I found his approach unique and worth considering. The book is of interest to people who enjoy exploring frameworks for living.
June 27, 2018
My initial response was three stars, but that feels too much like not making a decision. So in my mind a book is good, or not good. I am rating this book as good because I did take some away useful (no pun intended) to help me on my journey. The concept of useful belief is actually pretty darn good. I do not want to give anything away, so I will simple say the best part for me came in chapter 3. The author does give plenty of questions for one to explore, so this is another plus. Overall, I’d recommend it. Happy reading and enjoy!
February 5, 2025
Small but mighty.
This book had an amazing and very simple way of conveying a very helpful and USEFUL way of thinking and perceiving life and the things it throws at us.
How ‘perceive’ can be a very multi use tool that shape if not all aspects of ur life.
The writing style is perfectly done and easy to convey the message in a chill and v. realistic way.
That’s why I give it 5 stars; it didn’t try to be pretentious like how most “self help books “ are.
Very chill short, layed back but impactful
Loved :)
This book had an amazing and very simple way of conveying a very helpful and USEFUL way of thinking and perceiving life and the things it throws at us.
How ‘perceive’ can be a very multi use tool that shape if not all aspects of ur life.
The writing style is perfectly done and easy to convey the message in a chill and v. realistic way.
That’s why I give it 5 stars; it didn’t try to be pretentious like how most “self help books “ are.
Very chill short, layed back but impactful
Loved :)
September 18, 2022
A friend gave me this book when I was going through a difficult time. This book offers a ‘useful’ perspective on how to view the obstacles, challenges and setbacks life can throw at us all. Much more than just positive thinking, Chris Helder guides the reader on how to follow through on our beliefs into action.
January 7, 2020
I love this book. I have read numerous books related to personal growth over the years. This one cuts through the bs and suggest a concise tool for success. Easy, quick read, but powerful message. I plan to buy in bulk and give to my friends, family and clients.
January 15, 2021
I don’t often read self-help books but was given this one as a gift. It’s a very quick and easy read. Although it seems to be primarily aimed at the workplace I did find that it offered several useful suggestions and positive ideas that will be helpful. I am glad I read it.
July 9, 2022
Quite enjoyed this quick read. It puts situations and thoughts into perspective as well as tips on how to approach conversations with people from different generations.
Highly recommend if you are experiencing self-doubt, burnout or lack of self-confidence or work in marketing or sales roles.
Highly recommend if you are experiencing self-doubt, burnout or lack of self-confidence or work in marketing or sales roles.
April 25, 2024
Chris Heder shows how to have Useful Beliefs through a simple story that hooks you in. I found this book, recommended by our Head of at work, simply game changing. Trying positive thinking won't always work BUT useful belief thinking does through reframing. Highly recommend.
August 22, 2017
The title says it all; you don't really need to read this book to get it. Still, it's a fast read & enjoyable.
December 8, 2018
كتاب جميل خفيف لغته بسيطه تقرأه بيوم ، و أضاف لي حقيقة
جا بوقته وفعلا عطاني طاقة ايجابية من ناحية الماضي والحاضر والمستقبل .. عن طريق الاعتقاد النافع .
جا بوقته وفعلا عطاني طاقة ايجابية من ناحية الماضي والحاضر والمستقبل .. عن طريق الاعتقاد النافع .
May 21, 2019
Amazing.. just amazing.
Changed my view to the world
And I needed to read this in this specific time!
Good choice and a fast read!
Changed my view to the world
And I needed to read this in this specific time!
Good choice and a fast read!
July 10, 2019
The core idea in this book is one of the most profound ideas one can understand and use in life. It's a short book, well written and conveys the core idea very well. A useful book for anybody!
July 23, 2019
Well done Chris. An incredibly important idea captured and told very well!!
August 4, 2019
The most interesting thing about this book is that it’s small, understandable and interesting...
I like it soo much.
I aim to adopt this “Useful believe” in my life
Not just because it is useful, but also it will simply makes you feel better whatever situation you are in 💕
I like it soo much.
I aim to adopt this “Useful believe” in my life
Not just because it is useful, but also it will simply makes you feel better whatever situation you are in 💕
March 22, 2020
Brilliant! I loved the stories that he told and I loved the concepts, which were explained simply!
September 7, 2020
Having now read for the second time, enjoyed the metaphors used and practical tips for putting into action. Very useful for having close at hand and adapting to own situation.
October 21, 2021
"انك عندما تشعر بالشغف فعلًا تجاه حياتك الشخصية ، لن تشعر بالتعب ، بل بالنشاط …"
December 6, 2023
تغير اعتقاداتك المتشائمة والسلبية الى الايجابية والتصور الحسن
March 10, 2016
If you want a book that you can pick up, read through quickly and take away some key messages that you can actually implement, this book is for you.
It is based on the premise than trying to convince yourself in all situations to just be positive and look on the bright side (which, of course, doesn't hold true - not every situation IS positive), it is actually more realistic, more 'useful', to see what you can make of the situation. For instance, what would help in terms of an effective belief system that can help to shift the outcome (if possible), or how could you adapt your approach so you can still keep to where you are going?
For a little book, it contains gems of advice and clues which are very applicable to every day life. I particularly liked the idea of people who are 'good at being themselves' as being good at handling their timelines ('freeing themselves from the past by turning regrets into significant learnings', 'clear about the future', and have learned to 'be' in the moment / 'be present without being anxious'. That was a big take-away for me, but I'm sure others will also find insights that will resonate with them too.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book having attended presentations by Chris. This book is consistent with the way he speaks, and, as in his presentations, provides solid, useful directions. Highly recommended.
It is based on the premise than trying to convince yourself in all situations to just be positive and look on the bright side (which, of course, doesn't hold true - not every situation IS positive), it is actually more realistic, more 'useful', to see what you can make of the situation. For instance, what would help in terms of an effective belief system that can help to shift the outcome (if possible), or how could you adapt your approach so you can still keep to where you are going?
For a little book, it contains gems of advice and clues which are very applicable to every day life. I particularly liked the idea of people who are 'good at being themselves' as being good at handling their timelines ('freeing themselves from the past by turning regrets into significant learnings', 'clear about the future', and have learned to 'be' in the moment / 'be present without being anxious'. That was a big take-away for me, but I'm sure others will also find insights that will resonate with them too.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book having attended presentations by Chris. This book is consistent with the way he speaks, and, as in his presentations, provides solid, useful directions. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the Fable approach. It's short and practical. The concept of 'useful belief' is simple and intuitively helpful.
I felt uncomfortable with the concept of 'you make your own truth' in all situations but I felt that the author dealt with that in a very quick (almost one line way). This book is not dealing with the concept of universal truths and good vs. evil. Truth is being considered from the idea of how you are viewing the world and your perspective and belief system so the need to use the word 'truth' is a little unfortunate. BUT, semantics aside, focusing on the purpose of the book and what you believe and self talk - incredibly useful. Brilliant.
I felt uncomfortable with the concept of 'you make your own truth' in all situations but I felt that the author dealt with that in a very quick (almost one line way). This book is not dealing with the concept of universal truths and good vs. evil. Truth is being considered from the idea of how you are viewing the world and your perspective and belief system so the need to use the word 'truth' is a little unfortunate. BUT, semantics aside, focusing on the purpose of the book and what you believe and self talk - incredibly useful. Brilliant.
May 30, 2016
Food for thought.
We are all different. Our mental attitudes are not alike. Consequently there are, and needs to be, many road maps to a successful life. Helder certainly smooths some of the rough edges of the road, but it is a road for a select group of people.
The overwhelming difference in achieving success is the amount of effort applied. The catch is, do not apply a self rating to the applied effort. This is where mental attitude gets in the way for many people.
I had trouble with the view to accepting the past. True, do not waste time repeatedly going going over it. Doing so wastes time and develops a mental attitude, however much can be learned from the past.
We are all different. Our mental attitudes are not alike. Consequently there are, and needs to be, many road maps to a successful life. Helder certainly smooths some of the rough edges of the road, but it is a road for a select group of people.
The overwhelming difference in achieving success is the amount of effort applied. The catch is, do not apply a self rating to the applied effort. This is where mental attitude gets in the way for many people.
I had trouble with the view to accepting the past. True, do not waste time repeatedly going going over it. Doing so wastes time and develops a mental attitude, however much can be learned from the past.
February 8, 2017
Any situation can be viewed in a useful way that serves and empowers you to make the best of it.
June 19, 2016
Having heard the positive thinking mantra many times, something that claims to be better piqued my interest at an airport recently.
Changing a belief system, now that's a different concept.
There's nothing spiritual or religious about this belief system, but it's definitely one you can work into any life.
Definitely a book for cogitation and sitting with for a bit, at least for me.
Looking to find motivation for something in your life? This may well be the book for you.
Changing a belief system, now that's a different concept.
There's nothing spiritual or religious about this belief system, but it's definitely one you can work into any life.
Definitely a book for cogitation and sitting with for a bit, at least for me.
Looking to find motivation for something in your life? This may well be the book for you.
October 25, 2016
The idea of asking whether a belief is useful or not is a sound way to approach life. Rather than labelling things as good or bad, ask: is this useful in living by my virtues and values? A more useful and practical book in living this way is The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT.
February 5, 2017
I've been saying for years in my trainings, that there are convenient beliefs and inconvenient ones. I think Chris said it better with 'useful beliefs.'
This was a quick read and while it didn't teach me anything new (because I teach this stuff), there will be many who will certainly learn something from this book. I highly recommend it.
This was a quick read and while it didn't teach me anything new (because I teach this stuff), there will be many who will certainly learn something from this book. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews