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Help Your Self: Simple Steps to a Happier, Healthier Life
“…an excellent read, useful, insightful and still laugh-out-loud funny…”“…incredibly motivating and inspiring… it’s the best book you’ve done so far…”George Mahood is not a philosopher, scientist, theologian or psychologist.He is just a fairly average guy who feels like he could be happier and healthier.He began reading self-help books with the hope of improving his life, but was left frustrated and underwhelmed by a lot of what he read.So, he decided to write his own.You should not be expected to read all the books George did to try to better your own life. He did all the reading for you. And he has shared with you what he learned.This is the only self-help book you will ever need!In his usual humorous, down-to-earth style, George covers all aspects of self-improvement and personal development. From mindfulness to mindset, food to fear of failure, habits to health, exercise to education, mental health to morning routines, relationships to retirement, self-love to sleep, The Self-Help Bible has it all.It aims to provide all the answers to a happier, healthier life.And keep you entertained along the way.
- GenresNonfiction
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2022
116 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
George Mahood
162 books482 followersGeorge Mahood is an award-winning writer. Specifically, he was placed third in the Little Brington Village Fete's limerick competition (Under 10s category) in 1988. It was the same year that Mrs Marriott's legendary fruit loaf was beaten in the WI cake contest for the first time in six years.
George studied Communication Studies and English Literature at Leeds University. After spending a year travelling in the USA (with clothes and money), he worked for several years in a variety of jobs including charity fund-raising and garlic bread making. He currently works as a photographer, specialising in weddings. George has been the lead singer and guitarist of a rubbish band and the chairman and midfielder of an awful Sunday-league football team.
George has plenty more madcap ideas that will form the basis of future books. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch, see more photos from FREE COUNTRY, and to hear about future projects.
www.facebook.com/georgemahood
www.twitter.com/georgemahood
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 3, 2022
I have to admit to never having read a self help book before, mainly because I consider myself to be a fairly happy, healthy and well rounded guy (metaphorically speaking although I do have a tendency to being "biggishly built"). In fact, the only reason that I read this book was because I had read and enjoyed George Mahood's previous books and thought that I would give him the benefit of the doubt.
I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. George's relaxed and irreverent writing style made what could have been a very dry and condescending read very enjoyable and thought provoking. Much of what he had written affirmed things that I had already discovered for myself but there was also plenty of stuff that I had never considered before that I will now attempt to embrace - probably not cold water swimming or tree hugging though.
Thank you George, you have changed my perception of self help books and also kept me thoroughly entertained. Looking forward to your next offering.
I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. George's relaxed and irreverent writing style made what could have been a very dry and condescending read very enjoyable and thought provoking. Much of what he had written affirmed things that I had already discovered for myself but there was also plenty of stuff that I had never considered before that I will now attempt to embrace - probably not cold water swimming or tree hugging though.
Thank you George, you have changed my perception of self help books and also kept me thoroughly entertained. Looking forward to your next offering.
September 29, 2022
My opinion on self-help books is very similar to Rachel, George Mahood’s wife, in that they’re pointless telling the reader what the reader already knows. I read The Self-Help Bible: All the Answers for a Happier, Healthier Life because I have enjoyed everything else Mr. Mahood has released. At first, I was thinking this was going to be like every other self-help book then the wit and storytelling that makes Mr. Mahood such an enjoyable read started coming through. By the end I found myself enjoying the book and ready to implement a few of the ideas from the book. Looking forward to the next George Mahood book.
September 11, 2022
Self improvement at it’s finest
Fantastic read. Practical, down to earth and relatable advice. Incorporating all the best self improvement stuff out there to one handy package. Just wish I’d got a hard copy, so I could share the love to friends and family.
I’ll instead highly recommend to buy, go for it!
Fantastic read. Practical, down to earth and relatable advice. Incorporating all the best self improvement stuff out there to one handy package. Just wish I’d got a hard copy, so I could share the love to friends and family.
I’ll instead highly recommend to buy, go for it!
March 27, 2024
Covering many of the topics to be found in other Self Help and Happiness books, this one has a distinctly autobiographical flavour, as the author talks about how each theme relates to his own life. For example, the chapter on sleep included a digression on his (childhood) problems with bed wetting. The chapter on Education talked about his attempts to advise his daughter on what subjects to choose for her GCSEs, after having regaled us with the history of his attempts to get his first book published.
That kind of content would be interesting in an autobiography, but I wasn’t looking for an autobiography when I picked this book up. After a while, I just found the chatty digressions and personal anecdotes starting to get in the way of the actual content and core message of the book. Readers who like chatty conversational books will undoubtedly like this book, because that is such a significant element of the text. Readers who are just interested in the eight core issues of self-help, which the author identifies as the heart of this book, may well find the book’s meandering style a bit grating.
I also felt less confident in some of the assertions in the book. Apparently, ‘Reading a self help book with a fixed mindset is like hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket’ (27%). Really? There are degrees of fixed-mindedness and even those who do not think they can improve personally, or intrinsically, can still implement extrinsic measures in their lives, like changing their diet and/or sleep patterns. The book was just a little too black and white opinionated at times, forgetting that reality can be a lot grayer...
Another feature of the book which may be of relevance for some readers is the swearing. Whether it be the ‘lucky f**kers’ in chapter 3, or the ‘hippy s**t’ in chapter 4 (etc etc), readers who object to unnecessary swearing will not appreciate this book. Of course, readers who see swearing as evidence of the author’s ‘authenticity’ and who also see some relevant link between authenticity and the value of a book's content, will undoubtedly take an opposite view.
Overall this seems to me to be the kind of book that readers will either like or dislike, depending largely upon their preferences for writing style.
That kind of content would be interesting in an autobiography, but I wasn’t looking for an autobiography when I picked this book up. After a while, I just found the chatty digressions and personal anecdotes starting to get in the way of the actual content and core message of the book. Readers who like chatty conversational books will undoubtedly like this book, because that is such a significant element of the text. Readers who are just interested in the eight core issues of self-help, which the author identifies as the heart of this book, may well find the book’s meandering style a bit grating.
I also felt less confident in some of the assertions in the book. Apparently, ‘Reading a self help book with a fixed mindset is like hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket’ (27%). Really? There are degrees of fixed-mindedness and even those who do not think they can improve personally, or intrinsically, can still implement extrinsic measures in their lives, like changing their diet and/or sleep patterns. The book was just a little too black and white opinionated at times, forgetting that reality can be a lot grayer...
Another feature of the book which may be of relevance for some readers is the swearing. Whether it be the ‘lucky f**kers’ in chapter 3, or the ‘hippy s**t’ in chapter 4 (etc etc), readers who object to unnecessary swearing will not appreciate this book. Of course, readers who see swearing as evidence of the author’s ‘authenticity’ and who also see some relevant link between authenticity and the value of a book's content, will undoubtedly take an opposite view.
Overall this seems to me to be the kind of book that readers will either like or dislike, depending largely upon their preferences for writing style.
May 11, 2023
I think I read all of the George Mahood books. First one I accidentally discovered was Not Tonight, Josephine. And then without even much trying I read all of the rest. And I enjoyed every single one. So... I'm not going to lie, when I've discovered that George is writing a self help book I was pretty certain that this will be the first book I'm going to skip. Never was a fan of self help books, always were sceptical of people who claimed that these type of books helped them lose weight, earn more money, broaden their horizons etc. But here I was eventually for some reason holding this Self Help Bible. Well not only holding, I have started reading it and for some reason actually enjoyed it. I do like that George is self aware, he's not claiming to be a messiah who figured out all the answers to the most difficult life questions. His sense of humour is very much present in this book (just like in all of his books) and it makes it an enjoyable, light reading even though the subjects are serious. I don't think I will be looking purposely for more self help books but I really liked this one. I was very sceptical at the beginning and here I'm now sitting and thinking that I shouldn't drink coffee in the afternoon, stretch in the morning and be less critical and maybe just maybe smile a bit more often. Well I guess this book does help even when you don't know that you're looking for help.
November 26, 2022
I’m a big fan of George Mahood. I was originally drawn to his books as I love to read about his adventures, plus I’m from his home town Northampton. If I’m honest, when I saw the title of this book I just thought “not another self help book”. I’ve read so many self development books over the years and nearly all of them were mentioned in this book. From Atomic Habits to Morning Miracle to Face the fear and do it anyway!
By 2020 I had OD’d on these sorts of books and steered myself towards adventure reading instead.
George posted on Facebook asking “why are people not reading this book?”. So, to support one of my favourite authors I downloaded it and then I couldn’t put it down. This book is very clever. It’s written in an easy to absorb way with a mix of humour (laugh out loud stuff). It’s as if he takes the best bits of all the greatest books and delivers the content in a summarised but informative way. I loved his stories and his honesty. Most books are “be like me and you will be happy”. George says “this makes sense and I’m trying my best to do what I believe is right, but I’m not perfect”
Loved it! A good read.
By 2020 I had OD’d on these sorts of books and steered myself towards adventure reading instead.
George posted on Facebook asking “why are people not reading this book?”. So, to support one of my favourite authors I downloaded it and then I couldn’t put it down. This book is very clever. It’s written in an easy to absorb way with a mix of humour (laugh out loud stuff). It’s as if he takes the best bits of all the greatest books and delivers the content in a summarised but informative way. I loved his stories and his honesty. Most books are “be like me and you will be happy”. George says “this makes sense and I’m trying my best to do what I believe is right, but I’m not perfect”
Loved it! A good read.
October 23, 2022
George’s work has entertained me since his first book, I’ve eulogised about his work to many friends, particularly Penniless Country, and Operation Ironman starring a common friend Emily.
Self Help had a faltering start for me, I stopped after a couple of chapters and it stayed that way for a month until I read some reviews that drew me back in with their insightful highlights, which is actually what I’ve found the best reason to read this book, it skims the peaks of many great ways to have a better life, through the experience and research of someone who’s writing I know I enjoy. I’ve highlighted many sections, and saved many more books to read that George references.
Self Help had a faltering start for me, I stopped after a couple of chapters and it stayed that way for a month until I read some reviews that drew me back in with their insightful highlights, which is actually what I’ve found the best reason to read this book, it skims the peaks of many great ways to have a better life, through the experience and research of someone who’s writing I know I enjoy. I’ve highlighted many sections, and saved many more books to read that George references.
July 7, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book; in particular because it’s coming from George Mahood and I have really enjoyed his humor and perspectives from other books he’s written. George doesn’t hold a psychology degree (that I’m aware of) so this is good solid advice from another person on the same journey of life. He admits his initial struggles with some of the foundational areas (such as sleep; and not hitting that snooze button!) and isn’t preachy like an academic can be. Thus it reads like your talking to one of your good friends.
I’ve really become a fan of his work and glad I was introduced through Amazon. Kudos on a great book that I will refer back to over the years!
I’ve really become a fan of his work and glad I was introduced through Amazon. Kudos on a great book that I will refer back to over the years!
October 1, 2025
I enjoyed this "essentials summary" of the self-help genre. Like the author, I, too, have read a good number of self-help books that sound good but are either unrealistic or contradictory within or in comparison to other methods. Mahood sums up pretty well what I've taken away as well as how I feel--it seems like the stuff there is consensus on is pretty simple, yet it still seems so difficult to enact routinely, at least some of it does. Anyway, I enjoyed his take and his humor, while also appreciating the confirmation of my own experiences and feelings. Like Mahood, some of it I already do or at least try to do regularly, while I still struggle to implement other areas.
October 27, 2022
Great read!
I’ve read several of George’s books and have enjoyed all of them. When I learned of his latest, a self-help book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. This book is practical, informative and, as always, laced with humor. Each chapter (foundation) builds on the next and is organized appropriately. I especially appreciated the authors and book titles he shared. I’m starting Breath now with others saved for later. Thank you for writing this book George. I enjoyed it and learned from it. -Kathy :-)
I’ve read several of George’s books and have enjoyed all of them. When I learned of his latest, a self-help book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. This book is practical, informative and, as always, laced with humor. Each chapter (foundation) builds on the next and is organized appropriately. I especially appreciated the authors and book titles he shared. I’m starting Breath now with others saved for later. Thank you for writing this book George. I enjoyed it and learned from it. -Kathy :-)
January 18, 2024
Oh, darn it, George. I really loved your books until you stopped trying to write humor. Even the "did not finish" series was mostly funny, even if a little bit soberly autobiographical.
But your self-help book about weddings, based on your experience as a Wedding Photographer, was simply boring. And this one is mostly a rehash of the same old advice you'd get pretty much anywhere. Not fun; only occasionally helpful; mostly just boilerplate self-help blather. Sorry--my review title is
Did Not Enjoy.
But your self-help book about weddings, based on your experience as a Wedding Photographer, was simply boring. And this one is mostly a rehash of the same old advice you'd get pretty much anywhere. Not fun; only occasionally helpful; mostly just boilerplate self-help blather. Sorry--my review title is
Did Not Enjoy.
October 25, 2022
Comme tous les livres de George, ce livre m'a fait passé de belles soirées, m'a amusé, mais surtout, a apporté de belles idées.
Je crois qu'on aime George pour son style rempli d'humour, de gros bon sens, de sagesse.
Un livre que je recommande, qu'on aime où non les livres de croissances personnelles car il y a là de belles réflexions et prises de conscience à faire sur notre style de vie.
À quand le prochain livre? Je suis une grande fan, j'ai lu tous ses livres.
Je crois qu'on aime George pour son style rempli d'humour, de gros bon sens, de sagesse.
Un livre que je recommande, qu'on aime où non les livres de croissances personnelles car il y a là de belles réflexions et prises de conscience à faire sur notre style de vie.
À quand le prochain livre? Je suis une grande fan, j'ai lu tous ses livres.
January 17, 2023
I have read the majority of Mahood’s books and I have never regretted reading a single one.
Operation Ironman
Free country
Did not series
Not today, Josephine
That probably doesn’t seem like a ringing endorsement but many authors just check out after 5-6-7 books. He is very consistent.
I used to compare him to a Danny Wallace or Dave Gorman but I feel Mahood has differentiated himself enough now to be in his own ‘lane.’
A good book with some good ideas
Operation Ironman
Free country
Did not series
Not today, Josephine
That probably doesn’t seem like a ringing endorsement but many authors just check out after 5-6-7 books. He is very consistent.
I used to compare him to a Danny Wallace or Dave Gorman but I feel Mahood has differentiated himself enough now to be in his own ‘lane.’
A good book with some good ideas
December 19, 2025
Lot of the ideas and facts here were well-known to me already, as I have read many of the books as the author was taking the knowledge from. However, I learn a lot of new still. It is a nice overview of everything.
I came to this one after reading Operation Ironman and because I like the style and the kind of humor George use and that's why this was possibly not the last one from his rich portfolio. If nothing else, it gave me a reading list for entire next year.
I came to this one after reading Operation Ironman and because I like the style and the kind of humor George use and that's why this was possibly not the last one from his rich portfolio. If nothing else, it gave me a reading list for entire next year.
October 10, 2022
Wow, George Mahood does it again…!!!
Although I was not optimistic about this newest book, I knew deep down it would turn out to be his best one yet. I learned a lot of things I didn’t know as well as learning that some of the areas he covers, I’m actually doing, but maybe not as consistently as I could. I wonder what’s in store for his next book.
Although I was not optimistic about this newest book, I knew deep down it would turn out to be his best one yet. I learned a lot of things I didn’t know as well as learning that some of the areas he covers, I’m actually doing, but maybe not as consistently as I could. I wonder what’s in store for his next book.
September 26, 2022
I really didn’t enjoy this book and I hate to give the author a poor rating…BUT, I’ve loved several other of his books. So don’t give up on this author based on this book alone. Try Operation Ironman or Free Country.
October 1, 2022
I expected funny and some of it was, laugh out loud funny. But I did not expect serious. But there was some good stuff in here, very good. Not that it changed my life, I'm to old for that now. But it was a good book, thanks George!
December 6, 2022
self- help starter book
New to self help books? This is a great summary of many, many books but in the style of George Mahood. Big fan of George’s books and this did not disappoint. This was a good reminder to live a good life and how to do it.
New to self help books? This is a great summary of many, many books but in the style of George Mahood. Big fan of George’s books and this did not disappoint. This was a good reminder to live a good life and how to do it.
February 2, 2023
Very enjoyable and valuable read.
Definitely makes you think. If I only take away one bit it will be to be present and ignore my phone. I have been working on that one.
I actually enjoy all George Mahood's books that I have read so far. I look forward to reading many more.
Definitely makes you think. If I only take away one bit it will be to be present and ignore my phone. I have been working on that one.
I actually enjoy all George Mahood's books that I have read so far. I look forward to reading many more.
September 16, 2022
An easy read but makes you think. There’s some funny parts and it doesn’t sound preachy. Some things really stuck out to me and I was sharing with people.
October 4, 2022
George nails it again with a great mix of humour, common sense and some good solid advice for living a happier, healthier life. Essential reading :-)
January 27, 2023
Another great read from down-to-earth George! Highly recommend for good laughs and tips for happy and healthy living for regular people.
December 20, 2023
George seems to have done all the work for the rest of us - he's read all the self help books and summarized them nicely here for us.
July 2, 2023
I wasn't looking for a self-help book and I would normally keep away from the genre, but I'm a big fan of George Mahood's work and I particularly liked the "I've read them all so you don't have to" meta-analytical concept behind this one. As I've said before, George's books are never very challenging but they're gentle, familiar, and always amusing. This book is no different. My main criticism is that it all feels a bit superficial, skipping along from one topic to the next without any real investigation. There are references, so I could do my own research, but without that detail, you're left a collection of cliched advice peppered with George's observations.
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