Self-help tools can vary based on what a person is trying to accomplish with his or her pursuits. Internet websites are designed in many cases to deal with specific types of emotional, mental, or physical problems, and they can be great resources for people dealing with such stresses. Books and DVDs are available for specific issues as well, and a person can find a wealth of self-help tools within these manuals. Support groups are great for people who need to talk issues over with people who are in similar situations or who have conquered similar problems in the past.
Of course, the best self-help tool is a person himself or herself. Deciding to make a significant change in one's life is not an easy decision to come to, and following through is even more difficult. A person will need to do a fair amount of self-analysis to make the process successful, and regardless of what self-help tools are used, the pursuit will fail if the person is not dedicated to it. Mentally preparing for using self-help tools will improve the chances of success.
Professional help is often another form of self-help tools available to an individual. It may seem counterintuitive to seek help from someone else during a self-help program, but part of helping oneself is knowing when to seek expert advice. A person who is in financial trouble, for example, may need the guidance of an accountant or financial advisor in order to make good decisions that will improve financial standing. Otherwise, the person may find himself stuck in the same routines and going over the same failed strategies endlessly. People suffering from depression may seek help from a mental health professional, and overweight people may want to consult a personal trainer who can help them design a workout program and healthier diet.
If someone is more independent-minded, he or she can simply pick up a self-help book or DVD and attempt some of the techniques outlined in those programs. This can be difficult, as the person will be responsible not only for following the steps outlined in the program, but also for keeping up his or her motivation. Self-improvement is often made easier when others are involved; self-help groups are great for helping a person keep his or her motivation and developing a support network who can stand by the person during the most difficult phases of the process.