@merpreb You make an interesting point. Self-help books, listening to speakers, going to therapy, etc. do not actually change us. They do, however, plant the seeds of knowledge and insight into our minds and lives. Whenever I read a self-help book or hear someone speak on the topic, I feel that the "seed" of insight and knowledge is planted somewhere in my consciousness. As planting a seed does not make it grow overnight so these seeds of change will take a while. The more that is planted in our mind the more opportunities we have for change.

Change does not happen quickly (as we would hope). We have to remember that it took us a while to become unhealthy therefore the process of becoming healthier will take some time as well.