So you’ve decided to turn to self-help audiobooks to enrich your life and become the best you that you can be. Good! Audiobooks are the perfect way to help you waste as little time as possible getting to where you need to be. I’ve been listening to a lot of self-help audiobooks since joining the team at Audiobooks.com, and have figured out how to get the most out of the experience.

1. Identify what you need to improve: Are you looking to hone soft skills, or maybe boost your productivity? Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses and pick out what you would like to do better. Ask a few good friends or trusted acquaintances to do the same; you may be surprised in what you learn about yourself before you even start.

2. Research is important: Sometimes the title of the book, though a good place to start, is misleading. Case in point: Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins. Check the online reviews before you commit.

3. Take notes: Listening to a book is much different than reading one; you can’t simply highlight a line or dog-ear a page. Taking notes is a good way to ensure that you do not miss any key messages within the book. If not for taking notes in the Law of Connection by Michael J. Losier, one can easily get lost in the barrage of concepts.

4. Test the concepts: Practice makes perfect.  Foreign as some of the things may seem, if you don’t try it, it can’t help you.

5. Frame of mind is everything: If you are distracted, frustrated or in a negative frame of mind, chances are that a book telling you to change will not be well received. Reminding yourself of why you are taking this journey before you press play can help to refocus your mind. A good example of an audio book that can boost your mood is Peter Knobler’s Often Wrong, Never in Doubt.

Lastly, remember that you’re investing in yourself. Like all good investments, even a small effort can offer big long-term rewards if you keep a steady pace and stay committed.