Psycho-Cybernetics: Updated and Expanded (The Psycho-Cybernetics Series)

If you’re like me, you like to read the classics. And I heard that this is a classic of self-help, so i devoured this book! Maxwell Maltz offers “Psycho-cybernetics”. He proposes a working goal-achieving system that will not only help you achieve you goals, but to do so while living blazingly happy and fulfilled while living younger and longer. I recommend reading the book from front to back to get Maltz full argument, as some of the chapters build on each other, and towards the end he references more scientific arguments and personal beliefs on the matter. At the end of each chapter, there are fill in the blanks for Key points to remember and a to write down how the book’s principles relate to past experiences, which aid in the process of raising grilling in the principles in your brain. There are also commentary from MATT FUREY which i find only aided in adding weight to Maltz arguments. Like with all self-help, you are presented the ideas, theories, evidence, and it’s up to you to do the work and experiment to see if it works for you. I’ve been running experiments for a week and will continuously refer back to some of the chapters to taste until I feel i’ve thoroughly digested all of it. My results so far as as follows. Firstly, Psycho-Cybernetics hit the signal on what i was looking for to get out of it on especially a couple of sections for me: Relaxation, and self-acceptance. Reading this book was partly therapeutic for me from reading the self-acceptance section and the afterward. Specifically, in helping me understand that I’ve been too calloused from hurt feelings in past relationships, as before reading I felt the signal for who I am and what i wanted to do was much lesser, but after reading, critically thinking, and experimenting with the material, the signal is much louder. My relationships are feeling stronger and happier. I generally feel more at ease and am super thankful for this! Too, it helped me understand more of the negative (failure) aspects of my self image and personality, which inspired me to take more action on relaxation, as previously, i’ve been mostly stressed all day without ever relaxing. Now I am experimenting with becoming more relaxed and trying the exercises as recommended in the book, as well as embodying the successful personality traits presented in the book. All in all, it’s been a wonderful read and am happy with the insight that it’s giving me. I believe it’s accelerated the path I’ve been on, and for that I am thankful for such a wonderful tome. I am excited for applying the information further and running more experiments with it. Also, I loved Maltz’s scientific presentation of his arguments. Reminds me slightly of Darwins book “On the origins of Species” but with more of personal touch, like Maltz is speaking directly too you and presented a thoughtful and researched argument that he’s developed over the span of his lifetime. Do I recommend this book? As far as the system philosophy, i can’t give a 100% recommendation of this book until i’ve really seen success materialize from it. However, I do believe it will work and has aided in my personal goal achieving system. Insofar, If your interested in any self help book, just buy it, see what the signal is in it for you, and reap it’s wonderful rewards as it's a wonderful tome.

I recently read "Psycho-Cybernetics: Updated and Expanded" by Maxwell Maltz, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most impactful self-help books I’ve ever encountered. Originally published in the 1960s, this updated version brings the timeless principles of self-image psychology into the modern era, and it’s as relevant today as it was when first written. The core of the book is centered around the concept that our self-image shapes our reality. Maltz, a pioneering plastic surgeon, observed that many of his patients, despite undergoing physical transformations, often struggled with low self-esteem or a poor self-image that wasn’t addressed by surgery. This led him to explore the powerful connection between mind and body, and he coined the term "psycho-cybernetics" to describe the process of reprogramming the subconscious mind to achieve greater success and happiness. What makes this book so compelling is that it’s not just theory—it’s practical and actionable. Maltz provides clear techniques, visualizations, and exercises to help you identify and change limiting beliefs, build a positive self-image, and unlock your full potential. The “updated and expanded” version includes new insights, research, and additional exercises that bring even more value to the original material. One of the key takeaways for me was learning how to reframe my thinking and stop sabotaging my own success due to negative self-talk. The emphasis on visualization and the idea of "success as a process" instead of an end goal really resonated with me. Since reading the book, I’ve noticed a more positive outlook on challenges and greater self-confidence in both my personal and professional life. If you're looking to make lasting changes in your mindset and achieve your goals, "Psycho-Cybernetics: Updated and Expanded" is an essential read. It’s practical, insightful, and transformative—offering valuable tools that can help you reshape your self-image and create the life you want. Highly recommended for anyone serious about personal growth and self-improvement!

I started reading Psycho-Cybernetics a few months ago, and it completely shifted the way I see myself and my goals. Maxwell Maltz explains that everything we achieve—or fail to achieve—comes from the image we hold of ourselves. Once we change that internal picture, our actions and results begin to change too. What I loved most is how practical it is. The book teaches you to visualize success, reprogram negative beliefs, and calm your mind so you can focus on growth instead of fear. It’s amazing how these ideas, written decades ago, are still so relevant today. Some examples feel a bit old-fashioned, but the message is timeless: your mind is like a powerful mechanism that works toward whatever image you give it. Feed it confidence, purpose, and gratitude, and your whole life starts to align with that vision. Highly recommended for anyone interested in personal growth, self-confidence, or mindset transformation.

One of the best books highly recommend

As a self- help reader for more than ten years, searching for something I could not name and aiming to improve the struggle and joylessness I found pervasive in my life, I finally stumbled upon this book. I'm not even done reading and I have already begun to change my self-image for the better. Yes, I have encountered many of his ideas repeated in other, more modern literature (tony robbins, abraham hicks, katie byron etc), but as the founding father of self-help Maltz truly hit the nail on the head the first go-around in a way I finally understand. Yes, his text dates back to the 50s, but somehow it feels clearly relevant to my experience now and not at all dated. I also got the version updated by Furey, so that helps. And there are a few religious references that put some readers off, but they weren't intrusive to my reading. I feel like I finally understand many of the methods I've been struggling to understand for years, and that there's a reason none of the other methods worked: I didn't get at the core of my identity, my self- image as he explains clearly. I tried to change outer circumstances with affirmations and positive thinking, but none of it works if I'm still playing the role of a helpless victim. All that is already changing thanks to this book. I feel more empowered than I ever have. I'm ready. Thank you, Maltz, for your contribution.

Great book that follows the audible version. bought both even though they are free online. Font size should be bigger. pages should be whiter. new psychology is easier on the eyes. i am 41.5.

Love this book, found it from TikTok haven’t finish it yet

This is perhaps one of the best books I have ever, ever read. The entire self-image concept is literally life changing advice, and timeless too.