Ah, cognitive therapy... I think that may be the knowledge base I'm looking for with regard to self-programming.

Check out the table of contents of J.S.Beck's "Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond"
ch6. identifying automatic thoughts.
ch7. identifying emotions.
ch8. evaluating automatic thoughts.
ch9. responding to automatic thoughts.
ch10. identifying and modifying intermediate beliefs.
ch11. core beliefs.

Cognitive Therapy started in the 60s and has now come of age as an equally effective alternative to pills in treating depression and anxiety disorders.

I see within Cognitive Therapy a wealth of information that the average person can use to kick their living up a notch: whether its intensifying the quality of relationships, reaching previously unfathomable heights of happiness, or seeking self-understanding.