The 10 Books Students Should Read to Develop Successful Habits

Preparing for college and adulthood can be an exciting yet challenging time for teenagers. My dad is an avid reader and always encouraged us to read books that developed our minds and promoted good habits. He is one of the most influential people in my life. Many of these books I read because I saw him reading them. Encourage your teen to read a few; not only will they provide valuable insights and guidance during this transitional phase, they will also increase their vocabulary and elevate their writing style.

1. "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear This book provides actionable strategies for creating and sustaining positive habits. It offers insights into the science behind habit formation and practical techniques to make habit change easier.

2. "The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan - This book emphasizes the importance of focusing on one thing at a time. It provides strategies for developing the habit of prioritization.

3. "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown - This book encourages readers to focus on what is truly important in their lives and provides practical advice for developing the habit of saying "no" to non-essential tasks and activities.

4. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck This book explores the concept of a growth mindset and the impact it can have on personal development and achievement. It emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and learning from failures.

5. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey This book offers practical advice and guidance on building positive habits and achieving personal effectiveness. It covers topics like goal setting, time management, and communication skills.

6. "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie This classic book offers practical advice on building strong relationships, effective communication, and influencing others positively. It can help students develop habits of empathy, active listening, and social skills.

7. "The Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod - This book outlines a morning routine that can help you start your day with intention and energy.

8. "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg - This book explores the science behind habits and provides insights on how to create positive change in your life.

9. "Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning" by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel - This book explores evidence-based learning techniques and strategies that can help students retain information effectively and perform better in college.

10. "The Freshman Survival Guide" by Nora Bradbury-Haehl and Bill McGarvey - This book provides practical advice on various aspects of college life, including academics, social life, time management, and personal well-being.

These books cover a range of topics, including personal development, mindset, resilience, interpersonal skills, habits, and happiness. A few of these books are my own personal favorites, and some amazing high school educators recommended the others. Remember that self-help books offer perspectives and strategies, but personal growth is a lifelong journey. Take what resonates with you and adapt it to your unique circumstances and goals.