The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

Covey, S. (1998). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. New York, NY: Fireside Books.
ISBN-10: 0684856093

•Plot Summary
A workbook of instructions on how to be a happy and successful teen, this work is just one of many inheriting from the tradition of the original The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Sean Covey has begun with a series of quotes and examples about lifestyle choices and behaviors that teens allow to become habit, that in turn prevent them from being who they really want to be. Using what he considers Baby Steps, Sean Covey gives teens tried and true methods for changing their habits to more positive ones. Focusing on the concept of remaking their own paradigms, teens learn the problems with allowing their approach to their own lives being things such as pleasing just their parents, seeing success only in materialism, and even being self-centered. In part two, teens learn to keep a Personal Bank Account, a way of keeping track of whether they are spending too much time beating themselves up over certain topics, aren't being honest with themselves, aren't giving themselves time to renew, and not rewarding themselves when it's deserved. Habit i is about being Proactive, turning setbacks into triumphs, taking stock of mental states in order to improve mood, etc. Habit 2 involves Beginning with the End in Mind. Teens learn how to set their sights on what they want in the future, and create personal mission statements, with realistic goals for fulfilling their objectives. Habit 3 is about learning to Prioritize, about learning to use a personal planner, teens realizing when they are outside their comfort zone, and acknowledging milestones. Habit 4 is about thinking Win-Win, about not being a doormat or always seeing things in a negative light, about making healthy comparisons and realizing that not all levels of competition are healthy. Habit 5 involves Seeking First to Understand, and then to be Understood, and explains the principles of listening to (not just hearing) what other people say, placing ones self in the shoes of another, and only then in seeking feedback of ones own beliefs or impressions. Habit 6 deals with learning about how Synergy works, seeing how people learn individually, adapt, and then work together as as group. Habit 7 is potentially the most basic, and possibly the most overlooked, teens taking time out from busy schedules to eat well, get enough sleep, and just relax.

•Critical Evaluation
Light-hearted, but fact, quote, story, and method-packed manual for teens to learn how to be truly successful and happy. Some areas that are meant to be funny may come across as inane to more mature teens, but the stories and anecdotes are often interesting.

•Reader’s Annotation
Probably best for older teens, especially those that have busy parents or have had trouble with things like school or emotional development.

•Information about the author
Sean Covey's father wrote the original version of this manual with adults in mind, and Sean has adapted it for teen audiences. He was born in Ireland, raised in Utah, and has lived in Boston, Dallas, and South Africa. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.A. in English, and from Harvard with an M.A. in Business. He was a quarterback for the BYU football team, and was ESPN's Most Valuable Player in a college team, twice.

Since reaching adulthood, he has worked at several multimedia corporations, including Walt Disney Company. He enjoys movies, working out, dirt bike riding, eating, and along with his wife, Rebecca, is the father of four children. Currently, he is the VP of Retail Stores for Franklin Covey Co., which specializes in materials for individuals interested in leadership.

•Genre
Non-Fiction, Self-Help

•Curriculum Ties
Social Sciences

•Booktalking Ideas
Lifestyles, ethics, improving self-esteem

•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 10-12/Ages 15-19

•Challenge Issues
N/A

•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
I had never read the original version of this book, but was intrigued by the number of stories and anecdotes included in this one for teens to relate to on a more personal level.