I live in Northern Virginia, a community where many parents hope kids will get a sports scholarship. They demonstrate this belief by the money they spend on travel sports including paid coaches, trainers, custom diets, and private lessons. Sports have been shown to have positive effects on kids, but statistically only .2% of students will get more than $25,000 towards a college scholarship. This being the case, I believe that parents are better off saving money in a 529 plan and incenting their teens to read a few books that can change their life.
Studies cited by Fast Company have shown that many CEOs read 50 books per year. Warren Buffet allocates 80% of his day to reading. Bill Gates spends one hour per night reading before bed. I also read more than 50 books per year.
I believe that readers are leaders. As parents if we can help our kids develop a lifelong habit of reading I believe their chance of success increases substantially. Being poor is not an excuse for being ignorant. With a local library card, reading will cost you nothing. Below are the 6 books I recommend to people in their late teens or early 20s.
The Slight Edge-Jeff Olsen
In this book you will learn about a Quantum Leap. This is when a subatomic particle suddenly jumps to a higher level of energy as a result of a gradual buildup of energy being applied to the particle over time. You will also learn about a former English teacher named Steve who struggled to make a living. He threw away a story about a school girl named Carrie. His wife pulled it out of the trash launching his career as a bestselling author. 95% of all people spend their time oscillating between failure and survival. 5% of people have figured out that the same actions that avert failure if sustained over a long period of time lead to incredible success. In this book Jeff will show you how to be in the top 5%.
Grit: The Power and Passion of Perseverance-Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth is a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania who studies perseverance (grit). Her research shows how a "growth mindset" leads to the perseverance required for success. Her book highlights the marshmallow test and using the Parable of the Brick Layer to illustrate both the importance and strategies of hard work.
The Dip-Seth Godin
The Dip is a very short book by Seth Godin. This book teaches you "when to quit and when to stick". Seth says that, "You have two choices. Quit or be exceptional. Average is for losers." In the book he recommends that you decide the conditions that would make you quit before you start a project. Those who wrestle with a decision to quit when discomfort sets in will almost always make the wrong decision.
Never Eat Alone-Keith Ferrazzi
In this book Keith will show you the steps to finding and achieving your mission. He says to look inside and around you to find your passion. Then write down your goals. The next step is to create a personal board of advisors who will encourage you to get to your goals.
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?-Seth Godin
This book teaches you to be the person your organization cannot do without (Linchpin). The Linchpin has relationship skills, creativity, operates in complexity, leads customers, inspires staff, has deep domain knowledge, and possesses unique talent. Read this book to gain insights on becoming the linchpin in your organization.
The Compound Effect-Darren Hardy
Darren Hardy is the former publisher of Success Magazine. Darren, Tony Robbins, and Jeff Olsen were all influenced by famous motivational speaker, Jim Rohn. My daughter read his book when she was 15. She learned that making simple positive changes will allow the compound effect to take you where you want to go over time. Your choices form your behavior and over time become your habits. In this book you will learn that compound interest not only works in your brokerage account, but in other areas of your life as well.
The next time you encourage your kid about their potential career in the NHL, stop and think if you should encourage them to be a life-long learner instead. Can you suggest another book that will change the life of a young person?