When family or friends come to me with a challenge, I usually send them away with a list of books. It has gotten so bad that my boys will laugh, and before I even get the words out, say, “Let me guess. You have a book that I should read?” This month I’m going to continue my series to explain the six characteristics that will help you live and share your genius. The fifth characteristic is Action-Oriented. Enjoy!
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink. I was introduced to Pink’s work about 10 years ago with his book “A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers will Rule the Future”. In both books, he references a ton of research which adds to his credibility. In “Drive” he really dives deep into what motivates us and how what we think motivates others, really doesn’t. He also includes a “toolbox” section that includes a section for educators and parents. Well worth the read.
Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal. There are so many distractions that get in the way of us living the life we were meant to live. This is another book that cites a lot of research. He also has a lot of “how-tos” to help you apply his ideas, including a section on raising indistractable kids. I heard about Nir Eyal on a podcast where he was interviewed and I found his ideas fascinating. I listened to most of this book in the car with my 14-year-old son and we had some great discussions about the subject.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey. This is a powerful book full of principle, when applied, will change your life. The teen version by Sean Covey is also great. I read it before I read the adult version and it helped get more clarity. This is a good book to read with a group to really discuss it. I like reading and discussing it a habit at a time. Being action-oriented is a habit and you need to use your time and resources effectively to live and share your genius.
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World by Malala Yousafzai. The link is to the young reader edition. There is a longer version that can be used for older students or for adults and a shorter version for kids new to reading chapter books. I love Malala’s story for so many reasons! First of all, she took a horrible thing that happened to her and has turned it into something that is changing lives. She also is alive and doing her work right now. Kids can see and relate to her. She isn’t just a part of history. Her story also teaches us all about what is happening in other parts of the world and the importance of standing up to all injustices.
The Kid Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews. This is the picture book version of one of my all time favorite books “The Butterfly Effect”. Both books talk about how people took action and changed the world. I love the kid version because it brings it to their level and helps them see how they can make a difference in the world by taking action, which is sometimes as simple as just being nice to other people.
ENJOY!