10 to 25

A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier

By: David Yeager

Narrated by: David Yeager

Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Acclaimed developmental psychologist David Yeager reveals the new science of motivating young people ages ten through twenty-five in this groundbreaking book that is a must-read for managers, parents, educators, coaches, and mentors everywhere.

“Required reading for anyone who aspires to be a wise influence on the young people they care about.” —Angela Duckworth

“One of the most fascinating and important books of the past decade...It will change millions of lives.” —Carol Dweck

“This engaging, data-driven book is filled with practical insights.” —Adam Grant

Imagine a world in which Gen Xers, millennials, and boomers interact with young people in ways that leave them feeling inspired, enthusiastic, and ready to contribute—rather than disengaged, outraged, or overwhelmed. That world may be closer than you think. In this book based on cutting edge research, psychologist David Yeager explains how to stop fearing young people’s brains and hormones and start harnessing them.

Neuroscientists have discovered that around age ten, puberty spurs the brain to crave socially rewarding experiences, such as pride, admiration, and respect, and to become highly averse to social pain, such as humiliation or shame. As a result, young people are subtly reading between the lines of everything we say, trying to interpret the hidden implications of our words to find out if we are disrespecting or honoring them. Surprisingly, this sensitivity to status and respect continues into the mid-twenties. 10 to 25 helps adults develop an ear for the difference between the right and wrong way to respect young people and avoid frustrating patterns of miscommunication and conflict.

Yeager explains how to adopt what he terms the mentor mindset, which is a leadership style that’s attuned to young people’s need for status and respect. Anyone can adopt the mentor mindset by following a few highly effective and easy-to-learn practices such as validating young people’s perspectives (rather than dismissing them), asking them questions (rather than telling them what to do), being transparent about your beliefs and goals (rather than assuming that they will accurately guess your thoughts), and holding them to high standards (rather than coddling them). Yeager’s scientific experiments have shown these practices reduce a wide variety of behavior problems, including school dropout, unhealthy eating, stress, purposelessness, mental health problems, and more.

One of the biggest misconceptions about mentoring is that it takes up too much time. On the contrary, those who use the mentor mindset end up with more time. Through back-and-forth conversations, young people feel empowered, and managers can transfer responsibility to them. Young people in this age group are poised to learn, grow, and accomplish incredible things—if only we can tap into the basic neurobiological systems that drive their motivation and behavior.

An essential read for anyone who interacts with young people, 10 to 25 is a groundbreaking book that offers long-term strategies to help nurture well-adjusted, independent, accomplished young people who contribute to society in positive ways—all while making our own lives easier.

©2024 David Yeager (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Mind-blowingly relevant and important

This book was so well written and well read! I was completely engaged from cover to cover. I just kept thinking of people I HAD to recommend it to- parents, teachers, church leaders, employers, friends, ANYONE who EVER comes in contact with young people. So, everyone. The ideas are lofty but the execution is doable. So motivating and inspiring.

Goldmine of wisdom for anyone who interacts with young people

I wish this book was around when I was a child and all of my teachers, my parents, and coaches had read it. Makes so much sense to harness young people’s natural drives for belonging and significance to motivate their long term success.

WHY I HOPE NO ONE READS THIS BOOK (not really)

Because when I've thoroughly understood and am employing its concepts and principles I will have an unfair advantage. So, for me, the fewer that are 'in on it', the better. Right?

Really though, not only will the world be a better place the wider these ideas are spread and adopted, but I can't help but wonder how more of this thinking could've impacted my life and the lives of those I care about.

That's ok. The second best time to plant a tree is today, right?

Like Yeager's daughter, I intuitively understood the benefits of the Mentor Mindset and the detriments of the other two (Enforcer and Rescuer Mindsets) early on but didn't have the words for it.

Now we do. And we can more clearly see why and how to employ this stuff.

Everybody, please do everyone else a favor and learn this book!

Mandatory reading for parents, teachers, coaches

This book gave me more that I didn’t know about mentoring than any other resource I’ve ever come across

Well done!!

As a long time educator, I found David’s book a refreshing way to reconsider the tensions parents, educators, or managers feel when motivating young people. Not only does he share the wise perspective of using a ‘mentor mindset’ but he backs it up over and over again with compelling research. If you work with young people (or older ones too), this book will change the way you examine your motivations and how direct you must become in communicating your intentions to those whom you’re serving or mentoring.

Applicable to everyone

While lofty and focusing on success stories, this is a book I think everybody should read. I can only imagine how much better our society could be if more people thought along these lines.

This book will change the way I parent!

I am dedicated to being a mother who inspires her children to use critical thinking. This book gave me the tools to do that! A must-read and re-read.

Outstanding!

A must read for parents, educators, therapists, and physicians who have the joy of helping our youth!

Fantastic and Practical Advice

Really a great read, particularly as a parent of children this age. So much practical advice that I was able to put in place while listening to this book that will really help me have a better understanding of ”mentor”mindset.

A teachers guide to reach every child

I truly enjoyed the storytelling behind the theories that were shared. To see practicality and every day struggles is encouraging as an educator. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers alike.