7 Habits Teen Reading Course — 8 Weeks

7 Habits Teen Reading Course (8 Weeks)

Daily audiobook listening + reflection for a 13-year-old, 9th grade level, ADHD-friendly.

Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey Format: Audiobook + Questions Focus: Goals, Motivation, Personal Growth
Week 1 — Introduction, Paradigms & Principles
Big ideas: What are habits? How does the way you see yourself and others shape your life?
Day 1 — What Is a Habit?
Start Here
Listen to the beginning of the book: the Introduction, until the author has clearly explained what a “habit” is. (Stop when it feels like a natural break.)
  • In your own words, what is a “habit”?
  • Write down two positive habits you already have and two negative habits you know you have.
  • Why do you think habits are powerful for your future goals?
Apply it today: Choose one small positive habit you want to build (for example: 10 minutes of reading, making your bed, or planning your day). Do it once today and check in with yourself tonight about how it felt.
Day 2 — Good Habits vs. Bad Habits
Clarify
Continue the Introduction from where you stopped yesterday. Listen until the author clearly compares positive and negative habits.
  • What is one example from the book of a positive habit? One example of a negative habit?
  • How can a small negative habit grow into a big problem over time?
  • Which of your negative habits do you think hurts your goals the most right now? Why?
Apply it today: Pick one negative habit to “catch” today (for example, scrolling too long, snapping at someone, delaying work). When you notice it, pause and write a quick note about what triggered it.
Day 3 — Paradigms: How You See Yourself
Mindset
Listen to the part where the author introduces “paradigms” or the way you see yourself and the world. Pause after a few examples.
  • How would you describe your current “view” of yourself in one sentence?
  • What is one negative belief you sometimes think about yourself (for example: “I’m lazy,” “I always mess up,” etc.)?
  • If you replaced that belief with a better one, what would it be?
Apply it today: Write one new, positive sentence about yourself (for example, “I’m someone who keeps trying even when it’s hard.”). Read it out loud at least three times today.
Day 4 — Paradigms: How You See Others
Relationships
Continue listening from yesterday. Stop when the author has given several examples of how we misjudge other people.
  • Describe a time when you judged someone quickly and later found out you were wrong.
  • How do “paradigms” about other people affect how you treat them?
  • What is one person in your life you might need to see more fairly or kindly?
Apply it today: Pick one person and assume the best about them today. Treat them as if they are doing their best, even if they annoy you.
Day 5 — Principles & Values
Core
Continue the book until the author explains ideas like “principles,” “values,” or what you build your life around.
  • What are three values that matter most to you (for example: honesty, hard work, loyalty, freedom)?
  • Which of these values do your actions match right now? Which one needs more work?
  • How can your values guide your decisions when you’re stressed or distracted?
Apply it today: Circle one value you want to live by today. At night, write one sentence about how you did (even if it wasn’t perfect).
Day 6 — Week 1 Review & Mini-Quiz
Quiz
Optional: Re-listen to any part of the Introduction that felt confusing or important.
  • Define “habit” in one clear sentence.
  • Explain what a “paradigm” is in your own words.
  • List two of your strongest positive habits and two negative ones you want to change.
  • Write one sentence about how your view of yourself can affect your future.
  • Write down three personal values and one real way to live them this month.
End of week reflection: On a scale from 1–10, how focused were you this week while listening? Write one thing that helped you focus and one thing you want to change for next week.
Day 7 — Rest / Catch-Up
Rest

Use today to rest, catch up on any listening you missed, or quickly review your notes from this week. No new questions required.

Week 2 — Habit 1: Be Proactive
Big ideas: Taking responsibility, owning your choices, and moving from “victim” to “in charge.”
Day 1 — Reactive vs. Proactive
Habit 1
Begin Habit 1 in the book. Listen until the author clearly describes the difference between “reactive” and “proactive” people.
  • In your own words, what is the difference between reactive and proactive behavior?
  • Describe one time you reacted without thinking and later regretted it.
  • How would a proactive version of you have handled that situation differently?
Apply it today: When something frustrating happens, pause for 5 seconds before reacting. Ask yourself: “What would a proactive person do?”
Day 2 — “Victim” Language vs. “In Charge” Language
Language
Continue Habit 1. Listen for examples of negative, victim-style phrases compared to proactive phrases.
  • Write three examples of “victim” sentences (for example: “I can’t,” “It’s not my fault”).
  • Rewrite each sentence into a proactive version (for example: “What can I do?”).
  • Which type of language do you use more during a normal day?
Apply it today: Pick one victim-style phrase you use a lot and replace it all day with a proactive version.
Day 3 — The Circle of Control
Focus
Continue listening until the author explains the idea of focusing on what you can control.
  • List 5 things that are inside your control (for example: effort, attitude, schedule).
  • List 5 things that are outside your control (for example: weather, other people’s moods).
  • How can focusing on what you can control reduce stress?
Apply it today: Draw two circles on paper: “Things I Control” and “Things I Don’t.” Fill them in based on your life right now.
Day 4 — Choosing Your Response
Choice
Continue Habit 1. Listen for any stories where teens chose their response instead of just reacting.
  • Describe one story from the book that shows someone being proactive.
  • What is one area of your life where you usually blame others?
  • Write down one new way you could respond in that area this week.
Apply it today: When you feel like blaming, stop and write one sentence starting with: “I choose to…”
Day 5 — Building Proactive Habits
Practice
Finish or continue Habit 1 as needed. Focus on parts where the author gives practical steps or ideas.
  • What are three proactive habits you could start that would help your school, business ideas, or goals?
  • Which one feels the easiest to start this week? Why?
  • What is one possible obstacle that might stop you and how can you prepare for it?
Apply it today: Start one proactive habit today (even if it’s small, like 5 minutes of planning or tidying your workspace).
Day 6 — Week 2 Mini-Quiz
Quiz
  • Explain “Be Proactive” in one or two clear sentences.
  • Write two examples of reactive behavior and then rewrite them as proactive choices.
  • List three things you can control and three things you cannot.
  • Describe one real situation from this week where you were more proactive than usual.
Reflection: What is one area of your life (school, money, health, friendships) where you want to be more proactive next week?
Day 7 — Rest / Catch-Up
Rest

Rest, review your notes from Habit 1, or re-listen to any parts you found helpful. No new questions today.

Week 3 — Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind
Big ideas: Goals, vision, and deciding who you want to become before you get there.
Day 1 — What Is “The End”?
Vision
Begin Habit 2. Listen to the explanation of “Begin with the End in Mind.”
  • What does “Begin with the End in Mind” mean in your own words?
  • Imagine your life at age 25. What are three things you hope are true about you by then?
  • How can thinking about your future change what you do this week?
Apply it today: Write a short paragraph titled “The kind of person I want to be.”
Day 2 — Roles You Play
Identity
Continue Habit 2. Listen for examples of different roles a teen might have in life.
  • List your main roles right now (for example: student, son, friend, creator, athlete, entrepreneur).
  • Which role do you think you handle best? Which role needs more attention?
  • How could planning around your roles help you use your time better?
Apply it today: Choose one role and write one small goal for this week in that role.
Day 3 — Long-Term Goals
Goals
Continue listening to Habit 2, focusing on parts about goals and direction.
  • Write down three long-term goals (1–5 years) that really matter to you.
  • For each goal, write one sentence explaining why it is important.
  • Which goal do you feel most excited about, and which one scares you a little (in a good way)?
Apply it today: Choose one long-term goal and break it into three small steps you could start this month.
Day 4 — Mission Statements
Purpose
Continue Habit 2. Listen for the part about personal mission statements.
  • What is a personal mission statement?
  • Write three short phrases that feel like they “fit” who you want to be (for example: “I am honest,” “I finish what I start,” etc.).
  • Which of those phrases feels the most important for you right now?
Apply it today: Draft a rough mission statement of 2–4 sentences. It does not have to be perfect.
Day 5 — Editing Your Mission
Refine
Re-listen to any section about mission statements or examples you liked.
  • Read your mission statement out loud. What feels strong? What feels off?
  • Edit or rewrite one sentence to sound more like your real voice.
  • Where could you put this mission statement so you see it often?
Apply it today: Write or print your mission statement and put it somewhere visible (desk, wall, notebook, etc.).
Day 6 — Week 3 Mini-Quiz
Quiz
  • Summarize Habit 2 (“Begin with the End in Mind”) in your own words.
  • List your main roles and one goal for each.
  • Copy your current mission statement here.
  • Explain how having an “end in mind” can help you with school or business plans.
Reflection: What part of Habit 2 feels most helpful for you right now, and why?
Day 7 — Rest / Catch-Up
Rest

Rest, or slowly re-read your mission statement and goals. Adjust anything that no longer fits.

Week 4 — Habit 3: Put First Things First
Big ideas: Time management, priorities, and making room for what really matters.
Day 1 — Urgent vs. Important
Priority
Begin Habit 3. Listen to the explanation of urgent vs. important tasks.
  • In your own words, what is the difference between “urgent” and “important”?
  • Write 3 examples of things that feel urgent but might not be truly important.
  • Write 3 important things in your life that often get ignored or delayed.
Apply it today: Choose one important thing and schedule a specific time to do it today.
Day 2 — Time Quadrants
Planning
Continue Habit 3, focusing on the “time quadrants” or similar idea.
  • Draw four boxes and label them based on how the book describes different types of tasks.
  • Which box do you spend most of your time in right now? Explain.
  • Which box should you spend more time in to reach your goals?
Apply it today: Put today’s tasks into your four boxes. Complete at least one “important but not urgent” task.
Day 3 — Weekly Planning
Routine
Continue listening to Habit 3 with attention to any planning examples.
  • Why does the author suggest planning weekly instead of only daily?
  • List your top 5 priorities for next week (school, family, health, goals, projects).
  • What is one reason you often avoid planning ahead?
Apply it today: Sketch a simple plan for the next 7 days on paper or in a notes app.
Day 4 — Beating Procrastination
Action
Continue Habit 3, listening for tips on dealing with procrastination.
  • What are your top 3 procrastination habits?
  • Write one real example of a time procrastination hurt your results.
  • What simple strategy from the book could help you start tasks sooner?
Apply it today: Use the “just start for 5 minutes” rule on one task you’ve been avoiding.
Day 5 — ADHD-Friendly Time Tricks
Focus
Re-listen to any parts about planning and focus that you found useful.
  • What time of day do you focus best? Morning, afternoon, or night?
  • What environment helps you focus (noise level, location, music or no music)?
  • What two rules can you create to protect that focus time each day?
Apply it today: Try a 20–25 minute focus block with a short break afterward. Record how it felt.
Day 6 — Week 4 Mini-Quiz
Quiz
  • Explain Habit 3 (“Put First Things First”) in your own words.
  • List 3 important but not urgent tasks in your life.
  • Describe one new time-management strategy you tried this week and how it went.
Reflection: What is one change you want to keep doing next week to stay on top of priorities?
Day 7 — Rest / Catch-Up
Rest

Rest and catch up on any planning or questions you missed. No new work required.

Week 5 — Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Big ideas: Creating outcomes where both sides benefit, instead of “I win, you lose.”
Day 1 — What Is Win-Win?
Habit 4
Begin Habit 4. Listen until the author clearly explains “Win-Win.”
  • In your own words, what does “Win-Win” mean?
  • What are two other types of thinking (like “Win-Lose” or “Lose-Win”)?
  • Which type do you use most often now?
Apply it today: Look for one small chance to create a win-win (sharing, trading, helping, etc.).
Day 2 — Fair Deals
Agreements
  • Describe a situation where you could design a “fair deal” with someone instead of arguing.
  • What would a win-win agreement look like in that situation?
  • How could this idea help in business or money decisions?
Apply it today: Write a pretend “win-win” agreement for a situation in your life (chores, money, projects).
Day 3 — Confidence + Respect
Balance
  • Why does win-win thinking need both self-respect and respect for others?
  • Where do you need more self-respect? Where do you need more respect for others?
  • Give one example of each from your real life.
Apply it today: Do one action that respects yourself and one that respects someone else.
Day 4 — Trust Accounts
Trust
  • Think of trust like a “bank account.” What deposits build trust?
  • What withdrawals hurt trust?
  • Pick one relationship and list 3 deposits you could make this week.
Apply it today: Make one “trust deposit” with someone (keep a promise, be honest, etc.).
Day 5 — Win-Win in Real Life
Examples
  • Describe one real-life win-win you’ve seen or been part of.
  • What made it work for both people?
  • How could win-win thinking affect how you handle money, school projects, or family decisions?
Apply it today: Write a quick plan for one future situation where you want to create a win-win result.
Day 6 — Week 5 Mini-Quiz
Quiz
  • Define “Think Win-Win.”
  • Give an example of Win-Lose and explain why it’s a problem.
  • Describe one relationship where you want to build more trust and how you’ll do it.
Day 7 — Rest / Catch-Up
Rest

Rest and review any notes or examples from Habit 4. No new assignments.

Week 6 — Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Big ideas: Listening first, speaking second, and really understanding before you respond.
Day 1 — Why Listening Matters
Habit 5
  • Why do people usually want to talk more than they want to listen?
  • Describe a time when you wished someone had really listened to you.
  • How would better listening help at home or in future business?
Apply it today: In one conversation, focus only on listening and asking questions. Do not interrupt.
Week 7 — Habit 6: Synergize
Big ideas: Teamwork, using differences as a strength, and creating better solutions together.
Day 1 — What Is Synergy?
Habit 6
  • Explain “synergy” in your own words.
  • Describe a time when working with others created a better result than working alone.
  • What strengths do you bring to a team?
Apply it today: Ask one person what they think their strengths are in group work.
Week 8 — Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw & Final Wrap-Up
Big ideas: Recharging physically, mentally, emotionally, and reviewing all 7 habits.
Day 1 — Physical Recharge
Body
  • What are your current sleep, food, and movement habits like?
  • What is one simple change you could make to feel more energetic?
  • How could better physical habits help your focus and goals?
Apply it today: Do one small healthy action (short walk, water, stretch, or earlier bedtime).
Day 2 — Mental Recharge
Mind
  • What activities make your brain feel sharp and awake?
  • What activities make your brain feel foggy or drained?
  • How can you add more of the good and less of the draining this month?
Apply it today: Spend 15–20 minutes learning something new or practicing a challenging skill.
Day 3 — Emotional Recharge
Heart
  • Who are the people that make you feel safe and supported?
  • What situations or people drain your energy the most?
  • What is one boundary you might need to set to protect your emotional health?
Apply it today: Reach out to one person who supports you and send them a message or talk with them.
Day 4 — Purpose & Meaning
Spirit
  • What gives your life meaning right now?
  • How have your goals or mission statement changed over these 8 weeks?
  • What kind of impact do you hope to make in the future?
Apply it today: Write a short paragraph called “Why my life matters.”
Day 5 — Review of All 7 Habits
Review
  • List all 7 habits in order.
  • Circle the habit you are strongest in now. Explain why.
  • Circle the habit you still need the most work on. Write one step to improve it.
Day 6 — Final Quiz & Project
Final
  • Choose 3 habits and explain how each one could help you in business or money goals.
  • Explain how your view of yourself has changed since Week 1.
  • Describe one real change you have made in your daily life because of this course.
Final Project idea: Create a one-page “Owner’s Manual for My Life” that includes: your mission statement, your top 3 habits, and your main long-term goals.
Day 7 — Celebrate & Reflect
Finish

You’ve completed all 8 weeks. Take time to celebrate. Talk together about what changed, what helped, and what you want to keep doing from now on.