5 MUST READS 2024-2025

5 Must Reads for Growth Mindset and Emotional Intelligence.

These are books for people who want to be more successful.  As a continuous learner and student of leadership and psychology.  Having a growth mindset & emotional intelligence is absolutely crucial for success in managing, leading, and developing your environment. 

Growth mindset is the belief and understanding that your essential qualities/abilities are not fixed traits, but can be developed through time, effort, energy, practice, learning, and perseverance.  It is about embracing challenges, setbacks, seeking feedback, and seeing failure as an opportunity to improve, learn, and grow.  In this blog, we will explore five must-reads for growth mindset and emotional development.  These books provide valuable practical techniques, methods, strategies, and real-life insights of how to cultivate a growth mindset and emotional strengthening.  Understanding the power of a growth mindset and emotional intelligence can create a positive and empowering work environment that fosters personal and professional growth. 

These books are designed to get people more serious about the future. Fortunately, it's possible to improve your ability to learn, retain, and use what you learn. But it does require hard work and discipline. 

1, Mindset: by Carol S. Dweck is among the top growth mindset books that explores the power of our beliefs and how they impact our ability to improve.  Dr. Dweck, a renowned psychologist and researcher at Stanford University, delves into the concept, data of a growth mindset and its implications for personal and professional success.  In this book, Dweck demonstrates that our fixed or growth-oriented mindset significantly influences our BEHAVIORS, MOTIVATIONS, and successes.  A must read in 2024-2025

2, Grit: by Dr. Angela Duckworth explores the concept of grit and its impact on achievement and success.  Duckworth defines grit as a combination of passion and perseverance, the ability to face challenges and setbacks.  For people managers, developing grit in themselves and their team members is essential for long-term success and personal growth.  By reading Grit, you can understand the importance of fostering a growth mindset that values effort, resilience, and hard work.  A must read in 2024-2025

3, Drive: by Daniel H. Pink explores the factors that truly motivate individuals, debunking traditional theories, cliché, or stigma of motivation based solely on external rewards and punishments.  Daniel Pink argues that intrinsic motivation, driven by autonomy, mastery, and purpose, is the key to personal and professional growth.  By understanding the principles outlined in Drive, you can develop strategies to empower your team members, facilitate their professional development, and create a work culture that promotes personal growth and resilience.

4, Emotional Intelligence: by Dr. Daniel Goleman.  Since Dr. Daniel Goleman published his international best-selling book on emotional intelligence in 1995, individuals, groups, and organizations have embraced the importance of being aware of and able to use emotions.  Both Goleman & Cherniss, recognized that scoring well on traditional intelligence assessments is not a good predictor of academic achievement, career success, leadership skills, or mental and physical wellbeing.

Instead, knowing and managing our emotions improves our relationships, manages our impulses, and motivates us toward value-driven goals (Goleman, 1995).  This is a must read for parents, guardians, teachers, and coaches.  A must read in 2024-2025

5, Working with Emotional Intelligence: Dr. Daniel Goleman reveals the skills that distinguish star performers in every field, from entry-level jobs/careers to top executive positions.  He shows that the single most important factor is not IQ, advanced degrees, or technical expertise, but the quality Dr. Goleman calls emotional intelligence.  Which begins with self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-control; commitment and integrity; the ability to communicate and influence, to initiate and accept change — these competencies are at a premium in today's market environment.  The higher up the leadership ladder you go, the more vital these skills become, often influencing who is hired or fired, passed over or promoted and praised. A must read in 2024-2025

In my opinion. have one of the community’s largest collection of expert book recommendations.  Over the past decade, I’ve asked hundreds of experts in business, and life to pick the five best books in their field. 

So, whether you're delving into the depths of growth mindset or emotional intelligence.  These books have the incredible ability to transport you to new perspectives and techniques.  Remember, the adventure of learning doesn't have to end when you turn the final page.  Let the lessons learned through these books linger on, inspiring you to embrace new perspectives and possibilities to develop. 

With gratitude,

Coach Frank Sagasta 

Leadership & Life-Skills Coach  

                   

                             (c) CoachFrankSagasta 2024 

IT YOU WANT THEM…

 

IF YOU WANT THEM TO LEAD THEY MUST MAKE TIME TO READ

By Coach Frank Sagasta 

2024

The greatest valuable item to leave behind will be the library. 

The world is moving forward ... and it's happening fast. Which means if you aren't leveling up every day... Putting the right information in your brain AND consistently pursuing the best version of yourself.  

THE TRUTH AND PROMISE! 

You will get left behind!! 

It had often been quoted that “readers are leaders.” In fact, former President Harry S. Truman once said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Many decades to go, Charles Jones and Jim Rohn show the same sentiment in saying, “You will be the same person five years from now as you are today, except for the books, you read, and the people you surround yourself around.” Of course,  if this is true, and I have no doubt that it really is true. It is incumbent on both the parents, guardians, teachers, and community to provide those tools, resources, and valuable sources toward the learner. 

I believe one of the best ways to help young people at all levels of age with reading is to make sure they have great material available to them. And to introduced those ingredients in small doses each night before bed. Of course, if possible 10 to 20 minutes on the morning too! Can make ALL the difference in the lives that commit. Those last two suggestions will be up to the parents, guardians, and community of educators to find material that not just entertains, or ignites creativity. But that it educates the mind to think. To open the door of curiosity. 

Moreover, to develop this routine or habit of reading must be required and encouraged. From the viewpoint and village of the environment. And while reading is a wonderful tool, and a necessary ingredient for growth, development, and longevity. There is also poisoned material which must be an averted and removed from the minds of those we say, we love. We must be absolutely vigilant and safeguard those precious hearts and minds from the outside world. Which is the new bubonic plague. 

Reading professional development books is like nourishing your mind with the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and experience of successful people. It is like a secret recipe or best ingredient for something so savory and special. It’s the longevity and success — it keeps your skills sharp, your mindset positive, optimistic attitude, and your goals ambitious. So, dive into the world of books and watch yourself grow and thrive!  #Youpeeneur #professionaldevelopment  #SuccessMindset  #ReadingGoals #LifelongLearning  #motivation  #inspired #addicted2learning  #arizonacheck  #coachsagasta  #uncommonteacher  #uncommoncoach  #coachingbeyond  #coach  #mindset  #teacher  #coachfranksagasta  #inspire2read  #inspired2learn 

I almost forgot the ingredient or recipe for something savory. And it starts with a very simple story; I was giving my son (Andrew) some fatherly and educational advice, suggestion, and encouragement yesterday evening. I expressed that nothing comes easy — If you want more. You simply have to become more and that requires you to learn more! He was speechless. We need our forty five minute conversation. On that note. 

I deliberately added this to the very bottom because I know that most will leave before finding the necessary tools, tips, methods, or strategies. Education plays a vital role in shaping an individual's life. It doesn’t matter what level of age they may be — equipping them with core values, skills, and training are necessary for longevity and success. While formal education in schools is somewhat essential to a child’s life. There are certain principles that should be instilled in every persons life before setting foot in the outside world. These principles lay the foundation for a well-rounded, rational, and ethical individual: 

1. Building a Strong Moral Compass

One of the most important principles that should be instilled in children before going to school is the concept of integrity. Teaching them the importance of honesty, respect, and compassion will help them develop a strong moral compass. For example, parents can encourage their children to be truthful even in difficult situations, such as admitting a mistake or taking responsibility for their actions. This principle will guide them throughout their academic journey and beyond, ensuring they make ethical decisions and treat others with kindness.

2. Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Another principle that should be emphasized before children start formal schooling is the concept of a growth mindset. The belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and hard work is crucial for academic success. Parents can instill this principle by praising their children's efforts rather than solely focusing on their achievements. For instance, acknowledging their perseverance and dedication when facing challenges will help them develop resilience and a positive attitude towards learning.

3. Fostering a Love for Learning

Before children enter the structured environment of a school, it is essential to cultivate a love for learning. Encouraging curiosity and a thirst for knowledge will ensure that children approach education with enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the subjects they study. Parents can foster this principle by exposing their children to a variety of experiences, such as visits to museums, libraries, and engaging in discussions on various topics. By fostering a love for learning, children will be more motivated to excel academically and continue their education beyond the school years.

By Coach Frank Sagasta 

Leadership Instructor and Life-Skills Coach 

WHATEVER IT TAKES

WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR YOU TO BE BETTER

Tips for teachers & students in the 21st-century

Hello everyone…

I recently got a message from a former student. She began to express her concerns about the future. She went on about the lack of learning, support, encouragement, and enthusiasm in educators. My first thought was WHOA! Lets not bash or criticize anyone until we examine the nature behind the environment. 

I was just finishing up my morning routine. I began to ponder upon the possibilities and the necessities of assisting students and teachers struggling in my community and beyond. I began think about the message. I began to consider what I’ve heard over the past four years. I began to realize the importance and value that is often overlooked. I am talking about ourselves. When is the last time you had worthy idea about yourself? When is the last time you poured into yourself? When is the last time you looked in the mirror and thought I can become better but never started? When is the last time your school administrators support into your mental health? Now these questions can be rephrased for any person at any level. 

There are many possessions, passions, and characteristics a teacher and student may not have and still can be successful. Each may not have the new clothes, new computer, new phone, or up-to-date car. Nevertheless, each party needs the quality of enthusiasm about living, learning, and listening. 

Interestingly, enough I have been in the creativity stage of my life for the last ten years. I’ve been experimenting with ideas, concepts, perspectives, and strategies of old for all kinds of people. I truly believe by empowering, enriching, and encouraging struggling teachers and students can involve creative and unconventional approaches. I have learned and I have continued to practice much of what I’m going to share today with each of you. In fact, before continuing — I would love for each of you to consider an interesting verse within the Bible. In James it says; “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” And in another section Peter says; “So, then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Of course, these verses remind us of self-control and our ability to listen can assist us in going beyond our limits. 

Here are some tips to practice. 

1. Mindfulness Practices: Introduce mindfulness practices and training at home and within the classroom to help both parties manage stress, improve focus, and foster a positive learning environment. Techniques or strategies such as guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindful walking can be incorporated into the daily routine to promote mental health and wellbeing. You don’t have to be a guru either. There are tons of books, articles, and videos to help you in the journey. 

2. Gratification of Learning: Implementing gratification principles to make lessons more engaging for students is a super powerful method. By integrating gratification elements such as something your grateful. This can be interactive and enjoyable learning experience, which can be especially beneficial for struggling students and teachers. 

3. Personalized Learning Plans: Encourage teachers to develop personalized learning plans for struggling students, taking into account their individual strengths, interests, and learning styles. Tailoring the educational experience to the unique needs of each student can help them overcome challenges and thrive academically.

4. Creative Expression: Integrate creative outlets such as art, music, or low level of lighting into the curriculum to provide struggling students with alternative ways to express themselves and engage with the material. Creative expression can often unlock hidden talents and boost confidence in students who may struggle with traditional academic subjects.

5. Civic Engagement Projects: Engage students in community involvement projects that relate to their curriculum can be absolutely beneficial to both parties. This can create real-world applications of the material being learned, fostering a deeper understanding and sense of purpose among struggling students and teachers. Basically, it breaks the monotony. 

By implementing these unconventional tips, struggling teachers and students may find renewed motivation, inspiration, insightful learning, support, and avenues for success within the educational environment. 

Lastly, I have added 30-day strategy that will help you boost your performance and overcome obstacles for FREE!! Now let's dive in!!

📅 Day 1: Set Clear Goals 🎯

Define your goals and make them specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will give you a clear direction to focus on throughout the next 30 days. Remember, clarity breeds success! ✨

📅 Day 2-5: Create a Solid Study Schedule 📝

Design a schedule that balances your academic priorities and personal life. Allocate dedicated time slots for studying, assignments, and relaxation. Stick to your schedule consistently, and you'll see a remarkable improvement in your productivity! 

📅 Day 6-10: Seek Help and Resources 🆘

Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. Reach out to your teachers, peers, or online communities for assistance. Utilize available educational resources such as textbooks, online articles, videos, or educational apps. Remember, applied knowledge is power! 💪📚❤️🔓🚀

📅 Day 11-15: Practice Active Learning 🧠📝

Engage in active learning techniques like summarizing, teaching someone else, or participating in study groups. Actively engage with the content rather than passively consuming it. This will enhance your comprehension and retention levels significantly! 📚

📅 Day 16-20: Embrace Effective Study Habits 📖💕 Develop effective study habits such as organizing your study materials, taking meaningful notes, breaking down complex topics, and reviewing regularly. Remember to take short breaks to recharge your brain and maintain focus. Consistency is key! ⏲️💡🙌🏽👊🏾

📅 Day 21-25: Prioritize Self-Care and Well-being 🌻🌞🚀🏜️ Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing to manage stress. When you feel good, you perform better! 🥦🪂🧘🏽‍♂️☕️🍶💤

📅 Day 26-30: Reflect and Evaluate 📝🧑🏽‍💻🫶🏿🔄

Assess your progress regularly and make necessary adjustments. Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Stay motivated and finish strong! 💕💪

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and success is a journey. Stay committed, stay disciplined, stay focused, and keep striving for excellence! Because it is possible!! Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to know or if you need further guidance. I'm here to support each of you on this journey. 

With gratitude,

Coach Frank Sagasta 

Leadership Trainer & Life-Skills Coach