Teens

Habits That Help Teens Boost Grades, Build Friendships, and Earn More

by Brother Carlton 
08/04/25
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

When I was a teenager, I had no idea that small decisions could determine the direction of my life. I just wanted to survive each day. I didn’t know my father. I was raised by my great-grandmother in a little 800-square-foot house. I later lived with my aunt and uncle, both schoolteachers, and I spent time in a children’s shelter. I even ended up in juvenile hall after a heated moment with a staff member during a chess game.

But I didn’t stay stuck. I found my way forward through small daily choices that built strength, courage, and discipline. Not overnight. Not all at once. But gradually—through habits.

In my book The Power of Small Habits, I show how small actions—done consistently—can completely reshape your life. Today, I want to share ten habits that will help any teenager earn better grades, build solid friendships, and even start making money before they hit twenty.

These habits don’t require special talent. Just a willing heart, a bit of focus, and the belief that your future matters.

Habit One: Begin each day with quiet focus

When I lived in Stockton as a young man, I used to start the morning by walking into my small backyard and just standing in the sun. I’d pray. I’d think. Sometimes I’d read a Bible proverb or set a goal in my mind. That little habit gave me clarity for the rest of the day.

Teenagers today wake up and reach for their phones. But you can’t lead your life if you're reacting to it from the minute your eyes open. Start your mornings in silence, prayer, or personal reflection—even if it’s just five minutes. You’ll be amazed how much calmer and clearer your day feels.

Habit Two: Speak to adults with respect 

In eighth grade just before I started working for the National Guard cafeteria during my foster care years, the kitchen supervisor asked me to wear a hairnet because I had long hair but I refused. I didn’t like the look of it. My pride wouldn't allow me to bend to such measures and I didn’t think I should have to do what others didn’t. But eventually, I realized that learning to listen to authority—without losing my voice—was a strength, not a weakness.

Every teacher, coach, or adult you encounter is watching not just what you say, but how you say it. If you speak with respect—even when you disagree—you earn trust. And trust opens doors to opportunities, guidance, and support.

Habit Three: Choose friends who push you forward

I’ve had friends who made me laugh but led me nowhere. And I’ve had friends who challenged me, believed in me, and held me accountable.

When I was in eighth grade, I broke the record for chair pushups—fifty-one in one go—because my classmates pushed me. My PE teacher, Mr. Smith, encouraged me to go further. That day I realized something powerful: the right people stretch you; the wrong people stunt you.

If your friends are always bored, always negative, or always in trouble, it’s only a matter of time before you follow suit. Surround yourself with people who talk about goals, growth, and truth—even if it’s uncomfortable.

Habit Four: Clean up your space, clean up your mind

A messy room often reflects a messy mind. When I was younger, I’d let clothes, papers, and junk pile up around me. I thought I could still function. But the truth is, clutter—whether it’s physical or mental—drains your energy and fogs your focus.

Spend fifteen minutes a day tidying up. Clear off your desk. Organize your backpack. Straighten your bed. It might not seem spiritual, but discipline in your surroundings leads to discipline in your thoughts—and that carries over to better grades, sharper decisions, and even deeper friendships.

Habit Five: Keep a journal, not just a phone

When I worked in Hollywood, I kept journals. Not just for appointments or phone numbers—but for ideas, prayers, and reflections. I’d jot down what I was learning, what I was struggling with, and what I wanted from life.

Teenagers who write—even a little each day—tend to think more clearly, feel less anxious, and make better decisions. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A spiral notebook works just fine. Your journal becomes a mirror, a map, and a memory. And one day, it might even become your message.

Habit Six: Read ten pages a day of something that feeds your mind

In ninth grade, I started reading books outside of school. Steinbeck. Short stories. Mystery novels. Later, I read books by Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, and Charlie “Tremendous” Jones. They fed my mind in ways that social media never could.

Ten pages a day may not sound like much. But over a year, that’s over three thousand pages. That’s dozens of books. That’s knowledge most people never gain.

Smart students are readers. Wise leaders are readers. If you want better grades and deeper thoughts, reading is the doorway.

Habit Seven: Look people in the eye and smile

I once got hired for a job just because I smiled during the interview and looked the boss in the eye. No resume. No experience. Just confidence and courtesy.

We live in a world where eye contact is rare. Smiles are rarer. But you’d be shocked how far simple friendliness will take you.

Whether you’re making friends, asking for help, or introducing yourself to someone new—look them in the eye, speak clearly, and smile. You don’t need to be fake. Just be sincere and present. It makes people feel seen—and that alone builds trust.

Habit Eight: Work first, play later

When I lived with my foster family, I didn’t always like their rules. But one habit they drilled into me was this: do your homework before turning on the TV. Finish your chores before hanging out with friends.

It taught me to delay gratification—and that’s one of the most powerful life skills you can develop.

Get your responsibilities handled first. Then relax. The fun will feel better when it’s earned.

Most teens do the opposite. They play first, then panic later. But panic creates poor work. Flip the order, and your life will feel a lot less stressful.

Habit Nine: Start earning—even just a little

One of the biggest turning points in my life came when I landed a $2,500 cleanup job for a tomato spill. I didn’t have a crew. I didn’t have all the right equipment. But I said yes, figured it out, and made it happen. That one job gave me the confidence to build a six-figure business.

You don’t need to wait until you’re grown to make money. Babysit. Resell items. Tutor younger kids. Help seniors with technology. Wash cars. Offer to weed yards.

Making money is not just about having cash—it teaches responsibility, confidence, and real-world thinking. Learn young, and you’ll never be broke in mindset again.

Habit Ten: Ask God to guide your life each night

Before you go to sleep, take two or three minutes to thank God for the day. Ask Him to give you wisdom. Tell Him what’s stressing you out. And if you messed up, ask for forgiveness.

It’s a simple practice—but one that softens your heart, sharpens your mind, and brings peace to your soul.

You don’t have to be religious to talk to God. Just be honest. He knows you. He loves you. And He wants to walk with you through school, friendships, family struggles, and future plans.

Faith is the foundation that will carry you when everything else feels uncertain.

Closing Words

If you want better grades, stronger friendships, and more money in your pocket—it’s not about luck. It’s about habits.

And not giant, flashy habits either. Just small, consistent ones. The kind most people overlook.

That’s why I wrote The Power of Small Habits—to show you that greatness doesn’t come from one big moment. It comes from dozens of tiny choices done daily with purpose.

You don’t need a perfect past. You just need to start where you are. The path to a better life is paved with better habits.

Start today. Keep going. And watch what God can do.

Brother Carlton ministers the gospel to various cities. Formerly a Hollywood actor, SAG member, and property cleanup expert, he now spends most of his time studying the Scriptures and helping small businesses grow more profitably using world-class tactics and strategies. He also offers inspirational speaking to help entrepreneurs and individuals achieve greater success. If you're a business owner looking to increase revenue, attract more customers, or need a dynamic speaker for your next event, contact Carlton at [email protected].  Put help in the subject line.