Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission

by Ana Homayoun

Moving beyond a prescribed path for success, Erasing the Finish Line highlights the essential skills to help each young person thrive in school and life

For years, we’ve been led to believe that great grades, high test scores, and college acceptance are key to a successful life. Yet our laser focus on these achievements leaves students feeling anxious, demoralized, and unprepared. 
 
What if we’ve overlooked the critical skills young adults need to navigate an ever-changing world? What fundamental skills help young people adapt, persevere, and thrive?
 
Academic advisor and early career development expert Ana Homayoun answers these questions and more in her accessible and solutions-oriented guide to transforming future generations. In her ground-breaking new book, Erasing the Finish Line, Homayoun flips the way we think about education.
 
In this refreshing approach, Homayoun reveals new strategies to help each student develop their own blueprint for success, including how Develop a system based on executive functioning skills Build valuable social capital while fostering genuine connections Identify energy profile and how to recharge Expand perspective through immersive exposure Remain adaptable in the face of disappointments and setbacks  
Through a powerful blend of theory, strategies and storytelling from former and current students, Homayoun’s layered approach to revisioning education will bring sharp realization to parents, educators, and policy-makers alike. 

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, Self Help, Audiobook, College, Teaching

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2023

About the author

Ana Homayoun is an academic advisor and early career development expert working at the intersection of executive functioning skills, technology and personal energy management.

Her newest book, ERASING THE FINISH LINE: The New Blueprint for Student Success Beyond Grades and College Admissions, offers a groundbreaking new way of thinking about education, for parents, teachers, administrators and policymakers deeply invested in our children’s emotional development and well-being.

She is the founder of San Francisco Bay Area based Green Ivy Educational Consulting and the author of three previous books: That Crumpled Paper Was Due Last Week, The Myth of the Perfect Girl and Social Media Wellness. She is also the founder and executive director of Luminaria Learning Solutions, a non-profit developing the Life Navigator School Advisory Program to provide students the executive functioning and social emotional skills for long-term success and well-being.

To learn more about her work, visit www.anahomayoun.com.

Reviews

[Levi Crandall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don’t think this title is fitting. I thought, when picking up this book, it would be centered around dismantling the importance that we as a society place onto college admission. But, that really stops at the first chapter, and then the author recounts “success” stories throughout the book of kids who got into Harvard Stanford etc, really adding to the opposite of what I wanted to read about. Quick read but wouldn’t recommend.

[Lindsay Sawaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute gem that deserves every one of its five stars. Well done! Homayoun's insightful and practical guidance on redefining success for students is a game-changer. With a compassionate and empathetic tone, she navigates the high-pressure world of academia and helps young minds find balance, purpose, and resilience. Her advice on managing time, stress, and digital distractions is not only relevant but also essential in today's fast-paced world. I highly recommend!

[Christina Roberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a long time follower of Ana's work and I was so excited for this new book to come out! Although my son isn't in high school yet, my husband and I learned so much about how to best prepare him for his future. Ana's book is so well thought out and gives incredible information of how to set him up for success. I really enjoyed how the book was laid out and it's an easy read. I took a lot of notes and look forward to re reading this book again later on.

[Mary Anne]

4.5 STARS

How this book ended up on my TBR: someone (probably Deanna; possibly Brandon) mentioned it as a possible read in my "we used to work together" book club that occasionally reads books. I thought the title sounded interesting, and my library had the audiobook, so here we are.

I'll admit that, while I voluntarily started reading this book, I was not in the mood to be reading anything having to do with education. I was in the last week of classes before our spring break, I hadn't slept as much as I wanted to, and I had a massive load of work to do with uninspired students before said break. Reading about education was not high on my list of to dos. And yet, even early on in the book, I knew that I could get something out of this book, and that ideally it would improve my interactions with my students.

This book was much more holistic than I'd been expecting. Early on, Homayoun sort of debunks the idea that acceptance to college (and college itself) is the answer for all young people. (I don't think she provides a lot of examples to demonstrate this, unfortunately, but as an academic advisor and early career development expert, I suspect she's working with what she's got.) I can say that I have never felt that more with my students than I do now, living in the Midwest, with handfuls of students per class wondering whether college is the right place for them. I don't know if they're expecting me to play devil's advocate, but usually I respond with "well, now's a really good time to explore what your options are."

Homayoun is unpacking a lot in this book, and some of it is particularly unspoken. She does mention, for example, the ideal of someone going to college and then becoming an adult who Has Life All Figured Out, and she not only mentions how bs that storyline is, but she compounds its effects by exploring how negative that can be for students who are just trying to live up to their parents'/societal expectations. What Homayoun focuses on instead, in her work and in her book, is executive functions. How people go through life (including school) making sense of the world around them and being successful. Young people don't naturally have these skills; people in general don't naturally have these skills. They have to learn them. Many of us learned them along the way, somehow, in nebulous ways. But wouldn't it be better if there was active learning of these skills? Could we have students (and the whole idea is that they are students, not experts) learn about the importance of time management skills and critical decision-making? I can tell you now that generally speaking, students aren't getting it by the time they come to college. It makes me cringe a little when my students talk about not having great time management, and I parrot "well, that's part of what college is for" without providing resources.

And college isn't always the answer for all of my students and struggle with that concept while also acknowledging that a lot of almost decent jobs do (at times unnecessarily) require college degrees.

I think I expected Homayoun to mention something like "we're not focusing on these concepts enough in middle/high school education", and I suspect she didn't because she maybe didn't think it was her place. I did really like that she said it's not just on teachers to make these changes; parents, administrators, and lawmakers are all responsible for helping students develop these important life skills. I almost thought we were going a little off-track when she started talking about students and socialization, but again, it makes sense that it's a key skill that pre-college students can work on. I know that while some of the stuff Homayoun talked about didn't feel super relevant to me as a person, a good amount of it actually did. And it did make me think about how I interact with my students and use our time together, especially my first-semester students who are as likely as not to be first generation college students.

Homayoun narrates her own book, and I think she does a great job. She sounds like someone who deeply cares about this issue, and I can see why her clients probably find her to be somewhat soothing and encouraging.

--

PS. If you all ever go to The StoryGraph, let's be friends there! Here's my profile.

[Jess Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introduction:
In the heart of the ever-evolving narrative of youth development, "Erasing the Finish Line" by Anna Homayoun offers a fresh perspective on the benchmarks of success for young people today. With a career dedicated to nurturing the potential within young minds, Homayoun crafts a message that is both timely and timeless, set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and a wave of significant societal shifts. This book is not just a guide for the youth navigating these tumultuous times but also a beacon for readers across generations, providing invaluable insights into personal growth and community building in an age of uncertainty.

Summary:
At its essence, "Erasing the Finish Line" navigates through the complexities of modern adolescence, tackling the themes of redefining success, forging meaningful connections, broadening perspectives, and fostering a culture of acceptance. Homayoun blends research, real-world examples, and actionable advice to guide her readers toward a holistic understanding of themselves in a digital and fragmented world. While the book targets the youth, its lessons transcend age, offering a roadmap for intergenerational learning and adaptability, crucial for anyone looking to thrive in today’s dynamic societal landscape.

Strengths of the Work:
The book's power lies in its compassionate and comprehensive approach to individual development, with a particular focus on managing energy, valuing deep engagement, and setting sights on long-term aspirations over fleeting victories. Homayoun champions the concept of recognizing each individual as a whole, encouraging a path filled with self-compassion, resilience, and authentic success. These intergenerational insights stand as the book’s core strengths, providing a rich tapestry of guidance for not only the youth but for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and societal contribution.

Weaknesses or Opportunities:
Despite its contemporary resonance, "Erasing the Finish Line" treads on familiar ground, echoing themes that have long been part of educational and personal development discussions. The novel contribution of the book lies in its potential to connect these established ideas with the unique experiences of today’s youth, amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic and social upheaval. The challenge and opportunity here are to more fully weave these timeless concepts into the fabric of our educational systems and family dynamics, promoting a wider and more effective adoption at all societal levels.
​
Conclusion:
Rating "Erasing the Finish Line" with three out of five stars reflects its position as a vital, albeit familiar, exploration of youth development and the broader human experience. Homayoun’s work is a poignant reminder of the adaptability, community, and self-compassion necessary to navigate the complexities of modern life. It serves not only as a guide for the youth but as a significant resource for individuals of all ages, emphasizing the ongoing journey toward understanding, acceptance, and fulfillment in an ever-changing world.

#ErasingTheFinishLine #YouthDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #IntergenerationalLearning #Adaptability #SelfCompassion #CommunityBuilding #ModernChallenges #AnnaHomayoun #BookReview

[Emily Lita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as a mother of 4 daughters (ages 13 to 7). After reading through it, I had two initial thoughts. The first is that I wish I had read it 10 years ago. It is truly my favorite parenting book so far. The second is that it is just as relevant to my middle schoolers as it is to me, a professional 40-something year old woman. If you are reading this review and are looking for sound advice on how to raise children in this busy time of life, I highly recommend. You may be surprised how much you are affected as well.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has worked with many students in her career and in the book she shows how fine tuning their executive functioning skills led to success not only in college but more importantly in life beyond college. It’ll really changes your perspective on the college hunt. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book and she’s a great speaker, too!

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

All I want to note is that, despite this book's subtitle, *every* single example the author details ends up with the student (or adult, as the case may be) going to college. The blueprint for success discussed here does not go "beyond grades and college admission" (except to recount the successes gained after graduating from college).

I will say there is valuable information here regarding executive functioning skills and how transformative those can be for students and adults alike, but there are better books out there (at least one, I gather, by this same author) discussing that topic. This book gives example after example of different kinds of students that used executive functioning skills and changes in mindset to succeed through the same old paradigm of success.

I kept waiting for examples of success outside the traditional "we all have to go to college to thrive in adulthood" doctrine, and I never found any such thing here.

[Patricia Tennant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana's books are always on target, addressing the most pressing needs facing students and parents today. This book goes several steps further, pointing out the pressure of the "finish line" mentality that rules all our lives, not just children. The skills Ana identifies are life skills- the ones we should be teaching our children and ourselves. Her vast experiences with students and parents enforce the skills she promotes throughout the book, and her wonderful narratives of real people make the importance of these life-changing skills pop off the page. I had the opportunity to read a pre-publishing copy. I can't wait for the book to hit the shelves. I am planning on giving copies to my adult children who are in the perfect stages of raising their own children. Patty T

[Andrea Mullany · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a school counselor, I found this book to be spot on! The author does a great job saying what I’ve been feeling about college admissions and the importance that is put on such a small fraction of our lives. I found myself flagging the book with students’ names and saying to myself, “student A needs to read this section!”, “this reminds me of student B”. “This sounds like my story!” I’m looking forward to sharing it with colleagues, parents and students. A great read!

[Brandon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an educator, I’m constantly reflecting on how to best support my students - not just in academics, but in their personal growth and long-term success as well. Ana Homayoun’s Erasing the Finish Line is a timely read that offers both valuable insights and actionable strategies through real experiences.

I’ve personally always struggled to define “success”, often creating goals due to external influences rather than goals that were truly meaningful or personal. As someone who was called “gifted” growing up, I was obsessed with grades, test scores, and how others perceived me, which led to doing many things for often the wrong reasons. Growing up, I remember hearing that college is the solution, and for some, it may be, but it shouldn’t be something that we force upon every student if that doesn’t support their goals.

Reading this, I couldn’t help but think about so many of my own students - bright, capable students who sometimes feel overwhelmed by external pressures to fit a narrow definition of success. Society often encourages this to a fault which can lead to negative returns. Ana’s emphasis on building essential skills including time management, self-advocacy, and empathy serves as a reminder that we need to help students grow beyond their role as "students" and as individuals who will be our future leaders.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with students in any capacity - as an educator, caregiver, or mentor.

[Hans M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a teacher and school administrator for over thirty years, and I have read numerous articles and texts about education. Erasing the Finish Line is the book I would write if I could. It speaks to everything I have learned, observed, and lived, and it does so in straightforward, thoughtful, pragmatic, and structured ways: Part One: Develop a System; Part Two: Develop Connection; Part Three: Develop Perspective; Part Four: Develop Acceptance; and Part Five: Develop a Blueprint. Chapter 11 in Part Three is “Online and IRL (In Real Life),” and it should be required reading for all teachers. I love the way Ana Homayoun weaves her lived experiences into the text, and I appreciate her positive and nurturing tone. I talked with her when she presented at my school a few years ago, and her writing voice mirrors her speaking voice: calm, nurturing, resourceful, witty, and wise. Her last paragraph to the opening explanation to “Develop a Blueprint” says it all: “Here’s the ending promise: when you work through the concepts in this book with young people, in a manner that is curious, positive, skills-focused, and enthusiastic, the paths created will surprise you — and all of us — in the most glorious of ways” (175). Wow!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Erasing the Finish Line and have to say, I am FLOORED. This book contains SO many light-bulb, aha moments and a plethora of methods and tips that are actually usable, realistic and applicable to real life for teens (and adults). In my eleven years as a teacher, I have seen so many kids struggle and strive towards this invisible "finish line", yet they are woefully underprepared for college and beyond... lacking skills, relationships and coping mechanisms to thrive after high school. This book is essential reading for any parent, educator, counselor who wants to learn how to genuinely support young people and help equip them for life outside the classroom. In other words, anyone who cares about kids needs to read this book and keep it on hand to refer back to time and time again. This book is, in no uncertain terms, a game- changer!

[Jack W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book called me out for accepting the very things that in my heart of hearts I knew all along were wrong. It's hard to ignore what everyone else is doing, because maybe they know something that we don't so we follow the herd. But when we stop and look at long term outcomes, what we see is that while just checking boxes, we've left so much opportunity slip away. Getting into a specific institution at any level on the educational trajectory instills so much pride; after all, look at what we have accomplished. However, the reality is that we are not preparing kids to be in a position to then truly grow and succeed. Ana has opened our eyes to ways we can help kids (and they can help themselves) take a more holistic view of understanding where kids want to be and invite them to define a path for true success for today, tomorrow, and beyond. Read it now!

[Michelle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book! I was deeply moved by the stories and the impactful data Ana presents. I was in tears as I connected my experiences with those of the young people highlighted. As a new mom to my adorable son, I found this book to be a guiding light, offering essential lessons on nurturing young minds. It thoughtfully redefines “success”, highlighting the importance of skill building and reinforcing good habits with our young people. It doesn't stop at insights; it provides actionable strategies to connect young ones to invaluable resources. I can't praise this book enough – a must-read for anyone invested in shaping the future of our kids lives. Thank you, Ana, for sharing your brilliance with us!

[Alison Rutledge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded down from 3.5 stars. The central premise of the book is great. I absolutely agree that shifting focus from achieving certain grades or getting into a specific college is needed for so many students. Her points about the lack of instruction on skills in organization, prioritization, goal-setting, and task breakdown are spot on from what I’ve seen as a teacher and academic advisor. I really wish the book had included more concrete examples of how she teaches these skills. I understand she might not want to reveal all her strategies since she runs a consulting business, but the book felt like it lacked the real substance of what she does to help students. Now I want a workshop for advisors/other educational professionals to show us what works.

[Patrick Oswald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a teache for over 20 years and I found this book amazing. It is full of commone sense ideas and strategies that, unfortunately, are not so common anymore. The author displays a depth of knowledge in a variety of areas and has the practical workiog experience to write from a position of someone actually doing the work. As an educator I found it incredibly refreshing to read a book written by somebody who walks the walk. There is so much information and so many ideas that can help any educator when and where it matters most, with students and in the classroom. I highly recommend this book.

[Farnoosh Torabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana Homayoun has written the book we desperately need. Families have become so laser-focused on college acceptance they neglect to prepare their children for what really matters in life, like how to face rejection, make strong connections with others, and be self-accountable. It's no wonder many young adults arrive at college and feel lost. Ana's book provides practical, results-driven strategies that can be done in baby steps. A must-read for any parent looking to raise a more confident and competent child.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly another great read from Ana Homayoun. I am a fan of her work and refer often to her writings as a must-have for parents and teens!
As a psychiatric provider myself, this is a book that will be on the top of my recommended list for families. The book is practical, with an amazing framework for skill-building and strategy implementation.
The book promotes self-acceptance and self-compassion as students and families are trying their best in a busy world. Ana's writings are again tangible, insightful, and so incredibly useful. Another win!

[Aliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Ana Homayoun’s book after reading her interview on Anne Helen Petersen’s Culture Study. We've started talking about college with our high school sophomore and it’s been so eye-opening to let her lead the conversation of what she wants in a college experience with the focus of a purposeful and fulfilling life. I highly recommend 'Erasing the Finish Line' by Ana Homayoun as it has been incredibly useful and thoughtful in our conversations with her, and in reframing the entire perspective around college as one step in a greater life journey.

[Louis Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana Homayoun has given us a wonderful book--accessible, wise and practical. In it she addresses the prestige and success-obsessed culture in which our kids are growing up and the ways in which it affects their mental health and their academic performance. Filled with wonderful anecdotes from her many years of experience working with students, Erasing the Finish Line offers a more holistic and humane way to approach life, learning and especially the college admissions process. A must read for all parents and students, as well as all those who advise them.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana has captured more than two decades of wisdom and stories in a how-to manual designed to help all young people build the blueprints they need to succeed in life. This book is for all the kids - the kids who have an abundance of resources and also the kids who are starting from different places because their families have fewer resources and knowledge about how to navigate higher education and the workforce. It's a terrific book - and an important one for everyone who cares about equity.

[Shannon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana’s latest book is an insightful guide for parents with kids from 7 to 27. It is full of relatable stories from her 20+ years advising students. She has seen it all and is clear about what truly matters in the road to an authentic, successful life. This is such a refreshing take on how to guide our children and block out the noise in an achievement-obsessed world. I wish I had read this when I was in high school. What a wonderful gift for parents and teens!

[Latarzja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book and a must read for parents. It is easy to get sucked into manufactured narratives about what your child should know and be able to do at a specific point in their development. Homayoun does a wonderful job of sharing examples and providing the context for the executive functioning skills necessary to live, thrive, and be successful. The book was a parental mindset game-changer for me.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that really could be better digested as a Ted talk. There isn’t really much here except that getting into college isn’t the last goal post and doesn’t secure a successful life. She is a compelling writer and obviously hearing case studies is helpful. But as a parent who wanted to hear more about how we de-emphasize college acceptance in our real lives, there isn’t much help to chance to culture.

[Charlene Margot · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her new book, Erasing the Finish Line, Ana Homayoun makes the case for why ALL kids need to learn essential skills to truly succeed in school and life. So often overlooked in today's race to the finish line, executive functioning skills should be the bedrock of education! A must-read for parents, caregivers, and educators, this inclusive guide is the antidote to today's high-stakes, high-pressure world.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional guide for every parent, teacher and youth counselor who wants to guide young people in ways that reflect their interests and talents! Ana Homayoun's experience and expertise shines, giving all of us new ways to help younger generations achieve success that they enjoy. Buy a copy for yourself and several others for friends and favorite teachers! This is one of those books you'll read and return to repeatedly.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated all of the advice that Homayoun put forth in this book and agree strongly with her that students in high school and college would benefit from receiving much more of this type of instruction. In an ideal world, I would have liked more concrete examples of how such changes could be enacted within curricula rather than solely by consultants and advisors like Homayoun. That said, I acknowledge that this wasn't her project in the book itself.

[Beth Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not surprised I liked this book that emphasizes skills beyond pure academic achievement. There is so much more to a successful life than grades. This was a bit slow going at times. FIlled with quite a few anecdotes to clarify and emphasize ideas. The neurodiversity chapter was particularly informative. It would be nice if our culture started to value and teach important skills for successful adulthood like organization, flexibility, openness, curiosity, etc.