Empowering Underachievers [Paperback]

Peter Spevak (Author), Maryann Karinch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 6, 2000

Kids who are failing at school constantly use excuses. Parents and teachers often try tutoring, force, or logic to try to get these underachievers to perform at a higher level. A noted psychologist whose ideas have received media coverage reveals his dynamic method and tips for parents and teachers which have motivated over 2,000 failing students to perform at or near their full potential.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

An interesting thing started happening several years ago. I began getting calls from around the country wanting advice on how to motivate underachievers. The calls were coming from parents, educators, and even journalists. But why were they calling me. My small regional practice, though it specializes in motivating underachievers, certainly wasn’t promoting itself nationally. So I investigated and what I found was saddening, but also hopeful. Underachievement is a big problem that crosses geographic, social and economic lines. Many people are struggling with the problem but most don’t know where to turn. The tension, the stress, the frustration and the worry associated with underachievers are heavy weights. That’s the sad part. The hopeful part is that these individuals kept looking and trying to resolve their problems. They didn’t give up. They knew there had to be an answer for them. They wanted help. Most who called me had heard about me from a friend or they or someone they knew attended a lecture or workshop I had presented. They often said, “You understand my kid.” But because these people did not live in my geographic area, I couldn’t see them one on one and they needed more than a phone conversation could give. Those conversations became the incentive for this book.

Empowering Underachievers is just that: empowering them. That is the key to their change. Their internal motivation must be empowered so that they ultimately take charge. However, they need the insight and emotional tools to get the job done. That is where you, as a dedicated parent, educator or concerned other, can help. You can be the spark that ignites the flame. That is what empowerment is all about.

Peter A. Spevak, Ph.D.

About the Author

Dr. Peter A. Spevak is a graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington and received his M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. A native of Indiana, Dr. Spevak served in the U.S. Marine Corps before becoming a psychologist. Before his position as Director of the Center for Applied Motivation, other professional experiences included: counselor at Larken Home for Children, Elgin Illinois; consulting psychologist to the State of Missouri, Jefferson City, Missouri; and assistant professor and psychological consultant at Indiana University Medical Center and Hospitals, Indianapolis, Indiana; as well a conducting a private practive.

In addition to psychological counseling and administration, Dr. Spevak has discussed motivation, achievement, underachievement, and various child development issues in over 300 presentations and interviews for television, radio, print media and community organizations (parent, school, business and professional).

Ms. Maryann Karinch is a writer and consultant with a strong focus on motivation and personal responsibility. A former teacher, Ms. Karinch earned an M.A. from Catholic University of America. Previous books include Lessons from the Edge, Boot Camp, and Telemedicine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: New Horizon Press; 1st edition (September 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882821954
• ISBN-13: 978-0882821955
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #797,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering Underachievers Report, October 5, 2000

By 

G. M. Kuspa (Anaconda, Mt. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Empowering Underachievers (Paperback)

Great Book, Finally someone explained why all the other motivational approaches didn't work. I tried rewards, punishment, tutoring, homework sheets and organizing systems. I even gave my son a number of books to read. Nothing worked. Now I know why. I was focusing on the wrong concerns. Empowering Underachievers gave me new insights and tools. I strongly recommend this book.

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's hard to believe, but finally someone understands., October 3, 2002

By 

Robert C. McCullough (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Empowering Underachievers (Paperback)

I read (and reread)"Empowering Underachievers.". My son is a great kid, smart, nice...but he just doesn't "do." Now I realize he's an underachiever. It was like the authors were living in my house (such accurate descriptions). The best thing about this book (and I've read many about motivating kids)is that it gives thought-provoking, do-able suggestions to get the kid to motivate him self. I've been frustrated, gotten tired and gotten angry at how nothing I seem to do motivates him. Now I understand that I need to get him to motivate himself. The neat thing is that it is working. There are several books on this subject and I think I've read them all. This one has been useful. Common sense combined with real experience in getting these kids to change themselves: empowering them. I really liked the idea of the "motivational circle" that explained how people motivate themselves. As an added bonus, the authors have a website with further, new information. What a find! Thanks to the authors. I'd recommend this book to parents who are worrried about their unmotivated kid.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read...Lots of practical suggestions, October 25, 2002

By 

Robert C. McCullough (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Empowering Underachievers (Paperback)

I read, reread and reread this book. The description was uncanny...did the authors know my teenage son? The book is a great read. There is lots of down-to-earth discussion without much of the usual psychological jargon found in psychology books. My son was driving us nuts! His attitude essentially was "So what." I feel that I now know why my son is underachieving and why HE has to be "empowered" to take charge of his life. Beyond the "why," the book (about half of it) gives practical suggestions that will assist the underachiever towards maturity and attitude change. One of the authors is a former US Marine who from personal experience has great empathy for underachievers...he used to be one! Read the excerpts...buy the book. Also, the authors have a web site that has additional articles and resources. This book presents a philosophy that teaches you a whole new way to help your underachiever change that attitude that is going to hurt their life and is adding worry to your life. Did you notice that I liked the book?