Having taken into account every variable conceivable, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and his team have translated five years of research pertaining to how young adults prepare for the future, into useful knowledge. They provide an understanding of how adolescents develop their attitudes, interests, skills, and expectations that ultimately enable them to move forward to successful and rewarding adult lives. The book reinforces the adolescent's need for guidance and support, not only from their families and schools, but the community at large. It is made clear that helping young people to establish goals is not nearly enough; they require extended opportunities to increase the skills necessary to meet their future adult career needs. Most importantly, becoming ADULT offers a means to an end. It serves not only as a tool for more effectively assisting adolescents to make the transitions from childhood to adulthood, or school to a productive adult career, such self-affirming guidance will help them to create meaning and satisfaction in their everyday life.
In light of their significance to the future of society, the habits and values of young people should be guided with the intent of attaining the most positive outcome for both. The authors do not profess to have all of the answers, but they do offer a sound foundation to build upon.