Book Review: The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

Simple daily disciplines repeated consistently over time = The Slight Edge.

Scott's Thoughts:

I've read this book twice this year and it's turning into an all-time favourite. It is very similar to The Compound Effect and Atomic Habits and I expect you will find each of them complement and expand on The Slight Edge. Olson delivers the effects of time compounding in a very easy and simple manner.

6 Key Takeaways:

1% improvement each day = 365% in 1 year.
“Any time you see what looks like a breakthrough, it is always the end result of a long series of little things, done consistently over time.”

Philosophy: Plant, Cultivate, Harvest (I.e hard word over time = reaping the rewards).
“The journey starts with a single step — not with thinking about taking a step.”

95% of the people live a mediocre life; be part of the 5%
" Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do - even when it doesn't look like it makes any difference" (p.130).

Little daily actions are easy to do, but also easy not to do. (Compounding effect can go both ways, lots of bad habits over time create large problems).
"Do the thing, and you shall have the power" (p.21, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson).

Results are invisible in the beginning. Little actions seem insignificant but they add up. Power is in the length of time.
"The secret of time is simply this: time is the force that magnifies those little, almost imperceptible, seemingly insignificant things you do every day into something titanic and unstoppable" (p.65).

Show up, show consistently, commit for the long haul.
"Looking for the positive side of every challenge can become a habit, and so can finding the cloud in every silver lining" (p.218).

Who's it for:

You're struggling to find the motivation to start new habits or stop any bad habits.

You want to learn more about what it takes to be successful and what makes the difference.

You struggle with procrastination

You're interested in personal development.

KISS Summary:

Show up.
Show up consistently.
Show up consistently with a positive outlook.
Be prepared for and committed to the long haul.
Cultivate a burning desire backed by faith.
Be willing to pay the price.
And do the things you've committed to doing - even when no one else is watching.