Author Topic: The Slight Edge (book)  (Read 4914 times)

oinkette

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The Slight Edge (book)
« on: October 08, 2014, 02:04:31 PM »
Edit: mods, I just saw there is a book category.  Feel free to move this post.

I did a search in the forums and couldn't believe it hasn't been listed.  But by far the best "self help" book I've ever read is The Slight Edge. In fact, it's one of the best books I've ever read, period.  I was re-reading it last night (for about th 7th time) and thought it was ridiculously applicable to MMM, especially those of us with a ways to go.

The basic premise is that it isn't the BIG leaps that lead to success but the small everyday things that you do consistently over time that get you where you want to be.  Basically a mindset.

I originally bought it to help get in shape but find it equally, if not more applicable to FIRE.  Interestingly enough it starts off with the idea of Compound Interest and investing money.  It works for other aspects of life as well.  For example, taking the bike to work one day won't be life altering or save all that much in $.  But after a year you'll find you've saved loads of money taht would have been spent on gas and maintenance for a car and you are more in shape.  Pretty soon you may find you don't need the car.

5-stars on Amazon says it all: http://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness-ebook/dp/B00GDKN3T6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412798117&sr=8-1&keywords=slight+edge

It does get a bit repetitive with the analogies, but that is what I personally find to be useful.  Take what you need.
« Last Edit: October 08, 2014, 02:06:33 PM by oinkette »

carozy

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Re: The Slight Edge (book)
« Reply #1 on: October 14, 2014, 01:59:56 PM »
Thanks, looks interesting.  I put it on hold on Overdrive.

carozy

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Re: The Slight Edge (book)
« Reply #2 on: October 15, 2014, 10:19:27 AM »
I started reading it last night and find it very inspiring.  Looks like one of those life changing books.

arebelspy

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Re: The Slight Edge (book)
« Reply #3 on: October 15, 2014, 06:44:55 PM »
Wow, that's a load of good reviews.

Weird that I haven't heard of it.

It sounds a lot like the increase by .025% or whatever it is that Joshua Sheats talks about by some guy in the Radical Personal Finance.

I hope this book doesn't have the same giant flaw that that theory does: exponential growth forever is impossible.  The numbers get too ridiculous.

Doubling a small amount is easy.  Doubling a large one? Not as much.

I'll check it out.  Thanks for the recommendation!
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oinkette

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Re: The Slight Edge (book)
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2014, 12:21:23 PM »
Wow, that's a load of good reviews.

Weird that I haven't heard of it.

It sounds a lot like the increase by .025% or whatever it is that Joshua Sheats talks about by some guy in the Radical Personal Finance.

I hope this book doesn't have the same giant flaw that that theory does: exponential growth forever is impossible.  The numbers get too ridiculous.

Doubling a small amount is easy.  Doubling a large one? Not as much.

I'll check it out.  Thanks for the recommendation!

He uses compound interest in the begining to make a point (the whole doubling a penny everyday thing...which is absurd), but most of the book is about self improvment and goals.  I think it applies best for MMM because it focuses on a total change of frame of mind in the way you live...namely doing the little things that are easy to do and also easy not to do.

Rewdoalb

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Re: The Slight Edge (book)
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2014, 05:23:03 PM »
It's a good read.  Maybe not for all.

I read this over the summer and, while it didn't totally change my life, it's on the short list to skim through again sometime next year, as a refresher.

arebelspy

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Re: The Slight Edge (book)
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2014, 05:55:18 PM »
I actually got an email for this book being available on my library's online eBook system yesterday, and I was scratching my head as to what it was.  I had placed a hold for it back in October, apparently.  Thanks for the thread bump.  :)
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merja

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Re: The Slight Edge (book)
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2014, 04:48:54 AM »
I did a search in the forums and couldn't believe it hasn't been listed.  But by far the best "self help" book I've ever read is The Slight Edge. In fact, it's one of the best books I've ever read, period. 

I love this book. Its one of the books that can change a life. Its on the point, easy to read and the principles are not new but they are so true.

RapmasterD

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Re: The Slight Edge (book)
« Reply #8 on: January 05, 2015, 10:00:14 PM »
At surface level (haven't read this yet), the theme looks similar to a book from a few years back called "The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy. All about how the small things one does every day, i.e., her/his HABITS, make a huge and growing difference over time.

 

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