Book SummaryThe Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Slight Edge

Why is it that different people with many of the same tools and opportunities available to them don’t have the same level of success? Is it luck? Talent? The knowledge gained from “how-to” books?

According to motivational speaker Jeff Olson, success and failure are both a result of the Slight Edge (or the Success Over Time Philosophy, for clarity):** the idea that success is built over time with small...

The Slight Edge Summary The Success Over Time Principles for Success

According to Olson, there are a number of core principles to creating continual success that builds over time. Let’s explore each in detail.

Principle #1: Show Up to Take the First Step

Olson explains that showing up means determining a goal to pursue and taking the first step to pursuing it. For example, if you want to become a psychologist, you have to apply for school and show up to class. Olson argues that showing up is the first step to achieving your goal, as no progress can occur without it. After all, you can’t go on a journey if you don’t show up to the train station.

Why We Resist Taking the First Step

Showing up and taking the first step in pursuing a goal is arguably harder than Olson allows for. Most of us can probably remember a time when we delayed getting started on something (or chose not to start it altogether).

It’s possible that a large part of our resistance to getting started is a fear that if we try, we will fail. When we experience failure, we also experience shame, which is painful. As a result, we often choose not to put ourselves in...

The Slight Edge Summary The Success Over Time Toolbox

Now that we’ve explored the basic principles behind Olson’s path to success, let’s examine the five core tools you can use to practice those principles day-to-day.

Tool #1: Build Momentum

Olson characterizes momentum as the forward-moving force that you build as you put consistent energy and motivation behind your goals. According to physics, a body in motion stays in motion, and a body at rest stays at rest. Therefore, if you want lasting success, it’s critical to keep building momentum to push towards your goals. If you lose momentum, you’ll lose your drive to succeed and you’ll stay stuck in your current state.

If you find yourself tempted to cease motion—in other words, pause progress towards your goal—Olson recommends reminding yourself what’s at stake. For example, if you’re seeking to achieve fitness goals, and you catch yourself wanting to take “just a couple days off working out,” remind yourself that continued commitment is critical to reaching your goals. If you’re truly exhausted, rather than allowing yourself to take the day entirely off, give yourself a modified exercise that day and return to your regular routine the following day. That way, you won’t lose...

The Slight Edge Summary Obstacles to the Success Over Time Philosophy

Now that you’ve explored the Success Over Time principles and tools you can use in pursuit of your goals, it’s time to explore the obstacles you may encounter on your path to success. According to Olson, the following are some of the most common:

Obstacle #1: Neglecting Small Disciplines Over Time

Olson states that the number one obstacle to achieving our goals is neglecting to take the small actions that support them. This obstacle occurs because it’s very easy to procrastinate small, important, but less noticeable actions in favor of more prominent or exciting actions (for example, extending your gap year instead of starting college). We simply don’t feel as motivated without clear validation of our efforts, which small steps often don’t provide—instead, we want instant gratification.

However, Olson argues that the more we neglect small actions, the harder it is to reverse course and move back in the direction of our goals. For example, one cigarette will not kill you, but there’s a good chance a cigarette or two a day for twenty years eventually will, and by the time you realize they’re hurting you, it may be too late to reverse it.

**The Marshmallow...

The Slight Edge Summary The Success Over Time Philosophy: Action Steps

Now that you understand the principles, tools, and obstacles to the Success Over Time philosophy, you can initiate action towards your goals with full awareness and clear intentions. Use these two steps from Olson to put the power of the Success Over Time Philosophy into action.

Step #1: Create Something to Represent Your Vision

First, Olson recommends, write your vision of success out or create a piece of visual art to represent it. For example, make a vision board: a handmade poster full of images that represent your goals (they can be magazine clippings, drawings, photographs, or anything else visual that inspires you). According to Olson, creating a tangible representation of your vision is critical because it allows you to get clear and specific with your goals.

The Science Behind Putting Down Your Goals On Paper

Beyond simply being a useful way to keep yourself inspired on your path to success, putting your vision and goals on paper has other neurological benefits:

• **It creates...

Shortform Exercise: Use the Success Over Time Tools

Reflect on how you might implement the Success Over Time Philosophy tools.

Recall the five tools for achieving success over time (building momentum, cultivating good habits, eliminating incomplete tasks, celebrating your wins, and reflecting on your past experiences). Write down the two tools you currently use the least.

Shortform Exercise: Build a Plan for Success

Reflect on the two steps for actualizing your goals using the Success Over Time philosophy.

Write down a goal that you’ve been meaning to achieve for a while (for example, the goal to lose weight).