Book Review: The Compound Effect

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Book Review: The Compound Effect
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There are two books that I regularly hear recommended in combination. Those two books are The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. While at the local Barnes and Noble, I happened to see The Compound Effect on the shelf and decided to pick it up. I am really glad I did. The Compound Effect gave me the right advice to get the new year going.

The Compound Effect’s principle is rather simple. Doing the right things over time consistently will have substantial results. In this 172 page book, Hardy shared five principles of his compound effect:

  • Choices
  • Habits
  • Momentum
  • Influences
  • Acceleration

The book is supported by various worksheets that are in the book as well as on a supporting website.

The book began with a discussion about the power of compounding effort. Hardy shared the magic penny. You are given a choice: take a million dollars in hand or wait 30 days as a penny doubles each day.  The other example was eating 125 calories less a day. After 27 months, you will have lost 33 pounds.

Choices

Each of these examples begins with making the right choice. Hardy noted in his book that everything we do is based on a choice. Most of the choices we make are made unconsciously. One of the first things to do is become more aware of the choices one makes. Hardy included exercises to help identify choices as well as keep track of progress. This is where I and most others fall down. We go through life on autopilot. If we want to improve our health, wealth, and knowledge, we need to make better choices intentionally.

Habits

Hardy continued by pointing out that choices we do make have become habits. They are automatic. To have success in an area, we must change the habit. He noted that it does not need to be a huge change. Even a slight adjustment can pay off huge dividends. He provided an excellent example. If an airplane changes its bearing by only one degree, over time it will be hundreds of miles from its initial destination. This is the idea of only reducing caloric intake by 125 calories will result in 33 lost pounds. However, eating 125 additional calories will also cause you to gain 33 pounds after 27 months.

At the end of each chapter, Hardy summarizes the key takeaways.

The key to success is to be consistent in whatever you do. This is definitely an area that I need to work on more. The key is to create systems to help keep you on track.

Influences

Another area that Hardy focused on was that of influences. This could be one of the toughest areas to deal with. In essence, Hardy recommended eliminating or mitigating influences that could hold you back. He stressed that if you want to be successful, you should surround yourself with people who are successful in your target area. If you are trying to lose weight and your friends want you to always go out for wings and pizza, it is time to find new friends. It is important to be conscious of what you are taking in from your environment.

The Compound Effect was a great book to help get my year started. I will have to go back and take advantage of the different worksheets and strategies. Also, I will have to sit down and try to solidify some of the different things I am trying to do. This is a book that everyone should read. If you want to get ahead in life, The Compound Effect book will certainly help.

Additional Reading

In the spirit of full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, which means that if you purchase this item through my link I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.
Plus, when you order through my link, it helps me to continue to offer you lots of free stuff. 🙂 Thank you, in advance for your support!

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