The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness

Some self-help books focus on the notion of a breakthrough moment—some significant day, choice, or action that kickstarts a path to success. Olson’s philosophy is different: it is built upon the idea that success is determined by the little choices made every day. The slight edge works one day at a time, one decision at a time, and steady progress accumulates like compounding interest. Transformation occurs, not in some grand way, but within the mundane moments.

One way Olson uncovers this theme is through the examination of his own life and behaviors. While the differences between Gorgeous George, the “beach bum,” and Jeff Olson, the millionaire, appear stark, they didn’t occur in a dramatic fashion. Rather, in looking at the daily routines of each of these versions of himself, Olson noticed that “the seeds of both […] laid in “the simple actions [he] took every day” (15). Though he worked hard as a “beach bum,” it wasn’t the kind of work he needed to do to further his own ambitions and dreams. Eventually, he realized that his daily actions were doing nothing to meaningfully bridge the gap between where he was and where he wanted to be.