The Compound Effect (Book Review)
I borrowed the book The Compound Effect from the library because its title kept appearing on lists about books for self-development. For several years, the title crossed my path but it wasn't until recently that I made the decision to read it.
Though I enjoyed reading the book, I would rate it as 3.5 stars. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't phenomenal either. It was above average, but it seemed like repackaged information. Perhaps it caught the early wave of self-help books related to goal setting. There are a few reasons why the book was such a hot topic, but I am basing these reasons off of my own experience in reading the book.
Reason 1: The Author Used Simple Language
The simplicity of the language made the author's concepts more relatable. It was almost as if he were sitting right there with me instructing me. Although I had read this exact information in several different works, he didn't push the idea that the compound effect was the only solution to all of my problems. He didn't use eloquent terminology that might surpass the reader's understanding either.
He is a businessman but he didn't use the tone of selling in his writing and incorporated his personal experiences into the book. I was actually surprised to realize that the author was the founder of Success Magazine. That is one of my favorite magazines!
Reason 2: The Author's Examples Were Direct and Concrete
The author was detailed when it came to describing his idea. He used graphs and fictional stories to emphasize his compound effect concept. It was easy to see how small actions can yield lasting results. The more I read about his practical examples, the more I felt that the book's title should be The Kaizen Effect instead of The Compound Effect. This book was so saturated with the Kaizen Method, I simply considered it the Kaizen Method with a different name.
Reason 3: It Was a Quick Read
The author didn't ramble on and on about the Compound Effect. He only said what was necessary and I felt thoroughly informed at the book's end. I am happy he didn't waste my reading time.
Overall, I would recommend this book to a person who is in the process of setting their goals and is too afraid to make giant leap. Out of the tortoise and the hare, this book is the tortoise. Slow and steady at the beginning can lead to even more activity in the future. Before you know it, you have lost that weight. You have started your own business or learned a different language. Using the compound effect can transform your life.