Aaron Yun

Great principles/ideas but flawed execution

Reviewed: 07-17-19

I think the principle/concept of the “compound effect” in itself is extremely useful and can benefit anyone looking to making big change over a long period of time using positive habits primarily. But Hardy tends to hammer on the same things at a tiring and repetitive rate. Many of his stories, quotes, euphemisms, or explanations tend to overstay their welcome and could be told much more concisely. Also Hardy comes off as someone lecturing you rather than just simply providing neutral objective viewpoints in a direct manner. I’d say this is partly due to really poor pacing as well as a dry style of writing, but that’s just my opinion. I’m sure there are those that may like this style of writing, it unfortunately did not appeal to me.

To finish off, there’s a lot of good information here, but it’s a slog to get through. If you’ve already read other books on the positive impact long-term habits (Ex: Atomic Habits by James Clear) can have/lifestyle change, then you may not find anything new/useful here. If this is your first book on this subject give it a try and see for yourself.

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4 people found this helpful

Entertaining and Insightful!

Reviewed: 07-17-19

Josh Waitzkin is widely known for his accomplishments within competitive Chess and Tai Chi Push Hands. He’s lived a life of learning various systems within those disciplines to get the most out of his performances. Through the lens of his own life he provides the reader with context to the principles/soft skills with his own life experience from a young boy to an adult. It’s fascinating seeing the maturation process occur with Josh as he grew up and switched disciplines while being World Class in both (Also just as a human being). There’s a mix of concepts expressed between mindfulness, philosophy, sports performance psychology, intuition, and etc... I personally found the overall story both entertaining and thought provoking. Josh also expresses that you don’t need to accept everything he says and to take what you find useful and apply it to your life. Also to think critically and in a general ‘problem-solving’ type of manner, which I think has helped him along his personal journey.


The only potential cons I see are people finding him coming off as pretentious/arrogant when discussing himself. However he’s only being objective about his accomplishments, and even recognizes at times his own ego has caused him to fail at critical moments. Though they became important learning experiences. And the other con is for better or for worse he takes his time talking diving into the minutiae/nuance of things, which people might be impatient about. I like when topics are delved deep to the smallest detail, so it didn’t bother me he took his time making his point on various subject matters.

Overall there’s a lot of value here both in terms of the entertainment of Josh telling his life’s story to the lessons he imparts with the readers from said experiences. There’s also an interview at the end with Tim Ferris talking retrospectively on these moments years after the original release of this book which is a nice bonus and listen too. I highly recommend!

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