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5% More: Making Small Changes to Achieve Extraordinary Results
Small changes lead to big results that stick 5% More presents a painless route to change, with results that can last a lifetime. Whether you want to boost your health, wealth, or wisdom, this book reveals a key technique that makes it stick. You may already know that breaking big goals into small chunks makes them easier to achieve, but the trick is in making those chunks large enough to be productive, yet small enough to be sustainable. This book shows you how to bring your goals within reach with only five percent more effort. Five percent is almost unnoticeable in terms of effort—but it accrues quickly, with each step boosting the baseline. Increase sales, decrease your marathon time, boost your savings, or master a new skill. Just five percent more can get you where you want to be. Small changes, small commitments, and small adjustments can lead to very big results. You can accomplish more than you ever thought possible in your business or in your life. This book walks you through the 5% More strategy to help you map your path to the future. Mountain climbers don't conquer Everest on their first time out—attempting to do so would be a tragic failure. No matter what your goal, no matter what your baseline, small, incremental steps set you up for success. 5% More gives you a concrete strategy for realizing your goals and making changes that last.
- GenresSelf Help
208 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2016
32 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Michael Alden
7 books18 followersI would not say that I am a lucky guy. The success I have obtained was not handed to me; not by any means. What I do consider luck is the hand I was dealt. My childhood was made up of struggle after struggle and for this I am forever fortunate. Growing up I was constantly problem solving, adapting and strategizing just to get through everyday life. Then and now one thing still remains.
I always want more out of life.
The majority of society has no idea what they can accomplish and they, YOU, have the tools and resources to better any part of your life. You can get more out of life, just as I have, simply by asking. All you need is yourself. I'm excited to show you how. Ask more, get more.
I always want more out of life.
The majority of society has no idea what they can accomplish and they, YOU, have the tools and resources to better any part of your life. You can get more out of life, just as I have, simply by asking. All you need is yourself. I'm excited to show you how. Ask more, get more.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 3, 2016
When I started reading, I expected much more from this book and I was really curious, but somewhere in the middle I was thinking to finish reading or not. In the end, I finished, but it was torture for me, because every page told the same message.
Overall, the idea behind this book - always try little bit harder (5% better) on everyday basis.
The good thing , that the author reminded about some principles that should be applied:
*) Don't dream. Instead make plans and goals.
*) Don't drastically change your life/habits. Do slow changes (5%), because you will stay longer on your path to reach the goal.
*) Never give up, just keep going. Always do more.
*) Changes are good. Failure is good as well.
Some quotes from the book:
“Every artist is a dreamer.” I said all of them are broke. The successful ones have vision. They don't dream. They have a vision and set goals and objectives.
With micro goals, you will have micro successes that you can compound on. Think big (don't dream big; you know how I feel about dreams), set big goals, but also set smaller goals, work on achieving them each and every day, and move on to the next one.
Most research confirms that it takes roughly 60 days for something to become a habit. Going from zero to 60 on day one and trying to sustain that will blow your engine. Improve on your actions a little bit more each day and you will achieve whatever goal you set out to accomplish.
He wasn't the most gifted athletically, but he was always working harder than his peers in his class and the rest of the team.
First of all, if you are the boss or an employee, you need to be accountable for your daily activity. You must be honest with yourself and your accomplishments. One of the best ways is to write down your goals for the day and the week, and each day look back at what you did and didn't accomplish.
Despite your efforts, sometimes the immediate result you are looking for and expect won't happen. That doesn't mean you need to give up and throw in the towel.
Fast success never lasts.
5 Percent More means 5 Percent More effort, 5 Percent More dedication, 5 Percent More commitment and you can change your world beyond what you thought was possible.
I always tell people that dreams are for sleeping. Goals are for achieving. And you achieve your goals only by taking action.
Overall, the idea behind this book - always try little bit harder (5% better) on everyday basis.
The good thing , that the author reminded about some principles that should be applied:
*) Don't dream. Instead make plans and goals.
*) Don't drastically change your life/habits. Do slow changes (5%), because you will stay longer on your path to reach the goal.
*) Never give up, just keep going. Always do more.
*) Changes are good. Failure is good as well.
Some quotes from the book:
“Every artist is a dreamer.” I said all of them are broke. The successful ones have vision. They don't dream. They have a vision and set goals and objectives.
With micro goals, you will have micro successes that you can compound on. Think big (don't dream big; you know how I feel about dreams), set big goals, but also set smaller goals, work on achieving them each and every day, and move on to the next one.
Most research confirms that it takes roughly 60 days for something to become a habit. Going from zero to 60 on day one and trying to sustain that will blow your engine. Improve on your actions a little bit more each day and you will achieve whatever goal you set out to accomplish.
He wasn't the most gifted athletically, but he was always working harder than his peers in his class and the rest of the team.
First of all, if you are the boss or an employee, you need to be accountable for your daily activity. You must be honest with yourself and your accomplishments. One of the best ways is to write down your goals for the day and the week, and each day look back at what you did and didn't accomplish.
Despite your efforts, sometimes the immediate result you are looking for and expect won't happen. That doesn't mean you need to give up and throw in the towel.
Fast success never lasts.
5 Percent More means 5 Percent More effort, 5 Percent More dedication, 5 Percent More commitment and you can change your world beyond what you thought was possible.
I always tell people that dreams are for sleeping. Goals are for achieving. And you achieve your goals only by taking action.
December 26, 2016
Recently, I came across an article online that described a concept along the lines of "5% more." It was an interesting article that made a good point; if you want to change some aspect of your life you don't have to overhaul your lifestyle overnight, you simply need to make a series of small changes that will add up over time.
When I saw this book at the library, I remembered the article and was interested in learning more. I don't know whether the authors are the same or the concepts identical, but based on my disappointment in this book my guess is that they are not. It is not well written and the examples are flawed.
I still appreciate the overall concept, however, and that bumped my review up to two stars.
When I saw this book at the library, I remembered the article and was interested in learning more. I don't know whether the authors are the same or the concepts identical, but based on my disappointment in this book my guess is that they are not. It is not well written and the examples are flawed.
I still appreciate the overall concept, however, and that bumped my review up to two stars.
February 13, 2019
In my opinion, the negative reviews of this book are a little harsh. Is this great writing? No, it is not. Could have this book easily been shortened by 20 pages? Yes, easily. Is this book in desperate need of an editor? Yes, it is. However, having said all that, the message of the book come through loud and clear. Do a little more. 5% more, compounded over a period of time yields big dividends. That's the point of the book. In the delivering that message, the author hits his mark. Too many "personal development" or "self help" books say you (as the person who wants to change something) need to make a massive change. In most cases that isn't possible. But, a little change over time is. That's the point of the book, and it is worth reading for that reason. 3.5 stars is probably a more honest review, because of the EXTREMELY poor editing.
September 13, 2017
I enthusiastically started reading this book and devoured the first few chapters. However, as I continued, my eagerness withered, and with every pick up of the book, reading became more draining. By the end, I truly had to force myself to finish. A great concept, but one not made for a book.
January 26, 2020
I read or skimmed this book in about 2 hours. A lot of anecdotal information which I didn't find helpful. 5% more seems to be the answer but I don't know where the 5% is important and if it will always make that much difference.
June 6, 2017
Extremely simplistic. A good theory, but in the end the arrogant author talks around it way too much. Skip it, and reading Getting Things Done.
July 18, 2017
Uhmm, 5% seems like just an imaginary number invented by the author to emphasize on the point of starting small in all areas of your life.
Not much of a solid self-improvement book in my opinion.
Not much of a solid self-improvement book in my opinion.
August 7, 2017
Mostly a rehash of the compound effect in self improvement. I'd recommend "compound effect" instead.
September 20, 2018
Nothing new.
October 9, 2018
I think I'd hate probably the author on a deeply personal and visceral level.
The book was fine though but probably could have been a blog post or two.
The book was fine though but probably could have been a blog post or two.
December 23, 2022
Good principle and cool examples but started to drag on. I enjoyed it but I felt like I just read the same chapter 5 times. Worth the read
January 13, 2018
It’s a great concept but not a great book. I could have gotten as much out of it if it had just been the length of a blog post.
October 23, 2016
Original Slant on a Time-Tested Idea Is a Terrific Read!
To quote the author on self-help books: "There are so many people who spend their hard-earned money on trainings, books, audios, and seminars every year. Why aren't all these people wildly successful?"
This is the question Mike Alden answers in his book, and he encourages us all to give just 5% more in effort, time, percentage, or however it fits the goals you are striving to achieve. Going the extra mile is not a new concept, and other authors/speakers in this genre tell numerous stories of those people who give up when they are inches from success. Mr. Alden presents a fantastic idea by encouraging us not to focus on Herculean efforts, but to just increase our efforts by a little bit (5%). This extra effort is much more manageable to most people who are at that point where the "...rubber meets the road."
The book probably could have been a bit smaller, but what lengthens the book is also a strength. Mr. Alden presents his idea of 5% in different venues, and everyone can find more than a few areas that will directly fit the arenas where they need greater focus. Whether it is home, work, education, fitness, you name it, the author offers solid facts to back up what he teaches. It is an added bonus that many of the chapters contain links rather than footnotes, enabling the reader to instantly be able to verify the author's statements through articles and videos.
My only complaint? Mr. Alden constantly sells his first book over and over, in one early chapter referring to a story in the first book. For example, after a quick one-sentence description of the issue without revealing the solution, the author states "I tell this story in 'Ask More, Get More,' but the point here is..." He could just tell us the point, or even repeated the story, if it has that much bearing on what he wants to say. My point is, if I enjoy this book (I did), I am more apt to purchase the other book without the constant ads cluttering up the pages.
Overall, good book with excellent examples taken from the author's personal experiences. Even if you have a ton of self-help books on the shelf, this book has a fresh, original slant and is worth your time and money. Don't have the time? Read 5% every day and you will be done in about three weeks. 4-1/2 stars from me.
To quote the author on self-help books: "There are so many people who spend their hard-earned money on trainings, books, audios, and seminars every year. Why aren't all these people wildly successful?"
This is the question Mike Alden answers in his book, and he encourages us all to give just 5% more in effort, time, percentage, or however it fits the goals you are striving to achieve. Going the extra mile is not a new concept, and other authors/speakers in this genre tell numerous stories of those people who give up when they are inches from success. Mr. Alden presents a fantastic idea by encouraging us not to focus on Herculean efforts, but to just increase our efforts by a little bit (5%). This extra effort is much more manageable to most people who are at that point where the "...rubber meets the road."
The book probably could have been a bit smaller, but what lengthens the book is also a strength. Mr. Alden presents his idea of 5% in different venues, and everyone can find more than a few areas that will directly fit the arenas where they need greater focus. Whether it is home, work, education, fitness, you name it, the author offers solid facts to back up what he teaches. It is an added bonus that many of the chapters contain links rather than footnotes, enabling the reader to instantly be able to verify the author's statements through articles and videos.
My only complaint? Mr. Alden constantly sells his first book over and over, in one early chapter referring to a story in the first book. For example, after a quick one-sentence description of the issue without revealing the solution, the author states "I tell this story in 'Ask More, Get More,' but the point here is..." He could just tell us the point, or even repeated the story, if it has that much bearing on what he wants to say. My point is, if I enjoy this book (I did), I am more apt to purchase the other book without the constant ads cluttering up the pages.
Overall, good book with excellent examples taken from the author's personal experiences. Even if you have a ton of self-help books on the shelf, this book has a fresh, original slant and is worth your time and money. Don't have the time? Read 5% every day and you will be done in about three weeks. 4-1/2 stars from me.
September 18, 2016
Tried and true, incremental improvements show great dividends down the road. Go out and do 5% more!
December 8, 2016
I downloaded this on audiobook because I was searching for a new inspiring book. I always take inspirational/morivational books with a grain of salt. I always sift through the self importance that is common in so many of them and glean what I can of the helpful nuggets. This book surprised me! Although very successful, he is humble. He admits how hard he has worked and openly discusses his drive to "do more". I'm not overly "type A", and this book also appealed to my creative side, making some of my least favorite activities easier to tackle. Great read, whether you are a CEO, a sales team leader, or an artist.
December 15, 2016
Couldn't put this book down! 5% & more read each day!
This book could have been a little less personal, and more about the 5% applied principles as some have mentioned, however, the real and personal stories he provides are examples of his and others achievements and failures. I've highlighted many important key notes that I will be applying in my daily life. Anyone who wants to learn how to be successful & more productive, should read this book. I will read his other books. Definitely recommend!
This book could have been a little less personal, and more about the 5% applied principles as some have mentioned, however, the real and personal stories he provides are examples of his and others achievements and failures. I've highlighted many important key notes that I will be applying in my daily life. Anyone who wants to learn how to be successful & more productive, should read this book. I will read his other books. Definitely recommend!
April 25, 2019
Enjoyable and easy read.
Great content. Simple and easy to understand. Applications takes consistency which most people strive for and also struggle with often daily.
Great content. Simple and easy to understand. Applications takes consistency which most people strive for and also struggle with often daily.
March 22, 2017
Way too repetitious. I think he could have said what he did in about 1/4 of the pages.
abandoned
December 2, 2018I didn't care for it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews