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The 2% Way: How a Philosophy of Small Improvements Took Me to Oxford, the NFL, and Neurosurgery
You don't have to change your life overnight--instead, you can make small changes that leave a lasting impact. In The 2%
Way
, discover the simple, revolutionary practice behind the against-the-odds success story of Dr. Myron L. Rolle.
Dr. Rolle has led a remarkable life: from earning a scholarship to a prestigious private high school to becoming a top-rated recruit at Florida State University; from winning the Rhodes Scholarship for study at Oxford to playing football in the NFL and then becoming a neurosurgery resident at Harvard.
In this inspiring book, Dr. Rolle tells the story of his incredible journey, revealing how a strong work ethic, deep faith, and the family values instilled by his Bahamian immigrant parents set the stage for the transformative life philosophy that enabled him to overcome adversity, defy expectations, and create a life of meaning and purpose.
Whether you're struggling with your own obstacles, looking to improve yourself, searching for your purpose and identity, or seeking inspiration, Dr. Rolle's story will give you the encouragement and tools you need to:
Make incremental improvements that lead to long-lasting results
Build a life full of purpose and meaning
Tackle life with the assurance that you're moving in the right direction
The 2% Way will change the way you think about self-improvement, proving that you have the power to make strides toward the life you've always dreamed of.
Dr. Rolle has led a remarkable life: from earning a scholarship to a prestigious private high school to becoming a top-rated recruit at Florida State University; from winning the Rhodes Scholarship for study at Oxford to playing football in the NFL and then becoming a neurosurgery resident at Harvard.
In this inspiring book, Dr. Rolle tells the story of his incredible journey, revealing how a strong work ethic, deep faith, and the family values instilled by his Bahamian immigrant parents set the stage for the transformative life philosophy that enabled him to overcome adversity, defy expectations, and create a life of meaning and purpose.
Whether you're struggling with your own obstacles, looking to improve yourself, searching for your purpose and identity, or seeking inspiration, Dr. Rolle's story will give you the encouragement and tools you need to:
Make incremental improvements that lead to long-lasting results
Build a life full of purpose and meaning
Tackle life with the assurance that you're moving in the right direction
The 2% Way will change the way you think about self-improvement, proving that you have the power to make strides toward the life you've always dreamed of.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 17, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 27, 2024
I was browsing through my local bookstore this weekend and overheard a young person telling their shopping companion that they never read biographies, because who is really important enough to deserve a book written about them? She continued ranting, saying that autobiographies are even worse, because a person writing an autobiography must be extremely self-absorbed. I thought to myself that I very much disagree with that sentiment - biographies and memoirs are one of my favorite book genres - heck, I've read over 300 of them in the last ten years - and rarely do I think the authors or subjects of the book are uninteresting or self-absorbed.
Then I picked up this book. Myron Rolle is my age, also a physician (though unlike me, still a trainee due to neurosurgery's ridiculous long training path - so he has yet to independently practice medicine as an attending), and apparently had a college football career before that. I read the first ~1/3 of this memoir, and oof, the impression was not good. Rolle brags about things like beating up a fellow high school student (it was OK, though, because the student was also Black, so Rolle wouldn't have gotten expelled like if he had beat up a white student whose parents were big donors to the school). Rolle also hypes himself up as god's gift to football (apparently he never played in an NFL game, though?), and I'm sure if I would have continued reading, I would have learned that he's also god's gift to medicine, neurosurgery, the Rhodes scholarship, etc.
This is a memoir that would have been best written later in Rolle's life once he has more tangible accolodates and acquires a sense of humility and perspective. In medicine, surgeons have the reputation for having oversized egos, but I can say I trained with several amazing humans (including women and people of color) who are neurosurgeons now, who completed their residencies at top programs and didn't have an ounce of ego about them. It's also quite common for doctors to come to medicine after having a prominent career in sports - collegiate level, pro level, Olympics, etc. - I trained with quite a few people in that category as well. Rolle does make a good point about the 2% way (striving for continual improvement), though as he states in the book, that concept was coined by one of his football coaches, not by him -- that type of grit and perseverance can lend success in both domains, without the need for an overinflated sense of self-worth.
Further reading - books by and about Black physicians and healthcare pioneers I would recommend:
The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper
Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine by Damon Tweedy
Twice as Hard: The Stories of Black Women Who Fought to Become Physicians, from the Civil War to the Twenty-First Century by Jasmine Brown
American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics by Kevin Hazzard
Then I picked up this book. Myron Rolle is my age, also a physician (though unlike me, still a trainee due to neurosurgery's ridiculous long training path - so he has yet to independently practice medicine as an attending), and apparently had a college football career before that. I read the first ~1/3 of this memoir, and oof, the impression was not good. Rolle brags about things like beating up a fellow high school student (it was OK, though, because the student was also Black, so Rolle wouldn't have gotten expelled like if he had beat up a white student whose parents were big donors to the school). Rolle also hypes himself up as god's gift to football (apparently he never played in an NFL game, though?), and I'm sure if I would have continued reading, I would have learned that he's also god's gift to medicine, neurosurgery, the Rhodes scholarship, etc.
This is a memoir that would have been best written later in Rolle's life once he has more tangible accolodates and acquires a sense of humility and perspective. In medicine, surgeons have the reputation for having oversized egos, but I can say I trained with several amazing humans (including women and people of color) who are neurosurgeons now, who completed their residencies at top programs and didn't have an ounce of ego about them. It's also quite common for doctors to come to medicine after having a prominent career in sports - collegiate level, pro level, Olympics, etc. - I trained with quite a few people in that category as well. Rolle does make a good point about the 2% way (striving for continual improvement), though as he states in the book, that concept was coined by one of his football coaches, not by him -- that type of grit and perseverance can lend success in both domains, without the need for an overinflated sense of self-worth.
Further reading - books by and about Black physicians and healthcare pioneers I would recommend:
The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper
Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine by Damon Tweedy
Twice as Hard: The Stories of Black Women Who Fought to Become Physicians, from the Civil War to the Twenty-First Century by Jasmine Brown
American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics by Kevin Hazzard
June 16, 2022
This is Nonfiction/Memoir. The author was driven and determined. He was such a strong example in going the distance....a great role model for kids and adults. I also liked his message of 2% more. It has many practical applications in all facets of life.
This one started out as 5 stars. But then towards the end, it felt more like 3 stars. So I'll settle in the middle with 4.
This one started out as 5 stars. But then towards the end, it felt more like 3 stars. So I'll settle in the middle with 4.
May 21, 2022
I liked this story, Dr. Rolle stresses his success was due to a focus on continuous improvement that he calls the 2% way. I would have liked it if he spent more time going into detail on how he did this although there are some good examples. The fact that he was unable to have the NFL career that he truly deserved is a testament to the money in today's sports. Would today's NBA accept a Bill Bradley after a Rhodes Scholarship? Probably not, the money is too great. But Dr. Rolle declined to give up his dreams and focused his energies on his next goal, becoming a neurosurgeon and having a global impact on health care. I think, in addition, Dr. Rolle benefitted at least as much from factors beyond the 2% Way. He had two married parents who were committed to each other and to their family. He had four older brothers who were role models and his supporters. He had a very strong faith to guide him and keep him on track. Too often we forget the impact these factors -family, faith, etc. - contribute to success. Dr. Rolle gives us a great example of their importance. I look forward to seeing him expand his impact.
December 22, 2022
As much of a memoir as is a model for excellence. Great book.
April 26, 2025
Personally I was more interested in the NFL part of his story but good values to live by. It’s similar to the mindset of making things 1% better or the 5min rule; just a different way to make improvement seem more manageable.
Also cool to see Dr. Ben Carson continue to have such a positive impact on people’s lives and inspire others futures. Dr. Rolles has accomplished a lot in his time and will hopefully inspire others the way Dr. Carson did for him
Also cool to see Dr. Ben Carson continue to have such a positive impact on people’s lives and inspire others futures. Dr. Rolles has accomplished a lot in his time and will hopefully inspire others the way Dr. Carson did for him
June 27, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I wish there were half stars because I would give it a 4.5. I debated between a 4 or t since I felt it was a 4.5. I decided to round up. Thank you Myron L. Rolle for the complimentary copy.
As an educator, especially a special education educator, the 2% improvement
interested me. I feel it is a very realistic plan for improvement because it is achieveable and provides a continuous way to improve. It allows adults, and especially students to set realistic goals that can be reached and continue to move forward for further success.
The last part could have used more examples but as this is the beginning of Rolle's medical career that may be the reason for fewer examples. This is a good motivational book that should be read by students. Rolle has applied the 2% improvement to many aspects of his life
As an educator you can never have too many strategies to help students. Thank you Dr. Rolle.
As an educator, especially a special education educator, the 2% improvement
interested me. I feel it is a very realistic plan for improvement because it is achieveable and provides a continuous way to improve. It allows adults, and especially students to set realistic goals that can be reached and continue to move forward for further success.
The last part could have used more examples but as this is the beginning of Rolle's medical career that may be the reason for fewer examples. This is a good motivational book that should be read by students. Rolle has applied the 2% improvement to many aspects of his life
As an educator you can never have too many strategies to help students. Thank you Dr. Rolle.
June 17, 2022
Mixed feelings about this one. Powerful empowering message for young people, especially young people of color... yet, the "2% way" sounded forced. For anyone looking for a method of continuous improvement, this isn't it. This is a memoir, pure and simple, with a strong message of work hard, keep working harder, have your sights set on a goal, keep your head up and stay out of trouble.
A lot of the author's life thus far (he's young, in his 30's, and not yet finished his medical residency) has been football, so it you love football, it will help. I finished the book because it was short, but had to push through much of it.
A lot of the author's life thus far (he's young, in his 30's, and not yet finished his medical residency) has been football, so it you love football, it will help. I finished the book because it was short, but had to push through much of it.
July 13, 2022
Inspiring true story of Dr. Myron Rhodes a pediatric neurosurgeon and former NFL player. Dr. Rhodes has a strong work ethic, support of family and his faith which have seen him through much work and medical training. He was also a Rhodes Scholar. Working in Medical Education in a teaching hospital, I was more interested in his residency experience at Harvard where he faced racism from patients and unintentional racism from the public (being mistaken for a janitor or cashier at the hospital). One valuable thing about Dr. Rhodes is he is never afraid to ask for help when he needs it.
June 30, 2022
More memoir than self help but succinct story that effortlessly narrates how his life philosophy has impacted his choices and mental framing.
March 2, 2023
My opinion could be bias as my journey was somewhat similar to Doctor Rolle’s in terms of having a deep love for football and transitioning that to the medical field. However, this memoir was very inspiring. I especially loved how the author showed highs & lows and how he battled racism in the medical field.
This book is a great read for all, but definitely could be a great bank of knowledge for black individuals wanting to go into medicine or anyone wanting to succeed. The 2% way seems to be a very effective strategy.
This book is a great read for all, but definitely could be a great bank of knowledge for black individuals wanting to go into medicine or anyone wanting to succeed. The 2% way seems to be a very effective strategy.
February 19, 2023
What a testimony! It is always fascinating to me to read the memoirs of Blacks, particularly those from the continent or the diaspora. Rolle's story does not disappoint and it is intriguing how he managed so many aspects of himself without fitting into the stereotypical image of a Black man whose sole ambition is to play in the NFL. His faith, his vision, and his commitment to the dream helped him to navigate the often hostile and racist domain of the US educational system, the NFL, and the medical establishment.
February 25, 2024
The 2% Way was a truly inspirational book about a man who fulfilled his lifetime dreams and goals by taking advantage of a useful method that was introduced to him by his football coach Mickey Andrews while he was a student-athlete at Florida State University. This book should be read by those who strive to become better people or just better at their jobs or professions every day. Chipping away at your goals bit by bit or by using the 2% way is a good way to take pressure off of you. Doing the little things or minute things day by day can make huge tasks seem like small tasks.
The 2% Way was not only an autobiography for its author Myron L. Rolle, but the book also served as a teaching tool for those who think that life is just filled with so much stress and hard tasks. It doesn't have to be that way as Rolle explained in this book. He did a good job in this book about explaining the book's premise and how it worked for him.
It wasn't always easy for him as he explained throughout this book. Just because God gave him the gifts of a brilliant academic and intellectual mind as well as the talent to play football, didn't mean that he wasn't going to encounter roadblocks or elements of life that can impede an ambitious person's progress.
I like how Rolle blended his football career with his pursuits of intellectual and academic excellence in The 2% Way. He didn't sugarcoat his life in the classroom or on the gridiron, he wrote about his football successes and failures and his academic successes and failures. What good would a book like this would have been to its readers if he poetically wrote about how smart he was or how talented a football player he was? His readers wouldn't have learned anything from that.
One of the elements of this book and of Rolle's life that has stuck with me since I finished this book was that it's sad that a man could get a rare opportunity to be a Rhodes Scholar and then study abroad in Oxford, England for that scholarship, but then be chastised or disrespected behind his back for choosing that rare opportunity over playing a game of football.
There were people at Florida State and in some NFL circles (coaches, players, general managers, and etc.) who got mad or up in their feelings because Rolle wanted to be a Rhodes Scholar and study in Oxford instead of being a hard hitting-All-ACC safety for FSU. The nerve of people. Rolle's dad was responsible for probably the best quote in the book on page 120, "They're punishing you because you went to Oxford. They are punishing you for your intelligence." His father said that after the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft ended. Powerful and true words. To be fair and honest though, Rolle didn't play at all in 2009 (his senior year at FSU) because of his studying at Oxford. NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers froth at the mouth or love senior film of college football players they're interested in drafting.
One of the most touching parts of this book was on page 119, which was in chapter 6 of the book (With the 207th pick....). Here it is, "Slowly, she packed up the catered food. "Nobody touched the wings," she said in a soft voice as she wrapped them in tinfoil and stacked the trays." Those sentences really touched my heart as they discussed how Rolle's mother felt after he wasn't picked at all in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. One of the things I also appreciated about this book was that Rolle had very supportive parents, parents that gave him the space since he was a child to be anything that he wanted to be. Part of the reason why Rolle is who he is because of the way he was raised by his excellent parents.
Pros of The 2% Way: Rolle succeeded in doing what he set out to do with this book which was to motivate his readers based on a unique approach that he took from the time he started playing college football until the present day (the book was published in 2022 but I would bet my home that he still lives by what he preached in this book). He gave you the ups and downs of his life and he wanted to motivate you the reader to be the best you through the 2% way.
Cons of The 2% Way: If you are not in the medical field or science-oriented, much of the last 62 pages of the book will either bore you or make you just read fast through that part of the book. Rolle was a high football star, he had a solid career at FSU, and he was drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft in the sixth round, but there were just a few chapters dedicated to his football career in this book.
In closing, The 2% Way served as a motivational book as well as Rolle's autobiography. You cannot come away from this book and not be motivated or inspired to improve your own life with a little chipping here and there or with small 2% improvements here and there to your daily life.
The 2% Way was not only an autobiography for its author Myron L. Rolle, but the book also served as a teaching tool for those who think that life is just filled with so much stress and hard tasks. It doesn't have to be that way as Rolle explained in this book. He did a good job in this book about explaining the book's premise and how it worked for him.
It wasn't always easy for him as he explained throughout this book. Just because God gave him the gifts of a brilliant academic and intellectual mind as well as the talent to play football, didn't mean that he wasn't going to encounter roadblocks or elements of life that can impede an ambitious person's progress.
I like how Rolle blended his football career with his pursuits of intellectual and academic excellence in The 2% Way. He didn't sugarcoat his life in the classroom or on the gridiron, he wrote about his football successes and failures and his academic successes and failures. What good would a book like this would have been to its readers if he poetically wrote about how smart he was or how talented a football player he was? His readers wouldn't have learned anything from that.
One of the elements of this book and of Rolle's life that has stuck with me since I finished this book was that it's sad that a man could get a rare opportunity to be a Rhodes Scholar and then study abroad in Oxford, England for that scholarship, but then be chastised or disrespected behind his back for choosing that rare opportunity over playing a game of football.
There were people at Florida State and in some NFL circles (coaches, players, general managers, and etc.) who got mad or up in their feelings because Rolle wanted to be a Rhodes Scholar and study in Oxford instead of being a hard hitting-All-ACC safety for FSU. The nerve of people. Rolle's dad was responsible for probably the best quote in the book on page 120, "They're punishing you because you went to Oxford. They are punishing you for your intelligence." His father said that after the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft ended. Powerful and true words. To be fair and honest though, Rolle didn't play at all in 2009 (his senior year at FSU) because of his studying at Oxford. NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers froth at the mouth or love senior film of college football players they're interested in drafting.
One of the most touching parts of this book was on page 119, which was in chapter 6 of the book (With the 207th pick....). Here it is, "Slowly, she packed up the catered food. "Nobody touched the wings," she said in a soft voice as she wrapped them in tinfoil and stacked the trays." Those sentences really touched my heart as they discussed how Rolle's mother felt after he wasn't picked at all in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. One of the things I also appreciated about this book was that Rolle had very supportive parents, parents that gave him the space since he was a child to be anything that he wanted to be. Part of the reason why Rolle is who he is because of the way he was raised by his excellent parents.
Pros of The 2% Way: Rolle succeeded in doing what he set out to do with this book which was to motivate his readers based on a unique approach that he took from the time he started playing college football until the present day (the book was published in 2022 but I would bet my home that he still lives by what he preached in this book). He gave you the ups and downs of his life and he wanted to motivate you the reader to be the best you through the 2% way.
Cons of The 2% Way: If you are not in the medical field or science-oriented, much of the last 62 pages of the book will either bore you or make you just read fast through that part of the book. Rolle was a high football star, he had a solid career at FSU, and he was drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft in the sixth round, but there were just a few chapters dedicated to his football career in this book.
In closing, The 2% Way served as a motivational book as well as Rolle's autobiography. You cannot come away from this book and not be motivated or inspired to improve your own life with a little chipping here and there or with small 2% improvements here and there to your daily life.
July 1, 2022
Overall good book
I got to fsu the year that Myron went to Europe for the Rhodes scholarship but I was able to meet many of the people that he described in the book
I loved the community feeing of his family
Also, The hardships he had to go through reminded me a lot of situations I was in being labeled a “smarter” athlete
The same number of praises you receive is the same number of people that will try to bring you down in this category
In all of the books I’ve read, Having a strong father figure is the most important thing I have seen in creating successful kids, and Myron had this as well
In the end, his mother guiding him to hang up his helmet and to finish his other childhood dream of becoming a neurosurgeon has led to him being able to influence the lives of many more people
I recommend this book to young black men looking for a role model
I got to fsu the year that Myron went to Europe for the Rhodes scholarship but I was able to meet many of the people that he described in the book
I loved the community feeing of his family
Also, The hardships he had to go through reminded me a lot of situations I was in being labeled a “smarter” athlete
The same number of praises you receive is the same number of people that will try to bring you down in this category
In all of the books I’ve read, Having a strong father figure is the most important thing I have seen in creating successful kids, and Myron had this as well
In the end, his mother guiding him to hang up his helmet and to finish his other childhood dream of becoming a neurosurgeon has led to him being able to influence the lives of many more people
I recommend this book to young black men looking for a role model
December 18, 2022
An inspiring read that I could see myself coming back to if I doubt I can accomplish something. His discipline is on another level - I appreciated how he not only had a can-do attitude, but also made actionable steps to make his dreams come true. He recognized the sacrifices he would have to make and his goals made it worth it for him.
I liked the flow of the novel in the sense that I could see how he evolved through the major events that he describes throughout his life.
Main takeaway: Do the work. Use your resources. Make it happen.
I liked the flow of the novel in the sense that I could see how he evolved through the major events that he describes throughout his life.
Main takeaway: Do the work. Use your resources. Make it happen.
April 5, 2024
I had been reading a lot of murder mysteries lately and needed an uplifting read. This book was that and more. I remember when Dr. Rolle was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship when he was at FSU and knew then that a man like that would make a difference in our world one day. This book made me realize that just small changes over time can help you reach your goals. He has such an inspiring story and I know I can be better every day just by 2%.
This was an absolute pleasure to read and would recommend it to anyone. In fact, I’ve bought a copy for a friend whose son wants to be a professional athlete and a neurosurgeon! Reading the book felt like he was sitting there telling his story. He’s an extraordinary human being and I look forward to seeing what he does next. Way to go, Dr. Rolle!!
This was an absolute pleasure to read and would recommend it to anyone. In fact, I’ve bought a copy for a friend whose son wants to be a professional athlete and a neurosurgeon! Reading the book felt like he was sitting there telling his story. He’s an extraordinary human being and I look forward to seeing what he does next. Way to go, Dr. Rolle!!
May 5, 2023
He's certainly not humble. It's incredible what he's accomplished. Educated at top prep schools, full scholarship to university and a Rhodes scholar! But he's had great privilege along the way including his brother able to take 2 years off of his life just to help him train while in the UK. And it irks the crap out of me that he continually refers to himself as an immigrant, born in Texas! He is not Bahamian, his parents and siblings can claim that but he's American of Bahamian heritage. And he has no clue that the NFL is a business and if he was as good as he thinks he was he would have played in one NFL game, but he never did. Yes he made the practice squad, so I guess he can claim to be a NFL player but it seems a stretch. So glad it's a short book.
January 15, 2024
Great book. One thing I always lived by was that every small action leads to a big impact. It was refreshing to hear his story and reminder of the things you can do if you just always try to be 2% better than yesterday.
May 27, 2024
I liked the book 📖 because it talks about neurosurgeons and NFL.I like how much Myron wanted to be a neurosurgeon. And when I grow up I want to be a doctor 👩⚕️ like him .
ZAHLIA (7 years old)
ZAHLIA (7 years old)
February 12, 2023
Was good in the beginning but then got a little too political for me throughout.
March 22, 2023
Rolle has an amazing philosophy, one I plan on implementing in my life.
February 8, 2024
Excellent Read
This is the book that I didn’t know that I needed to read. Highly recommend. So proud of this young brother.
This is the book that I didn’t know that I needed to read. Highly recommend. So proud of this young brother.
July 24, 2024
Get better by 2% every day. That’s about it
May 27, 2026
For those looking forward to reading a great book, look no further than the 2 % way. written by Dr. Myron Rolle. He is a football champion. He is very talented and skilled. Dr. Mryon is an exemplary role model currently pursuing a career in neurosurgery, having previously achieved the prestigious status of Rhodes Scholar and played in the NFL. His unwavering no-excuses mentality, coupled with a forward-moving philosophy, serves as an inspiration for all.Dr. Myron's transition from a defensive back in the NFL to a cranial surgeon exemplifies excellence in execution. He emphasizes that small, consistent improvements—such as a 2% enhancement—can significantly impact the difference between success and failure, mediocrity and excellence, and winning and losing. The principles outlined in "The 2% Way" have the potential to transform lives,Dr. Myron Rolle's diverse life experiences resonate with a wide range of communities. His empathy and intellect shine through his storytelling, which intricately connects his experiences with world-renowned organizations. Dr. Rolle's relentless spirit, rooted in love and resilience in the face of adversity, is reflected in his methodology and philosophy, which are directly tied to the joy and success he embodies. One amazing quote Dr. Myron uses is "Let your burning desire to do something meaningful destroy pressure. Let your actions be driven by your expectations for yourself, not external forces."This means allow your fervent desire to engage in meaningful pursuits to outweigh negative, paralyzing pressure. Such pressure often stems from concerns about failure, judgment, or external outcomes. When you are genuinely passionate about your purpose, that strong motivation serves as a shield, transforming anxiety into drive. Ensure your actions are guided by your own expectations rather than external influences. This approach is essential for reclaiming your autonomy. Constantly striving to meet the expectations of others—whether they be parents, peers, or societal norms—can lead to burnout. By establishing your own standards and competing solely against yourself, you cultivate a sustainable and authentic motivation. The reason for selecting this book lies in its ability to help individuals deconstruct overwhelming and stressful challenges into manageable tasks that can be addressed daily for improvement. Embracing failure is essential, as it provides valuable insights into past mistakes and fosters personal growth for future endeavors.
September 26, 2023
I knew of Rolle's story but did not realize he had a book out. I spotted it randomly at the library and was curious what and how Rolle did to get himself not only into the NFL but into Oxford and neurosurgery (!). While many former NFL players go on to live their lives, his journey is probably more of an outlier compared to others and wanted to know what he could tell us.
Rolle tells us his story, from how he was born through his childhood and young adulthood, career in the NFL and beyond. He talks about his life, the people who helped him along the way plus both his successes and his failures. For example, he might arguably better known for becoming a neurosurgeon than anything he did on the field. This is not a criticism or a put-down in any way, just a reflection of the fact that he never appeared in a regular season game for his first team and only spent a brief amount of time with the second.
After being released by the Steelers, he chose to leave the NFL and moved onto medical school and his current career. This is reflective of his book: most of the anecdotes from his professional career are regarding his time in the NFL and not much from his time as a doctor. So it is interesting (and heck, most people can never even dream of being considered by a league such as the NFL!) but depending on what you're looking for, this may or may not be for you.
As others said, if you're into football this might be a good book. But as of this review he's in his mid-thirties and that is reflective of the text. This is definitely a work that could have waited or there is another book to be written that will better reflect what he's learned over the years as a neurosurgeon (or whatever he chooses to do next if it's not that). I would be curious to read that book but this one wasn't to my taste.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
Rolle tells us his story, from how he was born through his childhood and young adulthood, career in the NFL and beyond. He talks about his life, the people who helped him along the way plus both his successes and his failures. For example, he might arguably better known for becoming a neurosurgeon than anything he did on the field. This is not a criticism or a put-down in any way, just a reflection of the fact that he never appeared in a regular season game for his first team and only spent a brief amount of time with the second.
After being released by the Steelers, he chose to leave the NFL and moved onto medical school and his current career. This is reflective of his book: most of the anecdotes from his professional career are regarding his time in the NFL and not much from his time as a doctor. So it is interesting (and heck, most people can never even dream of being considered by a league such as the NFL!) but depending on what you're looking for, this may or may not be for you.
As others said, if you're into football this might be a good book. But as of this review he's in his mid-thirties and that is reflective of the text. This is definitely a work that could have waited or there is another book to be written that will better reflect what he's learned over the years as a neurosurgeon (or whatever he chooses to do next if it's not that). I would be curious to read that book but this one wasn't to my taste.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
Read
June 30, 2025A hard book to review.
I was really excited for this one - excited to cheer him on as he played a very rough sport and then transitioned to neurosurgery - but my goodness, the first part was disappointing. He basically said “I was hands down the best at everything in my school; I’m not bragging, that’s just fact.” The arrogance was really hard to take. White people weren’t worth being friends with; rich people were sick with “affluenza;” he just stayed away from everyone but his one black classmate.
Yes, his classmates didn’t know what it was like to skip meals because they didn’t have enough, but his own children won’t either. How does he know his classmates’ parents or grandparents didn’t fight to overcome destitute beginnings themselves?
It also felt like he measured his identity and success by the number of elite “clubs” he could get into - Rhodes, the NFL, Harvard, etc. Of the memoirs/autobiographies I’ve read, he was one of the only people I really did not want to meet or have coffee with (although I wouldn’t have cared to meet Bono either). I felt like I’d never be good enough to be respected or valued by Dr Rolle.
Then things got better in the latter part of the book. I did appreciate the point he made that focusing on 2% improvements points to what you can do rather than to your deficits. Even if I do something poorly, I can improve and do it better next time. And he does care about his patients and their suffering. So there’s that.
If I had a brain tumor, I’d be glad for him to operate on me. I wouldn’t see him as my healthcare servant; I’d feel the power differential weighed *very* strongly in his favor. As a friend though, I don’t think I’d make the cut.
I was really excited for this one - excited to cheer him on as he played a very rough sport and then transitioned to neurosurgery - but my goodness, the first part was disappointing. He basically said “I was hands down the best at everything in my school; I’m not bragging, that’s just fact.” The arrogance was really hard to take. White people weren’t worth being friends with; rich people were sick with “affluenza;” he just stayed away from everyone but his one black classmate.
Yes, his classmates didn’t know what it was like to skip meals because they didn’t have enough, but his own children won’t either. How does he know his classmates’ parents or grandparents didn’t fight to overcome destitute beginnings themselves?
It also felt like he measured his identity and success by the number of elite “clubs” he could get into - Rhodes, the NFL, Harvard, etc. Of the memoirs/autobiographies I’ve read, he was one of the only people I really did not want to meet or have coffee with (although I wouldn’t have cared to meet Bono either). I felt like I’d never be good enough to be respected or valued by Dr Rolle.
Then things got better in the latter part of the book. I did appreciate the point he made that focusing on 2% improvements points to what you can do rather than to your deficits. Even if I do something poorly, I can improve and do it better next time. And he does care about his patients and their suffering. So there’s that.
If I had a brain tumor, I’d be glad for him to operate on me. I wouldn’t see him as my healthcare servant; I’d feel the power differential weighed *very* strongly in his favor. As a friend though, I don’t think I’d make the cut.
January 14, 2024
The 2% Way: What is it? How do you go about applying this philosophy of improvements to your own life? How do you make a plan using it? What strategies do you employ to reach your goal? How can you measure the improvements and the success you have made? Who knows?? None of these questions are addressed in this book.
I love reading books about increasing productivity, and I expected stories from Rolle’s own life about how he applied his techniques, but this book is only about his life. He’ll say he “applied the 2% way” to do x, but does not provide any tangible explanation of what that means.
The reality is, Rolle is incredibly driven and has a level of tenacity most people cannot even hope to aspire to. He simply does not get tired. He is laser-focused on what he wants, and nothing will get in his way.
He has certainly led a remarkable life, but this book reads like one long not-so-humble brag. He has overcome adversity and disgusting discrimination and racism, but the way he talks about his white peers who are afflicted by “affluenza” makes it really clear he himself does not know how incredibly privileged he is. Over 99% of people will never get the opportunities he had and wouldn’t even know how to go about striving to reach for them because Rolle included no details on his 2% way.
Unless you already know who Rolle is and are interested in learning more about his life, I would definitely skip this.
I love reading books about increasing productivity, and I expected stories from Rolle’s own life about how he applied his techniques, but this book is only about his life. He’ll say he “applied the 2% way” to do x, but does not provide any tangible explanation of what that means.
The reality is, Rolle is incredibly driven and has a level of tenacity most people cannot even hope to aspire to. He simply does not get tired. He is laser-focused on what he wants, and nothing will get in his way.
He has certainly led a remarkable life, but this book reads like one long not-so-humble brag. He has overcome adversity and disgusting discrimination and racism, but the way he talks about his white peers who are afflicted by “affluenza” makes it really clear he himself does not know how incredibly privileged he is. Over 99% of people will never get the opportunities he had and wouldn’t even know how to go about striving to reach for them because Rolle included no details on his 2% way.
Unless you already know who Rolle is and are interested in learning more about his life, I would definitely skip this.
August 26, 2023
“Haters were not to be dwelled on, they’re albatrosses to ascension.”
“Do not let those who wish you failure be albatrosses to your ascension.”
“That’s the sign of a strong friendship. Someone who continues to teach you as you grow together.”
“Please know that you too do not have to box yourself into the mold the world demands. You may lose money. You may have people tell you that your goals don’t make sense. Your friends and family may doubt you, but if you hold onto your inner light , that part of of you that burns hot and true, it will eventually burst through. That’s what life does, it shines.”
“That’s one of the beautiful aspects of the 2% way. You acknowledge the people who’ve helped you to become the most realized version of yourself. I thank the Lord that He has placed these people in my path.”
“Here’s my advice to anyone looking for love: Find someone who speaks to what’s important to you, that gets you on fire, that lights you up - as opposed to who the world has assumed you should be with. “
You life is not your own.
“Do not let those who wish you failure be albatrosses to your ascension.”
“That’s the sign of a strong friendship. Someone who continues to teach you as you grow together.”
“Please know that you too do not have to box yourself into the mold the world demands. You may lose money. You may have people tell you that your goals don’t make sense. Your friends and family may doubt you, but if you hold onto your inner light , that part of of you that burns hot and true, it will eventually burst through. That’s what life does, it shines.”
“That’s one of the beautiful aspects of the 2% way. You acknowledge the people who’ve helped you to become the most realized version of yourself. I thank the Lord that He has placed these people in my path.”
“Here’s my advice to anyone looking for love: Find someone who speaks to what’s important to you, that gets you on fire, that lights you up - as opposed to who the world has assumed you should be with. “
You life is not your own.
May 22, 2025
Watching Dr. Rolle in preseason football as a teenager I was always enamored with his story. As a rising M1 medical student, I am very pleased with how far he has progressed with his training and commitment to underserved communities. When I had learned that he had written a book detailing his philosophy, I had wanted to read it before embarking into medical school myself. The 2% way is an extremely concise and inspiring book that challenges medical students to not believe medical school is this large insurmountable task ahead rather a challenge of consistently improving little by little each and every day. Medicine is dealing with the symptoms of chronic burnout that effect everyone from RNs to MDs, by viewing every day as an opportunity to learn and improve little by little we can make sure that we are not burning out by viewing each challenge as massive. I would recommend this book to my friends as I believe it can not only equip one for their profession or occupation but also for life and their individual pursuits.
June 27, 2023
This was a unique presentation of a memoir, and the author is an amazing role model for success in academics and sports. And I 100% agree that we need to establish daily goals that are achievable, and will build on each other to grow positive results. And I love the concept of getting 2% better at any number of things, but what I struggle with are the metrics: how do you measure progress? As a corporate manager, I challenged my employees to develop new skills and improve efficiencies... sometimes very difficult to articulate as goals and hard to measure achievements. I was hoping this book might have a bit more depth in the "implementation and quantification" areas of improving one's skills. Overall, a very inspiring book, setting an excellent example of Christian belief and behavior. The Rhodes Scholar opportunity just blew me away. Delaying his football career took real guts and determination. Well done, Dr. Rolle. I hope more youth are inspired to be focused.
June 13, 2023
This book was actually a Christmas gift for my 11 year old son and while probably too advanced for a child that age, the overall message can be understood by any age if you have big dreams and goals. I followed Myron Rolle when he was in high school and had his #1 HS prospect rating taped on my wall as motivation. As someone who was always pushed to be equally skilled athletically as I was academically my parents absolutely adored this guy. I lost track of his story after he was drafted by the Titans so this was an extremely enjoyable read and Myron is still as inspiring as he was when he was on my wall in HS. The only reason I didn't rate this 5/5 was due to the 2% way feeling forced and redundant at times. However I understand mantras and repetition are the key to achieving the type of success Myron details in this book.
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