Homeschoolers and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

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I love personal development books.  They remind me of the importance of thinking about how I live and of examining whether or not what I do meets my goals of loving God and those around me.  I almost always finish such a book inspired and with one or two small practical changes to implement in my life.

And, of course, there are always ways to apply such small changes to our homeschool as well.

The thesis of The Slight Edge  by Jeff Olson is that it’s the small things in life, the ones that are easy to do and easy not to do, that make a huge difference in the long run.  In an easy-to-read style Olson discusses this concept from many angles and then makes it intensely practical for the reader.  He also shares his own story from beach bum to successful businessman.

The one small habit Olson recommends as a basis for everything else is to read 10 pages of an inspiring book every day, and The Slight Edge ends with a long list of his favorites.  Unfortunately the Bible is not on this list although it is, of course, the first and best book for anyone to read.

Even so, almost all of Olson’s advice, being based on real life, resonates with Christian principles.  He especially encourages integrity although, again, his goal is success in life, not obeying and honoring God.   He also emphasizes that good habits are crucial and lists 7 important ones.  (Charlotte Mason’s ideas about habit seem to pop up everywhere!)

So, what are some slight edge habits we can use in our homeschools?  In other words, what little, easy daily activities will make a huge difference for our children in the long run, both academically and in life itself?  Here are some we work on:

• Read the Bible every day
• Memorize or review something every day
• Read quality books every day
• Minimize screen time every day
• Exercise every day
• Live intentionally every day
• Show gratitude every day

Again, these are meant to be simple activities.  If we turn them into a complicated burden, that often prevents us from actually doing them.  However, if we manage to actually do them, we will be giving our children a slight edge that can, in the long run, transform their lives.

But Olson’s ideas are not only for homeschools and child-raising.  They can make a huge difference in our personal lives as well.  And, yes, of course, I know we all know this; it’s just that sometimes we need to be reminded.

As I read The Slight Edge, I noticed 6 simple but life-building habits that have been important to me for years—perhaps due to the inspiring reading I’ve enjoyed all my life:

• Read the Bible and other good books.
• Express gratitude to God and people.
• Walk 10,000 steps a day and exercise several times a week.
• Use my time intentionally.
• Emphasize whole foods.
• Apply the 80/20 rule whenever possible.

These are all easy to do, and easy not to do, and they have all made an incredible difference in my life…when I do them.  I now list these goals at the bottom of each day of my homemade planner, just to remind myself.  The important thing is that they only make a difference when I do them.  And that, I think, is the point of this book.

If you want to

• gain some practical insight into how little habits can make a huge difference,
• benefit your children in simple ways,
• understand Charlotte Mason’s habit training from a new perspective, or
• examine your own life,

you would enjoy this book.  You can even let your older children read it.

But, whether you read it or not, remember its main point:  there is great benefit in regularly doing those little positive things that are so easy to forget.  This is true for our homeschools and families as well as ourselves as we seek to glorify God in all we do.

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This is yet another book in the in the 2014 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge and is also linked to Saturday Reviews, Works for Me Wednesdays, Booknificent Thursdays, Raising Homemakers, Finishing Strong, Mom to Mom Monday, R&R Wednesdays, Mom to Mom Monday, Missional Weekend, and  Trivium Tuesdays.

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the library and have given my honest opinion.