I began reading this book searching for the obvious clues behind the title. What I got was an insightful view that motivates those who encounter with great frequency-the uphill struggles against the many who see things as they are. This book encourages understanding why so many people follow the norms of conformity and why so few are able to see beyond the norm of “falling in-line.” Excellence requires determination. Persistence pays off. A clear vision can only be obscured by discouragement. A focussed mind struggles against the norms that are easy to follow. The mind is a complicated wonder that functions on instinct, emotions, and memories built from experiences. To be great, it requires being different, thinking freely, and reaching constantly for things many won’t dare to try. Failure is only tempered but permanent if you quit. These are not in the book but this is what inspires in the reader after you read this book.

People should buy this book, the paperback version is $25. This book is like a sequel to the author's last book. But in this one it explains about productivity, which is essentially the reward at the end of the habit loop. When I was reading his last book "Habit", I didn't really found it helpful, since it keeps explaining about the loop and stuff. But in this book, I finally understood that the reward at the end is basically the "why". The cue can sometimes be a task, then you do the task and finally get your "why".

There are some very clever insights (I particularly liked the chapter on Bayesian thinking and poker) but for the most part I believe it takes an inordinate amount of words to describe very simple concepts. To some extent, I believe some of the ideas can be derived from common sense and yet are presented as great scientific breakthroughs in the field of productivity.

Outstanding analyses. Would like to have seen a concluding chapter summarizing the material into an index card of thoughts and applications for team leaders.

One of the very best non-fiction books I've ever read - reads like a novel! I love his points made, and have already used them in my class, with promising results - example, I have reworked my lessons towards the students' internal locus of control, realizing that, while not intending it, my coursework was more external in its locus of control - as students have seen more choices, they've taken more ownership, and as a class, we seen more success! In my top five non-fiction books EVER! It works - thank you, Charles!!!

Excellent well written read!

I was raving about this book and reading it aloud to people even before I finished it. The stories are incredibly interesting and each chapter is concise, well written and packed with powerful messages. Highly recommend this book for anybody.

Your halfway into it and return to leave a review. After reading The Power of Habit and learning about the release of Smarter Faster Better I decided to pre order it. Although I have not finished the book entirely, I am enjoying it more so than I did with TPH. Another book full of amazing stories interwoven with deep psychological foundations that help us understand or everyday movements. Highly recommend.