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Incremental Improvements: Change Your Life One Small Step At A Time

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ISBN-10: 1503254534
ISBN-13: 978-1503254534
Are there aspects of your life that you'd like to improve? What's been holding you back? In this book, author Mike Brodsky shares some ideas and strategies for changing your life, one small step at a time. If you've had a tough time sticking with your resolutions, or even taking that first step towards your ultimate goal, the "incremental improvements" strategy can lead you on the path to success. Explore potential ways to improve many aspects of your life, including your financial wealth, as well as your physical and mental health. What actions and behaviors will you choose to change in order to improve yourself, the lives of others, and the world?

Topics covered in this book include ideas for making changes to improve the following areas: * Financial * Diet * Exercise * Business Management * Career * Relationships * Parenting * Volunteering * Addiction * Stress Management * Time Management * Health * Education * Politics * Fears and Phobias * Social Media

142 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 2014

9 people are currently reading
879 people want to read

About the author

Mike Brodsky

2 books35 followers
Mike Brodsky is a financial advisor in Orlando, Florida. Mike graduated cum laude with distinction in the Economics major from Yale University in 1990. He received an M.B.A. from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business in 1992. He started in the financial services industry with Smith Barney in 1997. Mike has received the certifications of Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor(SM) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(SM) from the College for Financial Planning. He has also previously worked as a television news producer with the NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach, and as a producer for America's Health Network. He is currently the President of the Yale Alumni Association of Central Florida and the All-Ivy Club of Central Florida. He is the Board Vice-Chairman for The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, the President the Jewish Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Business Board of Directors for World Sports Alumni. He has previously served as a board member for Distinguished Young Women of Florida, the JCC of Greater Orlando, the Center for Memory Disorders, and the Orlando International Fringe Festival. He is frequently asked to speak on various topics to a wide variety of audiences.

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5 stars
16 (45%)
4 stars
10 (28%)
3 stars
5 (14%)
2 stars
3 (8%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Robin Morgan.
Author 5 books286 followers
September 4, 2016
I doubt if there’s a single individual who will this review who doesn’t want to change some aspect of their lives or of who they are or even someone/something else. I know I do. And I know you probably do as well. But first we have to admit it to ourselves.

But with a history of failures each time we’ve tried to accomplish some change in the pass, we’re hesitant to try making the desired transformation again. The author of this book, Mike Brodsky starts off by asking his readers the obvious question of what’s holding us back from successfully accomplishing our goals; and I’ve already the answer - - - it’s our pass.

Just like saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” just like when we were toddlers who didn’t know how to talk or walk at all, the desired end result which we can see today only got achieved by making a small, as the author puts it, incremental improvement day by day as we grew up. Now you didn’t go from saying “Ma Ma” to “Da Da” overnight to saying complete sentences; Did you?”

Since everyone who will read his book is different and have different wants/desires Mr. Brodsky doesn’t give us specific answers, but he does offer his readers are various ideas and strategies which when done slowly and not rushed into, could lead to us having the various successes we so desperately want in our lives.

And because of what I’ve suggested above regarding everyone’s individuality, readers will have to decide for themselves which pathway of suggestions they will follow until they hit upon the right combination for their own needs. In other words, you’ll need to pretend you’re a child again learning things for the first time.

However, there is one MAJOR element for the book which is preventing from me the 5 STARS I’d like to have given it; and that element is the disclaimer which the author has written himself.

Disclaimer: let’s be perfectly upfront here. This book is not intended to replace professional medical advice, so be sure to consult with your doctor if you intend to make any changes to your diet or exercise plans. I’ve done no research whatsoever into the various topics covered in this book. It’s based purely on observations gleaned over the years. Also, many of the topics covered in this book get into areas which might normally be discussed with a psychologist, financial advisor, business consultant, etc. I do not intend to replace these professionals… I just want to help you put things into perspective, and change the way you think about these various issues. I strongly advise that you do consult with an appropriate professional before undergoing any major changes in your life. This book is intended to represent the start of a lifetime discussion regarding ways to improve your life. I hope to keep the dialogue going for many years to come…. [Disclaimer has been copied from the book itself.]

So for having assembled the approximate 15 various topics contained in this book in an easy to read format, and for saving us the time to do the same, I’m giving this book 3 STARS.

I read this book via a KINDLE Unlimited download from Amazon-US.

Profile Image for Dennis.
45 reviews
January 21, 2015
“Incremental Improvements” is a book for anybody who has made the wise decision to improve their life but might be facing the challenge to stay the course.

Mr. Brodsky offers – in straightforward language – strategies for implementing minor, gradual, barely perceptible changes in one’s daily routine – in everything from finances to relationships to career and health – that will make these changes not only seem surmountable but, once applied, will barely seem like changes at all. These “incremental improvements” steadily grow over time and become ingrained in your regular routine, each day bringing you closer to success.

The book is also arranged in such a manner that, once you've finished it, you can go back and easily reference any chapters if you need a refresher.

If you've found yourself unable to clear the hurdles of a new resolution or if you've been hesitating to take those seemingly formidable steps toward improving your life and the lives of others, your first incremental improvement should be to read this book.
Profile Image for Emily (Heinlen) Davis.
616 reviews34 followers
February 5, 2015
This book was interesting and easy-to-read. The ideas within it seem like they would be helpful to someone wanting to gain permanent improvements in his/her life. Some of the suggestions seemed like common sense, but, in reality, some people may still need to hear them.
Profile Image for Ed Barton.
1,303 reviews
October 24, 2019
Basics

The book covers the basics of incremental change and the benefits of starting to make progress. There are other, better books out there on the same topic - in particular the Sorities Principle. This is a short, easily read book but not a top tier one on the subject.
Profile Image for Daniel Anzanello.
12 reviews
February 18, 2020
Great book

Great book and very easy to read. Loved how there are several chapters for each area in life so you can focus on the area you are currently working on and also keep as a reference. Great book!
Profile Image for Shazza Maddog.
1,314 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and that in no way influences my review.

Mr. Brodsky has come up with a relatively easy way to make very major changes in your life. While the title could easily be 'Baby Steps', as the principle is the same, it probably wouldn't be as easy as a sell. The suggestions he makes in his book are simple - break down any major change in your life, and start with one thing. Once you have that one thing down, add to it. And continuing adding, maybe every week, or every other week, until you reach your goal.

It makes sense and seems very simple. I've already started implementing a few of the ideas in my personal life, and, while I have only just started, the little changes don't 'hurt' as much as a major change all at once.

My only concern is some of the chapters are only a page and a half long - with the suggestion that if you cannot manage the change yourself, you should seek professional help (and that is a recurring theme, that Mr. Brodsky is not a doctor/a tax consultant/etc., and while his ideas can help, if you need additional input, to seek professional assistance).

A very quick read with an idea that makes a lot of sense. I believe this book would read very well for people who need a gentle push in the right direction of how to manage their lives.
Profile Image for Lana.
69 reviews
April 30, 2016
NOTE: I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This little book started out strong. The advice provided made sense and it was an interesting concept. There are some tips I felt could be easily implemented. I plan to implement some of the recommendations and try it on my own.

However, once I got near the end of the book, I struggled with the concept. When the author recommended using his concept to deal with heftier topics like addiction and abuse, I felt he was overstepping his bounds. These issues are something bigger than most people can deal with on their own. I think I would have felt better reading the last few chapters if there was some research to back up the author’s beliefs.

The last few chapters seemed unnecessary to me. I’m not sure if it was because I disagreed with some of the concepts earlier on, or not. The last chapters didn’t really flow as well and I thought rambled.

Overall, I think there are pieces of advice that could easily be implemented in certain situations. I believe most readers would find something in the book that they could use to make improvements.
Profile Image for Sandralk.
124 reviews
March 2, 2015
Thank you to author Mike Brodsky and Goodreads for this book! I won this autographed book from a Goodreads giveaway.

I thought I would skim through this book before fully reading it through, and instead I read it all in one day.

What I liked about this book was that it was overwhelming, and it also provided great examples of how to apply the methods to real life.

It wasn't a "dances with words" book to make the incremental steps seem more complicated than necessary (just to make it bigger or longer) like other books I've read.

Self improvement can be helpful at any age as we are always learning and growing. It's easy to follow a routine which has been done for years day in and day out, whether it's good for you or not, because it is comfortable.

I recommend this book for anyone looking to change or improve their life or lifestyle. This can be anything from saving money to eating healthier or even curbing bad habits in just small manageable increments at a time.

Thanks again for the opportunity to win this book!
Profile Image for Diane.
256 reviews19 followers
April 3, 2015
Incremental Improvements by Mike Brodsky

April 3, 2015

I like this book. It's a very simple idea. I like the style and content. Simply scanned over the financial and business sections though. Not really much I can do/use with that right now. I'll hang on to this to go through again on occasion. The author makes some valid points. I like the small steps. Easy to understand. In combination with some other books I've read lately things are moving forward. Much needed and appreciated.

Recommended. Really for anyone, and most especially if you are feeling stuck in your current circumstances. Small things add up to make a difference.

In accordance with FTC guidelines: I was selected as a winner of this book through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways. An honest review may have been requested, but was not required. I do not know the author personally nor did the receipt of this book in this manner impact or alter my review in any way. ~ Thanks Mike!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
160 reviews36 followers
April 16, 2016
i received this book from goodreads first reads and the author for an honest review.I found this book to be even better then i expected.Incremental Improvements are just that,small things we can do to improve our lives to the fullest.the author gives different aspects of your life that can be improved and by addressing the initial problem we can change these problem areas.
I loved this book and feel that anyone who wants to change themselves.I also think this is a book that college students should read before they graduate to help them in the neverending struggles that can lead to some of the problems that this author addresses.
Thanks again for this chance to read this book...
Profile Image for Jessica.
375 reviews35 followers
July 20, 2015
I have seen many self help books. I am a nurse, a recovering addict (8 years sobriety), and and in my first semester of college in hopes of achieving an associates degree in behavioral science. So many books seem overwhelming in both size and recommended course of action. This one is a little over 150 pages and has brief chapters on a variety of areas that one may need help. This books outlines the 'little steps make a big difference approach. This isn't an in depth guide to any one area but it is a great all purpose guide great for anyone who wants to try and better their life.

I received a physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Delta.
1,242 reviews22 followers
May 30, 2016
I appreciate the concepts Brodsky is presenting in this book. One small step at a time will add up to big changes in your life. I totally get it and follow those principals in my own life. The real issue I have with the information is that Brodsky admits he has not done any research into the topics. For me, that's a huge red flag and greatly colored my reading.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Sandra Berglund.
7 reviews19 followers
April 8, 2016
I loved every page of this book! The book is written in easy to understand language. It gives a reader a lot to think about. I would say in some way it opens your eyes to what are you doing with your life and how one small thing can change your entire life. I liked how the book is divided in few different topics and each topic is explain completely. I would definitely recommend it to everyone who is looking for some change in their life!
3 reviews
May 4, 2016
Thank you for my free, autographed copy of Incremental Improvements.

This book tries to cover a lot of ground - finance, diet, and even politics (ha, good luck to Donald Trump) - and it is a quick read for suggestions on how to take those baby steps toward incremental improvements. Although I read it from cover to cover, I'd say it would work best for those looking for a "pep talk" or short refresher on a particular subject to get motivation to change.
8 reviews
April 7, 2015
A quick, insightful, read that applies his philosophy of a small steady change is best and lasting to all things. This is a very encouraging approach to moving in a different direction for a positive result. Why not try just a little bit smashes the fear of big changes. I really liked it and will share it with younger adults that are starting out on the journey of life, thanks Mr. Brodsky
Profile Image for Michael Shulman.
27 reviews78 followers
May 16, 2015
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Although the book is short (less than 150 pages), it offers some very helpful self-improvement advice. From finance to relationships, to addiction, Mike Brodsky uses very concise and straightforward language.
Profile Image for Betty.
59 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2016
This helpful little book came to me through a Goodreads giveaway. I put this one on my night stand and read it in the afternoons when I spent quiet time resting with my cat and a book! I am pleased to say I hit upon little encouragements each afternoon. Thank you Mr. Brodsky!
Profile Image for Beverly.
708 reviews9 followers
July 24, 2015
I won "Incremental Improvements" on Goodreads First Reads. I read it in on sitting. I love the idea of making small changes over time. Great ideas.
Profile Image for David Yarde.
Author 1 book5 followers
September 30, 2015
Straight to the point of almost obvious in many cases but solid advice all around. I wished some chapters were a little longer but definitely a great read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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