The 2% Way: How a Philosophy of Small Improvements Took Me to Oxford, the NFL, and Neurosurgery

Rolle shares how his philosophy of self-improvement has helped him through life in this heartfelt debut. The author attributes his success as a Rhodes scholar, a professional football player for the Tennessee Titans, and a neurosurgery resident to his adherence to the “2% Way”: “If you improve yourself 2 percent at a time, you’ll make strides without feeling overwhelmed.” After bombing a prescreening interview for the Rhodes scholarship while at Florida State University, Rolle practiced answering questions with a professor after football practice, aiming to get 2% better every day, and passed on his second try. While playing for the Titans, Rolle worked out before practice and found mentors from whom he could learn to hone his athleticism. He powered through the first wave of Covid-19 at Massachusetts General Hospital by making small, evidence-based changes to his practice and leaning on his Christian faith. The faith and self-help elements are eclipsed by memoir, and readers’ mileage will vary based on their interest in Rolle’s straightforward account of his life. Those looking for a tale of persistence and overcoming will enjoy this inspiring account. (May)