Habits, both good and bad, are a powerful part of the slight edge. Typically, people tend to focus on their bad habits and aim to quit them. Rather than trying to break bad habits by not doing something, Olson suggests replacing bad habits with better ones. Everyone has many habits, things they may even be unaware of because habits usually form automatically. Olson stresses the importance of building intentional, positive habits that become automatic, so those little daily decisions you make can add up great results. There are seven core habits that are important for success: showing up, being consistent, maintaining a positive outlook, staying committed long-term, having a desire based on faith, paying the price, and practicing integrity.

Olson supplies anecdotes to explain how these habits function. His daughter consistently attended difficult college courses, which allowed her to achieve academic success in a highly competitive institution just by being there and doing the work regularly. Positive outlooks are important because philosophy affects attitude, which impacts actions and, therefore, results. For example, people who look for the good in their relationships will find more of it and build happier, longer-lasting relationships as a result.