Know Can Do! by Ken Blanchard & Paul J. Meyer & Dick Ruhe Summary
Overview of Know Can Do!
Why do 21 million readers trust Ken Blanchard? "Know Can Do!" solves the knowing-doing gap with a revolutionary "learn less more" approach. Endorsed by leadership programs worldwide, it's the missing link between information overload and lasting behavioral change.
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Key takeaways
Bridging the Gap: Why Smart People Don't Apply What They Learn
Have you ever read a life-changing book, felt inspired, and then... done absolutely nothing with that knowledge? You're in good company. Even Ken Blanchard, author of the 13-million-copy bestseller "The One Minute Manager," discovered his greatest career disappointment wasn't poor sales but poor implementation. Despite selling 18 million books, many readers weren't actually applying his ideas. This frustrating gap between knowing and doing isn't limited to business concepts-it affects nearly every area of life. Think about the health advice you understand perfectly but ignore daily, or the relationship wisdom you've acquired but rarely practice. When Blanchard investigated this phenomenon, he found something startling. Most readers could perfectly recite his principles but couldn't provide a single example of applying them in real life. The knowledge was there, but the application wasn't. This pattern isn't unique to his work-studies show companies spend over $100 billion annually on training, yet only 10-20% of that learning translates into actual behavioral change. We're investing enormous resources in acquiring knowledge that largely sits dormant, creating what economists call "dead learning." What's the solution? Blanchard connected with Paul J. Meyer, whose personal development programs showed consistent success rates of 60-70% in behavioral change-far exceeding industry norms. Meyer had identified "the missing link" in the learning process, and together they developed a framework that transforms how learning actually works.
The Paradox of Information Overload: When Less Is More
The Magic of Spaced Repetition: Training Your Brain to Remember
Overcoming "Stinkin' Thinkin'": The Power of Positive Filtering
Building Your Implementation System: Structure, Support, and Accountability
From Knowledge to Wisdom: Making Learning Matter
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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