Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong
How Unlikely Traits and Outliers Hold the Secret to Real-World Success
About This Book
Discover the hidden forces that propel ordinary people to extraordinary heights. This groundbreaking guide dismantles common success myths and reveals why raw talent, relentless work ethic, or pure niceness alone won’t cut it. You’ll learn when your quirks become secret weapons, why genuine kindness beats forced networking, and how to balance grit with strategic quitting. Through captivating stories—from a secret con-artist army to a no-fear superwoman—and cutting-edge science, you’ll gain real-world tactics to excel at work, deepen relationships, and craft a life you love. Ready to challenge conventional wisdom? Your journey starts here.About the Author
Eric Barker spent over a decade dissecting the science of success on his blog, translating academic research into simple, actionable steps. A regular contributor to major media outlets and speaker at top conferences, he’s helped thousands apply behavioral science to leadership, productivity, and personal growth. Barker is known for blending academic rigor with real-world stories—everything from secret military con artists to record-smashing athletes—to deliver clear, well-tested strategies. When he’s not writing, he experiments with new productivity hacks or hunts the next big insight to help you outperform your own expectations.
Biggest Takeaway
By applying these insights, you will: - Leverage “intensifiers” to turn personal flaws into your most powerful advantages. - Master authentic networking that creates trust, opportunity, and lasting professional friendships. - Harness grit and strategic quitting to laser-focus your energy on what truly matters. - Transform dull routines into motivating, game-like challenges that boost productivity. - Balance healthy confidence with humility to avoid costly blind spots and maintain mental agility.
Key Insights from This Book
Explore the most important ideas and learn how to apply them in your life.
Transform Your Flaws into Secret Superpowers
Why Kind Givers End Up Both Winning and Losing
Sometimes the Smartest Choice Is to Quit
Turn Dull Tasks into Addictive Challenges
Pick Your Pond and Play to Your Strengths
Stop Networking and Just Be a Friend
How Labeling Emotions Wins Every Argument
The Hidden Peril of Being Too Confident
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