By Eric Barker
Eric Barker provides a "scientific" look at what makes successful people successful in Barking UP the Wrong Tree. In his introduction, Barker writes, "This book explores what brings success in the real world. And I mean life success, not merely making money. What attitudes and behaviors will help you achieve your goals in whatever arena you choose, career or personal." (p. 2)
I appreciate Barker's approach. He is crystal clear as to what success is:
What defines success for you is, well, up to you. It's about what you personally need to be happy at work and at home. But that doesn't mean success is arbitrary.
While that sounds pretty arbitrary to me, I do appreciate Barker's efforts to help readers achieve their definition of success. The author spent eight years "breaking down the research and interviewing experts about what makes a successful life." (p. 3). Expect stats and anecdotes; illustrations and "illumination" in this Solomonic "under the sun" approach to figuring out life.
But like any earth-bound perspective, Barker seems to ignore the supernatural, which would include the prophet Micah's take on what really matters when it comes to "success":
O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NLT
That's not to say, don't read this book. READ IT! You will glean insights, wisdom, practical help and occasionally, a necessary kick in the seat of the pants.
A few of my highlights:
1. Know your strengths: People who assert that they will be awesome at something and then actually are awesome know they are not good at everything, "but they know their strengths and choose things that are a good fit." p. 28
2. Long life: "Studies show . . . those who gave more to others lived longer. . . . spending money on others makes us happier than spending it on ourselves. . . . [and] those who donate their time to help others feel less busy and like they have more free time." p. 46. Hmmm . . . Can someone say, "Acts 20:35" and "Luke 6:38"?
3. What's your why? Quotes Viktor Frankl, "A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how." p. 73. Good words for sure, and Barker, applies them well, except . . . well, it's arbitrary each person is the captain of his/her own soul and destiny, which apart from any metaphysical consideration makes for multiple games, after which it all does go back in the box.
4. Relax, but not too much! 80% of all mountain accidents occur on the way down. p. 81
5. Celebrate small wins "Celebrating 'small wins' is something that gritty survivors all have in common. And it's one of the reasons Alcoholics Anonymous is successful. Staying sober one day at a time is a small win." p. 92
6. Act on priorities by saying, No to all but the essential. Drucker's first line of defense to guarding precious time was "getting rid of everything that wasn't moving the needle when it came to achieving [one's] goals." What have you said "no" to lately because it kept you from your goal? p. 97
7. On collaboration: Radar didn't win the war. Collaboration did. p. 138
8. The leader's golden hour: At least an hour a day, preferable in the morning, needs to be "protected time," when you get real work done without interruption. cf Deep Work
9. Alignment: What's the most important thing to remember when it comes to success? One word: Alignment. Success is not the result of any single quality; it's about alignment between who you are where you choose to be." p. 263