Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong by Eric Barker

In his book, Barking Up The Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong, author Eric Barker examines why popular advice about career success isn’t always as effective as we think it is. Barker draws on decades of psychology and neuroscience research to reveal the unexpected real keys to success.

For centuries, people have believed in the same wisdom about how to become successful. Advice like “work hard” and “fake it until you make it” are well-worn clichés, but the truth is that they may be outdated or even wrong. Barker argues that adopting a new set of habits that are backed by psychological and neurological research can lead to greater success than relying on conventional wisdom.

Throughout the book, Barker explains that success really boils down to Mental Strength and Emotional Intelligence, two key skills that most people lack but can be acquired with effort. Mental Strength is the ability to manage and handle stress, stay motivated, and focus despite distraction. Emotional intelligence is the capacity to understand and control your emotions, empathize with others, and be more aware of the psychological forces at play in the environment.

Barker further explains that particular habits help cultivate these skills, such as meditating, writing in a journal, and focusing on developing positive relationships with others. He also shows how certain habits, like taking regular breaks and focusing on gratitude, can increase productivity and contribute to overall well-being.

When it comes to achieving success, it’s important to be aware of the obstacles standing in the way, such as self-sabotage, impostor syndrome, and the idea of a “fixed mindset.” Barker explains that it's crucial to have an “open mindset” to see and accept failure as feedback. Self-awareness is another key factor to success; Barker recommends a range of techniques, such as tracking metrics and identifying personal rules, to improve self-awareness.

Ultimately, Barking Up the Wrong Tree provides an in-depth look at why conventional advice about success is often wrong and equips readers with the knowledge and tools they need to set themselves up for a successful career. Barker proves that anyone, regardless of background or experience, can increase their chances of success by cultivating the right habits and mental skills.