The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi

Albert-Laszlo Barabasi's book "The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success" is an engaging and thought-provoking look at what comprises success, and how we can use these same principles to achieve our goals. Through rigorous research, Barabasi deconstructs the most successful people and projects throughout human history and examines their common denominators. The Formula provides practical, actionable advice to help readers use those same principles to become successful in whatever undertaking they choose to pursue.

The Formula begins by assessing the patterns of success, citing disparate examples ranging from renowned scientists and legendary entrepreneurs to military commanders and corporate titans who have achieved incredible results in their chosen fields. Barabasi shows that, without exception, each of these success stories have one element in common: a formula. A clearly defined technique or process, if followed properly and consistently, that results in successful outcomes, regardless of the endeavor.

The formula is broken down into its component parts, each of which Barabasi devotes an entire chapter to assessing and explaining. The first is "The Acquisition of Knowledge": an emphasis on the importance of both knowledge and its application in order to be successful. The second element is "The Structuring of Resources": the ability to use our resources, both internal and external, to create a network of relationships and systems that will maximize the potential of any project. From here, Barabasi moves on to the third part of the formula: "The Creation of Rules and Boundaries", outlining the importance of implementing clear guidelines and boundaries that will encourage creativity while maintaining a structured environment.

The fourth component of the formula is "The Art of Risk Taking", which stresses the importance of taking smart risks to maximize our potential for success. Barabasi proposes that, while risks should not be frivolous, the potential reward of taking calculated risks far outweighs any potential loss. In the final component, "The Management of Success", Barabasi outlines his beliefs for properly handling success when it does arrive. He asserts that having the appropriate perspective, balance and gratitude are as essential to maintaining success as the principles that lead to it in the first place.

The Formula provides a well-thought out and comprehensive guide to success, and puts the ball in the reader’s court by empowering them to take ownership of their journey. Barabasi offers up his formula as a means to unlock potential and reach our highest goals, and his decades of experience and expertise make it clear that he is speaking from a place of knowledge, not conjecture. His book provides a unique look at success and the individual steps required to achieve it, and is an essential tool for anyone wishing to make a leap from the ordinary to the extraordinary.