Eccentricity and Success: Lessons from Eric Barker’s ‘Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Eric Barker’s Barking Up the Wrong Tree amalgamates research and knowledge on success and productivity, serving as a practical guide for achieving one’s fullest potential. Barker dispels common misconceptions about success and offers valuable insights based on thorough research. Think of this book as a how-to guide or a general how-to guide on how to be your most successful self.

Discussing the work of Karen Arnold, it’s evident that high school valedictorians tend to achieve success, but they often don’t become industry game-changers. Instead, they become adept at working within existing systems. This raises the question of how to cultivate true eminence. After all, not everyone can be a disruptor; we also need individuals who maintain and run the systems that exist.

Consider the idea that there may be a theoretical rate of “game changers” that society should produce, relative to those who manage systems. For instance, for every 200 employees at a company like Apple, there might be one Steve Jobs. Striking the right balance between these two roles is a complex challenge, and it’s essential to explore how society currently manages this equilibrium.

One key principle Barker highlights is the importance of eccentricity. To attain greatness, one must be willing to do what others shy away from. Picture a circle: if you aim to be average, you’ll stay at the center where everyone else is. But if you aspire to be exceptional, you must venture beyond the circle’s center to the right. This concept resonates with the idea that embracing uniqueness and pushing boundaries often leads to remarkable achievements.

Eric Barker’s insights draw an intriguing parallel between Spider-Man’s Venom character and our relationship with smartphones and work. In today’s world, with its fast-paced changes, it’s vital to reflect on what we can learn from this analogy.

In essence, Barker’s insights provide valuable guidance for those seeking to navigate the complex landscape of success and self-improvement.

Original draft written in December 2018