Book review: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Richard Frazer Feb. 4, 2018

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Many of us have accepted clichés about how to achieve success at face value because they sound logical and sensible – and even biblical. Play by the rules; Nice guys finish last; Quitters never win and winners never quit; It’s not what you know, but who you know; Just believe in yourself; It’s better to burn out than rust out.  

In our pursuit of vocational and personal success, however, do these stand up under the scrutiny of hardcore sociological, behavioral and scientific research? And if not, what could possibly be the alternative truths that could clarify what success looks like and direct us more wisely and intelligently toward its attainment? 

Eric Barker has woven scientific research in the disciplines of sociology, chemistry, neurology and business-related studies with related stories of prison gangs, Navy SEALs, Toronto raccoons, eccentric pianists, pirates, serial killers and Genghis Khan as he scrutinizes these “ways to success” axioms. He leads the reader through a multitude of studies that, first, deconstruct the clichés. He then analyzes them alongside supporting and contradicting research to see if they pass muster. He then summarizes his findings and offers pathways to navigate the primary means of success highlighted in each chapter. 

Don’t think for a second, however, that Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success is (Mostly) Wrong is a dry or pithy textbook regurgitating formulas of success. Far from it! Barker is extremely witty, entertaining and a bit snarky at times, as he condenses and personalizes volumes of pertinent research in a style that is conversational and memorable. The reader will come away educated and entertained! 

In summary, Barker identifies several accelerators that have the potential of catapulting the faithful adherer of his conclusions into the kind of success that exceeds material and vocational categories. In his conclusion, he states what he has given evidence of in the solidly-written six main chapters: The most important thing to remember with it comes to success is “alignment” (p.263). He weaves this unifying theme through every topic tackled. I only wish he would have stated this at the beginning!   

This writing could forever change the habits and, ultimately, the outcome of every unfulfilled, unhappy, unfriended and pessimistic person. It challenges assumptions, helps one identify the context in which one can thrive, invites one to embrace failure and practice self-compassion, provides a process for realizing a person’s vision (WOOP), invites one to balance the various areas of their success pursuit (happiness, achievement, significance, legacy) and encourages the reader to develop satisfying and long-lasting relationships. 

Ministry leaders would benefit immensely from the many studies of human behavior Barker summarizes and puts in layman terms. Sharing any of the longitudinal studies on human behavior could add great understanding into human responses to many passages of scripture.  Finally, sprinkling anecdotes of Einstein, Ted Williams, Batman and a few serial killers into our teaching and preaching could energize our messages and spark our hearers’ imaginations and obedience.  

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Rich Frazer is President of Spiritual Overseers Service (SOS) International, a global training ministry equipping indigenous ministry leaders. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry with an emphasis on training ministry leaders to upcycle declining churches. Learn More »

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