My key takeaway points from this book were:ġ. The second half was more about how standardized the world has become and it charges us to change this system (that part didn't suit my fancy). The first half of this book was Rose's complete guide on how to be a dark horse - someone who society never saw succeeding but they did anyway in the unlikeliest of ways. My review may be slightly misinformed because I only read the first half of the book. No matter where you are in your career, Rose and Ogas show how the dark horse mindset can guide you to a life of purpose, authenticity, and achievement. The philosophy behind this mindset is simple: it is not the pursuit of excellence that leads to fulfillment but rather the pursuit of fulfillment that leads to excellence.ĭark Horse reveals the five elements of this mindset that have been road-tested by a wide array of individuals nurturing every manner of aspiration. The secret is a special mindset that empowers them to consistently make the right choices to fit their circumstances and complement their unique interests and abilities. Dark horses demonstrate that the secret to personal accomplishment is not dependent on connections, money, or standardized test scores. The Dark Horse Project was born at the Harvard Graduate School of Education to research alternative paths to excellence. Researchers Todd Rose and Ogi Ogas have studied these dark horses, and in this groundbreaking book, use the experiences of these mavericks to demonstrate that there is a different and better formula for success. Then there are those who buck the formula and triumph on their own terms. But what if we have it exactly backwards? While this standard formula works for some it fails for far too many.

This is the commonly accepted formula for fulfilling goals and dreams. Know your long-term goals, work hard (very, very hard), and stay the course in the face of all obstacles until you reach your goal.

If you have ever felt like you just don’t fit, this book will change your life.

Dark horse achieving success