You can read an excellent and detailed book summary by Doug Green.

Here are some notes about this mind-changing book.

The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success by Albert-László Barabási explains how his team discovered these laws and how they can apply to your life and the lives of those you touch. While successful people throughout the ages had no idea of why they succeeded, you don’t have to. This is certainly one of the most important books I have summarized to date. Be sure to get a copy for your school.

Introduction

Albert and his team gathered data on people who achieved success in as many fields as possible. The assumption is that success leaves a trail of data points behind it such as publications, museum exhibits, sales, and even sports statistics. The idea was to find a series of recurring patterns that drive success in most areas of human performance. This is not about success as judged by the individual as that leaves no trail. As a result of this effort, we have the universal laws of success.

1. The First Law:
   Performance drives success, but when performance can’t be measured, networks drive success. It’s time to see the largely invisible networks that shape our success.
2. The Second Law:
   Performance is bounded, but success is unbounded.
3. The Third Law:
   Previous success x fitness = future success
4. The Fourth Law:
   While team success requires diversity and balance, a single individual will receive credit for the group’s achievements.
5. The Fifth Law:
   With persistence, success can come at any time.

What I learned was that, although I have always performed well, I had neglected to understand and apply the laws of network science.

That was one reason why success had eluded me. Another reason is that, if one community does not respond to your message, then it is time to find another community that does.