Win In The Dark

by Joshua Medcalf, Lucas Jadin

Win In The Dark is another fable written in the same style as the viral sensations Chop Wood Carry Water and Pound The Stone. Here is a short excerpt. “Everyone wants their moment in the spotlight. But you don’t shine under the bright lights. The bright lights only reveal your work in the dark. Most people will never see your work in the dark. And when you emerge after years — sometimes even decades — of training, they often undercut your work, calling you an ‘overnight success’ or ‘freakishly talented.’ They don’t realize that talent is only the starting line.They don’t realize talent is overrated.They don’t realize talent is never enough.They don’t realize talent is more of a curse than a blessing unless you develop the mindset, grit, and work ethic of a grinder. Behind every ‘overnight success’ is tens of thousands of unseen hours training, failing, and growing in the dark.” Marco spoke with the conviction of someone who had learned this wisdom firsthand through years of success and failure. “And it's often not the physical aspects of training that force most people to give up on their dreams. The true demons and thieves are the mental ones faced in the dark that choke out your potential. The dark is where you confront the little voice in your head trying to convince you that you are a fraud, that you’ll never make it, and that you are going to be ‘exposed.’ The dark is where you feel like you are alone in your struggles, believing your destructive thoughts and questioning your decisions. The dark is where you face the critics, the doubters, and the haters throwing shots at you from the cheap seats. The dark is where you realize that confidence is fleeting and shifts with the wind — but that conviction, authentic conviction, is forged through fire. The dark is where you give your everything, but still can’t shake the what if my everything isn’t enough? The majority of your journey in the dark is a psychological, emotional, and even spiritual battle that people watching from the stands rarely comprehend. Some things can only be understood in the arena, in the trenches, in the dark.” Niko nodded in understanding — he knew the dark; he had found himself there in the past, overwhelmed by its intensity. It was a place he avoided. Marco "But there are treasures, both tangible and intangible, for those with the courage to navigate the dark. Those willing to embrace uncertainty and discomfort over and over again. Those who yearn to embark on the road less traveled and explore the edges of human potential. You see, the dark serves as an opportunity to sharpen your character and skill set. It’s only in the dark, in the toughest of storms, that the best sailors are built. Smooth seas and bright skies don’t build the best, only adversity can do that. The dark is where you forge the conviction that you can do hard things.The dark is where you accept that you are worthy, regardless of your performance, your accomplishments, or the opinions of others. The dark is where you transform into a version of yourself you never dreamed possible. Most people are obsessed with proving themselves under the bright lights instead of improving their craft, little by little, each day in the dark.” He gestured toward the training field, where his walkers were stretching and rigging anchors. The air was filled with energy. Niko’s butterflies returned. “We do things differently here.Our cameras are for watching film, not for posting on the gram.We don't care how it appears to outsiders. We care about how it helps you grow.We don’t wait for applause. We quietly and relentlessly train in the dark with complete trust that our moment under the bright lights will come. Welcome to the dark.”

Genres: Self Help, Personal Development, Personal Growth, Leadership, Business, Fiction

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2020

Reviews

[McKenzie Dygert · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Being a perfectionist is just another way of saying you're afraid.... Expecting perfection smothers your progress... you miss out on the crucial mistakes that allow you to continue growing."

[Dustin Hudak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, good book with some solid life lessons.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book that I'm so glad to have as part of my school library's collection. I can't wait to suggest this book to students at my high school! One of the co-writers has been a teacher in my school district so this makes the connection to our students especially strong. Young people (or adults) who read this book will find inspiration and advice on being the best person you can be. Readers are motivated to live with gratitude, develop a healthy perspective, set goals, and live a good life. This book is a great choice for readers from age 10 to adult. The short chapters and compelling plot would make this a fine choice for reluctant readers.

The story follows a young man whose grandfather helps guide him through discouragement and disappointment. Each chapter follows Nico through success and failures as he tries to reach his goal of becoming a world class high wire walker. Readers and Nico learn that there's more to life than a victory in the limelight. Where you really win is in the dark--when you're working hard and focusing on being better each day.

[Jesse Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book! Would recommend this to anybody that is a big thinker, in a rut, needs help thinking bigger and needs help overcoming obstacles. The “little man vs the big man” is a game changer. A+++

[Ethan Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I want to say that this book is amazing. There are so many valuable lessons that this book teaches that you can apply to your life. This book is a fictional story (although some characters in the book are based off real people that are part of the authors lives) about a boy Niko and who is a junior in high school and his grandpa Marco. In the book, Niko gets cut from his high school soccer team at the same time that his dad dies. He is in a terrible place and just not doing good. His grandpa Marco, suggests that he try highline walking which is what his grandpa did. Highline walking is walking across a tight line while you are 300 feet in the air. Niko at first gets really frustrated with it, but his grandpa gives him advice and important life lessons. It is amazing to see the transfermation of Niko in the beginning of the book to the end. A significant quote from the book that I liked was "Niko, uncomfortable isnt a choice, hard isnt a choice, having things speed up and feeling out of control isnt a choice. But when and where you experience them? We have a lot of choice in that. The more you intentionally seek out those struggles in the dark, the less likely you will be to confront them under the bright lights." I love this quote because Marco is explaining to Niko that the work in the "dark" is more important then under the bright lights where everyone can see. The theme for this book is you have to love the dirty, sucky, terrible days of training to become great. You have to embrace the "dark" and have to learn that working in those terrible times is very important for your character growth. I think that all teenagers should read this book because it will help you in your life. There are many, many important lessons that are taught in this book that teens can apply to their life. They will have more motivation and will power.

[Anthony Cappoferri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel terrible giving a book with such excellent principles such a low rating, but it was for the story in which I found it hard to connect with as well as the extreme predictability. This may even be ideal for younger audiences, but I found it hard to engage, unlike the other books by the author. That said, this might be the perfect book for a teenager and it contains phenomenal life advice and principles, but as someone who usually loves books like this, it was a tough one to finish.

[Chris Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected but not in a bad way.

The book is more of a story about a young boy who faces a lot of adversity and is lucky to have wise mentors guide him and help him blossom into a successful young man.

There is a bit of a karate kid element here which was fun.

Overall, this book is perfect for anyone who coaches youth sports or young athletes themselves.

I had a handful of great takeaways.

[Rafik Farouk]

Win In The Dark by Joshua Medcalf is a powerful, heartfelt story about the unseen work that shapes true success. Through young Niko’s journey of loss, rejection, and resilience—guided by his wise Grandpa—this book teaches that real victories happen not in the spotlight, but in the quiet, uncomfortable moments when no one is watching. Perfect for young men and anyone ready to embrace grit, humility, and growth. If you want a quick, inspiring read that hits deep and sticks with you, this is it.

[Christina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to everyone. It talks about the mental battle in such a simple and fun way! As Niko learns self-discipline and how to fight his fear, so do you as you read. "People often want the sharp edge of the sword but aren't willing to be forged in the fire that yields thise results." You have to learn to not wait for anyone's applause.

[Michael Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both inspirational and up to date

Written in such a way to inspire, teach and educate while staying believable. My wife and I both read it and it is also part of readings for our team.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really well written debut for Lucas Jadin (with Medcalf.)This book manages to deliver a lot of tremendous wisdom, inspiration, and credible research on peak performance while also maintaining a compelling narrative that shows a lot of heart and delivers a strong message about life and love.

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the writing style seems overly simple at times, the practical advice and heartwarming story of Marco coaching his grandson to live and perform is incredible. There were several chapters where I felt like I was underlining nearly every line.

[Tim Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read almost all of Medcalf's books and while I prefer Chop Wood Carry Water and Pound the Stone, Win In The Dark is a quick read with a very uplifting message and is sure to give you a jolt of motivation in your life.

[Thomas J Ninness · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an awesome read!

I truly enjoyed this book. Great lessons throughout the book and will buy it for my grandson to read. Thank you Joshua Metcalf and Lucas Jason for the many life lessons.

[Randy Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another along the lines of Chop Wood, Cary Water and Pound the Stone, looking inside yourself and finding the answers to make you stronger and a better person. I highly recommend all three books for self learning or just for entertainment.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another five star personal development book this year in the books. I’m think Joshua Medcalf is my fave nonfiction peronsal development author. I love the way he gets his point across through stories

[NikolausSchweikert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fastest Read of my life

I couldn't put this book down. There was too much good information. I kept reading and kept highlighting. I can't wait to read this again with my team!

[Paul Chmura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Great messages. Great for teams, Cora he's, and/or players.

[Tarra Monges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, inspiring and motivating.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Metcalf. Started a bit slow but by the end I loved it. Having just lost a grandparent and "shining star" this one hit close. Short read but great message!

[Morgan Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

100/100 Recommend

HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend every one reads this book!!!! No matter where or what you’re doing in life, this applies to you.

[Julia Hartlaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now one of my top 10 favorite books. Such a powerful book, and valuable for anyone to read. There were so many lessons I learned and powerful, moving stories. Highly recommend.

[Shawna Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for work. Good team building.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult to put down.

[Sara Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t bad. Just not my favorite kind of book haha

[Danny Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Powerful messages on dealing with disappointments and conflicts with self confidence. Importantly how the bond of a young man with his grandfather so touching and inspirational.

[Launna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top 10 books for sure. Well worth the time. Probably my favorite of this author’s books so far. Does have some repeat stories and principles from other books; but I didn’t mind the repeats.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a page turner since it was a story that kept you interested and also taught some great life lessons/strategies. Life is hard and the bumps along the road n it harder, but this book reminds us to work in the dark and keep going.

[Madison Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this one in December, and then re-read with our staff in January. When I say EVERYONE needs to read this book, I mean it.