Win in the Dark is an audiobook by Joshua Medcalf, narrated by Joshua Medcalf. The unabridged Audible edition runs 3 hrs 45 mins.
Publisher’s Summary
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 question: 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 continued: “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.”
Audiobook Details
- Narrated by: Joshua Medcalf
- Length: 3 hrs 45 mins
- Publisher: T2BC
- Release year: 2021
- Audible category: Literature & Fiction / Genre Fiction / Coming of Age
Listener Ratings
Win in the Dark holds an average listener rating of 4.8/5 from 177 Audible ratings.
On Audible, ratings for this title break down into narration performance and story separately:
- Performance (narration): 4.8/5
- Story: 4.8/5
- 5-star ratings: 88% of all ratings
What Audible Listeners Are Saying
5/5 stars — “Must Read”
Fantastic story form novel. Excellent principles of perseverance, mentorship, grit and so many more. I’m a big fan of Joshua’s books. This one is just as good as the others.
Thanks for this great piece of work Joshua and Lucas! Job well done.— BRANDON KORTHUIS, Audible listener
5/5 stars — “WORTH it! “
Joshua Medcalf books are outstanding! This one is near the top of my list for his books. Win in the Dark conveys that the true battles (and victories) happen away from the spotlight. Medcalf uses compelling stories to illustrate how character and habits developed in private influence public success. The message that consistent effort and integrity matter even when no one is watching resonated deeply with me. Medcalf’s sincere narration adds depth to the content. For those seeking motivation to stay committed to their goals, it’s well WORTH your time!— Larry Worth, Audible listener
5/5 stars — “Good book for life”
Lots of hidden nuggets and lessons for life. Very good conclusion… specially for people that think that money or fame will make everything in life magical.— Pesan, Audible listener
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