A RECIPE FOR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Series: The Outlier Series
Title: Ingredients of Outliers
Trade Paperback/ Ebook
192 pages
6 x 9 inches
Trade Paperback: $14.95
E-book: $3.99
Publisher: Outlier Publishing
Publication Date: June 2013
Paperback ISBN-13: 978-1940288000
eBook ISBN-13: 978-1-940288-01-7
Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-1-940288-03-1
Author: John Shufeldt, MD, JD, MBA
out · li · er [out–lahy–er] noun: A statistical observation of people that is
markedly different in value from other people in the sample.
They always have been with us and continue to walk among us. Some rise to
fame like Wilma Rudolph, Theodore Roosevelt, Dr. William Osler, Grandma
Moses, Fred Astaire, Dr. Seuss, David Lee Roth, Ray Kroc, Captain “Sully”
Sullenberg, and Jeff Bezos. Others accomplish their feats outside the spotlight of
fame, touching thousands of lives along the way.
But what makes a person an outlier and how do you become one? John Shufeldt,
MD, JD, MBA addresses these questions in his life-altering guide Ingredients of
Outliers. Using humor and real-life stories, Shufeldt explores the qualities of
outliers, the secret sauce of ingredients that guide their lives and enable them to
leave permanent footsteps in their wake.
If you aspire to be an outlier, live with one, work with one, or are mentoring one,
this is your go-to book for insight into those special fifteen characteristics that
outliers possess. Shufeldt’s tips and techniques inspire readers of all types and
professions to step out of their comfort zone and into the extraordinary world of
outliers.
About the Author
John Shufeldt is a serial student, an
indefatigable change agent and a
multidisciplinary entrepreneur who has
studied the traits and qualities of
extraordinary individuals for over three
decades.
John received his BA from Drake University
in 1982 and his MD from the University of
Health Sciences/ The Chicago Medical
School in 1986. He completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at Christ Hospital
and Medical Center in 1989 where he spent his final year as Chief Resident. John
received his MBA in 1995, and his Juris Doctorate in 2005, both from Arizona State
University. He is admitted to the State Bar in Arizona, the Federal District Court and
Supreme Court of the United States.
He founded numerous health and non-health care businesses and continues to
practice emergency medicine and law. He writes and lectures on a variety of subject
matters to graduate medical, business and law students, businesses, entrepreneurs,
and professional associations. He is an adjunct professor at the Sandra Day
O’Connor College of Law where he teaches a clinic on Health Law Entrepreneurism.
He serves on the Drake University Board of Trustees and the Sandra Day O’Conner
College of Law Alumni Board.
To learn more about John and his work, visit www.ingredientsofoutliers.com.
https://www.facebook.com/ingredientsofoutliers
@JohnShufeldt
John Shufeldt, MD, JD, MBA, FACEP
Praise for Ingredients of Outliers
“John writes in a conversational tone that makes this book so enjoyable to
read. Educational and entertaining from cover to cover!” - Billy Cundiff, ProBowl/All-Pro NFL football player

“In Ingredients of Outliers John Shufeldt provides real-life stories about those
superstar performers we all aspire to become. Whether you want to improve your
career, performance on the sports field, or just get some inspiration to step up
your game in any aspect of your life, Ingredients of Outliers can provide the
motivation and vision to help you get to where you want to be.” - Dan Cassidy,
CEO/Founder Inspiyr.com

“This is a ‘hard to put down book’ written with inspirational and lesson-filled
stories that not only stay with you, but make you want to be a better version of
yourself.” - Nicole Drury, Esq. Executive, Director of Colleen’s Dream
Foundation

“Ingredients of Outliers is a witty and charming guide to success and happiness
told by a living example. Amid the real life stories of adventure and misadventure
are the secrets to a fulfilled life. John’s humor and warmth makes this book so
readable and fun that you forget you’re learning invaluable life lessons told by an
author who’s achieved great success in his life. John’s enthusiasm and positive
attitude are infectious and each chapter leaves you with the feeling that anything
is possible! And when you’re done reading, give a copy to your kids. What a gift!”
- Beverly Kidd, TV news anchor

“John Shufeldt is the ultimate (self-made) outlier and this book is a treasure trove
of gold nuggets. His pithy, honest, and incredibly wise advice is essential reading
for anyone from any background who wants to re-script their own destiny to
ensure their brightest possible future.”
- Carrie Withey, JD, Judge, Municipal
Court

Reviews from Amazon.com
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great reading, March 9, 2014
By Gustavus J. Esselen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers (Kindle Edition)
Well written, back to basics rules of conduct for success and personal fulfillment. I
keep it on my iPad to refer back to as necessary!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A refreshing viewpoint:, February 7, 2014
By andrea lynch - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers (Kindle Edition)
I found John Shufeldt's viewpoint on success refreshing. Dr. Shufeldt does not toot
his own horn despite all that he has accomplished. This book is a must read for
people that need inspiration to pursue their dreams.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic, February 6, 2014
By Erin - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers (Kindle Edition)
Thank you. I am excited about this book and all I have heard about it. Can't wait to
get its great insights.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lot of insight, February 1, 2014
By rpv (California) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal
Achievement (Volume 1) (Paperback)
The book has lot of insight and sprinkled with a very healthy dose of examples. I
liked the themes of the book like ego, failure, persistence. Like all of those like "
Failure is the greatest teacher of all. Failure is not failure to meet your goal. ..." I did
not even know about the amazing feats of Cliff Young. The book is very entertaining
read with lot of inspiring examples.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A list of success tips, January 21, 2014
By Cupcakes, books and wine - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal
Achievement (Volume 1) (Paperback)
"The most efficient way to live reasonably is every morning to make a plan of one's
day and every night to examine the results obtained." - Alexis Carrel
This Is an example of one the numerous quotes used to uplift, encourage, engage
readers in this book.
John Shufeldt's excellent book is practical and well researched. In an uplifting tone,
the author breaks down what it takes to be an outlier. Among these characteristics
include humility, kindness, and persistence.
It gives essential attritubutes of outliers and goes into detail by providing examples,
giving personal quotes (the "in my words" section) and quotes by famous people
( the "in other's words" section).
For example in the chapter on efficiency, he discusses the outliers Jeff
Bezos,Amazon's founder, and Frank Mars, founder of the Mars candy company. He
then gives several suggestions to become more efficient: "preparation, anticipation,
focus, flexibility, limitations, communications, and delegation."
The failure chapter I found most uplifting. He details the failures and subsequent
successes of dr. Seuss and J. K. Rowling, among others.
Outliers know success isn't permanent and failure isn't final yet they persevere. This
book is for anyone ready to take their career or any endeavor to the next level.
Thank you Net Galley for the copy of this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Would Recommend, January 18, 2014
By Kana (ROCHESTER, NY, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers (Kindle Edition)
I didn't really know what to expect going into this book. I knew it was about
successful habits but not much beyond that. The author goes into honest detail
about his high school failings, his career aspirations, the changing points in his life,
all of the completely random business ventures he's done, and finally why he has
decided to share what he's learned over the years.
The book only covers five main points, these five points are meant to help you
change your attitude and behavior so that you are more willing and in the best
possible situation to go beyond your comfort zone and become an 'outlier'. These
five steps are very simple when explained, but you don't hear about these steps
when reading other business and achievement books. That part I found pretty
interesting, how often we overlook these blaringly obvious steps.
With that I'd say that this is a pretty good book, with some decent, hard to argue
with advice. I'm curious to know what my MPA family members would say about it
and if these ideas were ever covered in their classes.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rise Above, Become Exceptional, January 13, 2014
By Mallory Anne-Marie Haws "Fair and authentic r... (Montezuma, GA) - See all
my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers (Kindle Edition)
This book speaks to those of us who have always felt apart from the norm, and to
those who want to be all they can be. Statistically Outliers are separate from the
majority and author John Shufeldt MD winningly demonstrates qualities (with
anecdotes) that will help each to rise above--and beyond-- the ordinary pack. A
quick read and useful to be kept for refresher re-reading,
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can't Wait for the Sequels!, December 30, 2013
By Devon Lathrop - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal
Achievement (Volume 1) (Paperback)
Ingredients for Outliers is an inspirational read for every age group. The stories are
both humorous and meaningful- I think everyone can take something away from
them. As a recent college graduate, I found the stories applicable to many areas of
my own life. I am anxiously awaiting the following books in the Outliers series!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Meaningful read with an Amazing Impact!, December 30, 2013
By Jenny - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal
Achievement (Volume 1) (Paperback)
Dr. Shufeldt's personal story was not only inspirational but heartfelt! His down to
earth approach draws all types of audiences. As an employee of one of his
companies, I am honored to work with such an amazing person and doctor.
I recommend this book highly and know that his intent to share his experiences to
help better the worlds of other people is extremely genuine.
Well done!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun and an Inspiration, December 13, 2013
By Sybil Y. - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal
Achievement (Volume 1) (Paperback)
The book is a fun read and thought provoking at the same time. I wish I had read it
when I was a kid. I heard that a junior reader edition will be coming out soon and
will recommend it to all parents for their kids.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely helpful, motivational and much needed!, December 9, 2013
By Amanda (Gilbert, AZ, United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal
Achievement (Volume 1) (Paperback)
I started following Ingredients of Outliers on Facebook, per a friend's suggestion, and
found myself repeatedly resonating with the quotes. I began reading it and became a
fan instantly of the author's style of writing. He uses humor from his own personal
experiences as well as stories and quotes from many influential historical figures, to
remind us of what we already know and also present new information. The content, for
me, couldn't be more timely for me as a young entrepreneur who was in need of
guidance and motivation, during a mostly self-guided endeavor of starting my own
business. The book serves as a mentor for those who don't have one, as well as a
stepping stone into uncharted territory for an individual. I am excited for all who read
this book and recommend it to those whose careers are still ahead of them and the
most seasoned entrepreneur.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
You will find 3 or 4 great nuggets in this quick read..., December 2, 2013
By David Washburn - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers (Kindle Edition)
Whenever I start a book like the one John Shufeldt wrote, I have two things in the back
of my head: 1) There's probably a lot of material in the book I have read elsewhere;
and 2) If I can learn 3 new things that I didn't know before, then it's worth the read.
Both came true here… much of the book covers things we've all probably read or heard
at some point in our lives; This book is great because it reminds of the many things we
need to be successful. To my second point, I came away with 5 things I had not
considered before, and for that I give kudos to the author.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome book!, October 17, 2013
By Amy Esplin - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal
Achievement (Volume 1) (Paperback)
I loved this book! It had a wonderful blend of personal experiences and inspirational
stories that really articulated the attributes needed for personal success. The stories
were interesting and well researched and written. It was an easy to read book, but one
that left you wanting to do more and be more. Shufeldt did a wonderful job of
articulating the character traits in our lives that really matter. The book really can be a
recipe for personal achievement.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
We all want to be special, but what actually causes a person to beyond the
norm?, September 12, 2013
By Charles T. Franklin ""Go for it now. The ... (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal
Achievement (Volume 1) (Paperback)
The term "outlier" popularized by Malcolm Gladwell refers to things and people outside
the realm of the norm. When I heard about this concept, I was immediately intrigued.
As a self-confessed self-help junkie, the concept was something I grabbed on like a
groupie going to a concern.
(For some reason, I haven't got around to reading the book "Outliers", although I have
read (and repeated) quotes from the book.)
In either case, when I was approached by Dr. John Shufeldt, writer of "Ingredients of
Outliers" I jumped at the chance. Although my obsession for self-help books has waned
(most self-help books are starting to sound the same to me now), I took a chance with
this book.
In a book that is part auto-biography, part self-help book, and part anthology on
stories of success, Dr. John Shufeldt, MBA, JD, MD attempts to understand the
characteristics behind outliers like include Theodore Roosevelt, Gordon Parks, Wilma
Rudolph. and Cliff Young. The book is divided into chapters covering "ingredients", such
as humility, perseverance, etc. Each chapter begins with inspirational quotes and ends
with Shufeldt's reflection on that "ingredient".
When I first started the book, I was not overly impressed. I appreciated the stories,
quotes, and the attempt, but I didn't really connect with the book. I didn't really feel
inspired beyond the norm. I also was a little confused about the application aspect of
the book. I agree wholeheartedly with the content in the book. In order to be special,
you have to be persevere, go beyond, and always refining who you are. The book
provides examples of this in the lives of the author and people from history.
Midway through the book, I was inspired, but left with the question, "How does an
ordinary person apply this stuff?'
As I ended the book, I slowly came to the answer. Shufeldt offers examples of
outliers, because there is no set path to becoming an outlier. The variety of stories
proves it.
Outliers come from different situations and different backgrounds. Some started off
in life poor and others with little money rich. The circumstances didn't matter, It was
how they overcomes the obstacles that made them outliers. It was the internal , not
the external.
That is what Mr. Shufeldt was trying to show.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational and Practical, September 8, 2013
By Gary V. Johnson - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal
Achievement (Volume 1) (Paperback)
This motivational--and enjoyable-- book has it all! From the practical ("your guts
don't lie") to the inspirational ("become one of a kind"), and much more, Dr. John
Shufeldt has written a guide that will strike a positive chord in everyone.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Motivational!, August 31, 2013
By A faithful reader "A faithful reader" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal Achievement
(Volume 1) (Paperback)
As an avid reader of self improvement books, I would rank this one as one of the best. Dr.
Shufeldt relates personal stories supported by biographies of achievers with relevant
quotes in between. I found myself nodding my head often as I eagerly made my way to the
next chapter to discover another ingredient in the author's "recipe for personal
achievement."
Buy the book now! The sooner you read it the sooner you'll have access to information you
can use to find success in your personal and professional journey.
Ellen Voie
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Add this one to your collection..., August 27, 2013
By jwat - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal Achievement
(Volume 1) (Paperback)
As a young professional, I found this book to be insightful and relevant to my personal and
work life. The book depicts a set of "nuggets" that act as a catalyst to personal
achievement. By way of humorous and humble examples, John Shufeldt provides an
introspective look into the secret for his own personal successes; which can ultimately be
interpreted and applied to your own world and life situation.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ingredients of Outliers, August 18, 2013
By BigAl (With Carmen Sandiego) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers (Kindle Edition)
I'm going to start with a quote from near the end of the book:
"I know--you already knew all this. What you may have once forgotten is now back in the
front of your brain. "This is not rocket science'" you muttered once or twice. You're right, it
isn't. Everyone knows every concept in this book."
That quote seems to be an argument against reading the book. After all, you already know
all of what it has to say, right? Well, not really, at least not if you're like me. The second
sentence of that quote is the key. It often takes multiple times being exposed to something
before it sinks in. Often having the same concept explained a different way will do the trick.
Which is a nice segue into explaining the structure of this book.
Each chapter starts with a quote that pertains to the subject of that section. (It seems
reasonable to say that those being quoted are outliers.) The author then discusses that
particular "ingredient," with examples from both his own life and other outliers (if you don't
think the author is one, read his bio). He then caps it off with several additional quotes. If
my theory is correct, that having something explained differently helps internalize a
concept, this structure should do the trick.
My favorites were the author's own stories. Directly from the source is what seems to work
best for me. It was an inspirational read. Now it's time to see how well I can put some of
this into practice.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.
**
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
amazing, August 12, 2013
By TienTaylor - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal Achievement
(Volume 1) (Paperback)
Interview with the author:[...]
Review:3.5 stars out of 5 (I really liked it.)
Is this you?
Outlier: a person whose abilities, achievements, etc., lie outside the range of statistical
probability.
If so, Ingredients of Outliers: A recipe for Personal Achievement is for you!
John Shufeldt uses his and other's personal story to explain life lessons. I find these stories
quite useful and wise. Some of the advises in the book were humorous- I found chapter
five funniest:
"Spelling someone's name incorrectly, despite it being part of the correct email address.
(This one always amazes me: 'Dear Mr. Schoefelt.' sent to
Jshufeldt@shufeldtconsulting.com.)"
And
"Using multiple explamation points. (I was sooooo drunk last night!!!!!!!!)"
This is nice to read some other's point of view and experience in life. Readers will learn a
lot of this book, no doubt. I know that this book will be quoted a lot- loved a lot of John's
advises in the book!
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal Achievement, August 5, 2013
By Debby Schaller - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe For Personal Achievement
(Volume 1) (Paperback)
This book is for anyone wishing to seek motivation to become a true Outlier. John Shufeldt,
the ultimate risk taker and Outlier, has compiled a short concise read interjecting stories
from his personal life as well as familiar stories of those that are more famous. Having
experienced much success in medicine, business and his legal career John's honesty and
insight into personal achievement will motivate anyone. John interjects humor and thought
provoking stories to inspire success.
If you are stuck in a rut and want to change your life this book will provide the inspiration
you need to take some risk, grow as an individual and learn from the many outliers we
meet every day. A great reminder of how some of the simple things in life can make all the
difference in the world. I highly recommend this book!