Cal Newport’s clearly-written manifesto flies in the face of conventional wisdom by suggesting that it should be a person’s talent and skill – and not necessarily their passion – that determines their career path.
Newport, who graduated from Dartmouth College (Phi Beta Kappa) and earned a PhD. from MIT, contends that trying to find what drives us, instead of focusing on areas in which we naturally excel, is ultimately harmful and frustrating to job seekers.
The title is a direct quote from comedian Steve Martin who, when once asked why he was successful in his career, immediately replied: “Be so good they can’t ignore you” and that’s the main basis for Newport’s book. Skill and ability trump passion.
Inspired by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ famous Stanford University commencement speech in which Jobs urges idealistic grads to chase their dreams, Newport takes issue with that advice, claiming that not only is this advice Pollyannish, but that Jobs himself never followed his own advice.
From there, Newport presents compelling scientific and contemporary case study evidence that the key to one’s career success is to find out what you do well, where you have built up your ‘career capital,’ and then to put all of your efforts into that direction.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport is a thought-provoking book that explores the relationship between passion and career success.
Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that one should follow their passion to find a fulfilling career. Instead, he argues that passion is something you develop over time by becoming exceptionally good at what you do. Newport introduces the concept of “career capital,” which refers to the skills, knowledge, and expertise you acquire in your field. He suggests that building career capital should be the primary focus, as it allows you to gain more control over your career and find work that you’re passionate about.
The book is organized into several chapters, each discussing key principles for building a fulfilling career. Newport emphasizes the importance of deliberate practice, developing rare and valuable skills, and seeking out “stretch” projects that challenge your abilities. He also encourages readers to adopt a craftsman mindset, which involves a dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in their work.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You offers a refreshing perspective on career development that is highly relevant to my goal of becoming a “modern elder” who guides and nurtures younger generations. Newport’s book is well-organized, providing a clear and systematic framework for achieving career success.
Newport’s emphasis on deliberate practice and skill development aligns with my interest in voracious reading and continuous learning. It values good arguments over mere authority, providing a well-reasoned approach to career development.
The book’s central premise – that passion follows expertise and not the other way around – provides a valuable perspective for those looking to excel in their careers and provide guidance to younger generations. It encourages professionals to focus on acquiring the skills and knowledge that make them indispensable, which is essential in the role as a mentor.
In summary, So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport is an insightful and actionable book that provided unique and valuable insight on my journey to becoming a “modern elder.” It provides a strategic approach to career development and personal growth that is both comprehensive and practical.
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
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