So Good They Can't Ignore You

Name: So Good They Can't Ignore You
Author: Cal Newport
ISBN: 9781455509102

Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love

Written byCal Newport

Newport questions the common advice to “follow your passion”. He argues that most people come to love their work after they become very good at something valuable, and that skill is what earns you the freedom and meaning you want.

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Published2012
GenreProductivity
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01Passion is rarely the starting point
Few people have a clear, pre-existing passion. Love for work usually grows over time.
02Adopt the craftsman mindset
Focus on the value you're producing and how to get better, not on what your job offers you.
03Build career capital
Rare and valuable skills are what you trade for great work: more control, interest and impact.
04Practise deliberately
Push past comfort with focused practice and honest feedback.
05Find a mission through small bets
Once you have skills, test ideas in small steps to find a direction that matters.
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