So Good They Can't Ignore You

Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love

By: Cal Newport

Narrated by: Dave Mallow

In this book with unique perspective, professor Cal Newport debunks the long-held belief that "follow your passion" is good advice, and sets out to discover the reality of how people end up loving their careers.

A focus on passion over skill can be dangerous, leading to anxiety and chronic job hopping. Spending time with professionals who admit to deriving great satisfaction from their work, Newport uncovers the strategies they use and the pitfalls they avoid in developing their compelling careers.

Cal reveals 4 Rules for falling in love with your job:

#1: Don't follow your passion
#2: Be so good they can't ignore you
#3: Turn down a promotion
#4: Think small, act big

Cal Newport's manifesto is mandatory reading for anyone fretting about what to do with their life, or frustrated by their current job situation. So Good They Can't Ignore You provides an evidence-based blueprint for creating work you love, and will change the way you think about careers, happiness, and the crafting of a remarkable life.

Absolutely glad I ignored some reviewers.

I do take note of fellow reviewers' input to make buy decisions. But something made me override their advice this time.

I've now listened twice, beginning to end. And certain parts three or four times in quick succession. It will be more in the future. I've decided on this re-listening strategy to get the muck out of my mind, planted by passion preachers. I, however, take full responsibility for following that message.

Cal reminded me of my success method of the past. A method I did not name, or put the required weight on, or thought about, it was just done - deliberately. But it sadly was forgotten, droned out by passion evangelists.

Thank you for writing this book. It helped me GREATLY!

Narration never bothers me. I always have a little chuckle when reading reviews on narrators. I'm just glad someone exerted the effort, saving me the time. The background to that statement: I used to buy computer voices to read text for me. Obviously that was before I discovered Audible.

Career Capital is KEY!

I like the focus around the fact that you create happiness for yourself. Building “Career Capital” is the way to having the job you love. It’s hard to hear, but following your “passion” might not always be solid career advice. If you’re feeling lost in your career, definitely check this book out.

Too Busy to Find Your Passion?

Interesting take on the "craftsman mindset" versus the flawed "passion mindset," an idea supported by work from Daniel Pink, Malcolm Gladwell, and many others. It is absolutely true that business (and some consultants) often go in the exact-opposite direction shown by decades of strong research.

I recommend this book for entrepreneurs and lifestyle designers.

Be the best at what you do.

Good stories on building career competence. Well worth your time and the effort you'll spend.

Eye opening message.

I love this book it's message and advice have been a compass in my professional life for years.