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

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

In an unorthodox approach, Georgetown University professor Cal Newport debunks the long-held belief that "follow your passion" is good advice, and sets out on a quest to discover the reality of how people end up loving their careers. Not only are pre-existing passions rare and have little to do with how most people end up loving their work, but a focus on passion over skill can be dangerous, leading to anxiety and chronic job hopping.

Spending time with organic farmers, venture capitalists, screenwriters, freelance computer programmers, and others who admitted to deriving great satisfaction from their work, Newport uncovers the strategies they used and the pitfalls they avoided in developing their compelling careers. Cal reveals that matching your job to a pre-existing passion does not matter.

Passion comes after you put in the hard work to become excellent at something valuable, not before. In other words, what you do for a living is much less important than how you do it. With a title taken from the comedian Steve Martin, who once said his advice for aspiring entertainers was to "be so good they can't ignore you," Cal Newport's clearly written manifesto is mandatory reading for anyone fretting about what to do with their life, or frustrated by their current job situation and eager to find a fresh new way to take control of their livelihood. He 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.

©2012 Cal Newport (P)2012 Hachette Audio

A must read book if you want to improve your life

If you want to improve your life and reach the goals you set.....this will work.

Life changing book

If you could sum up So Good They Can't Ignore You in three words, what would they be?

Simply help you to be the best in whatever you do.

What other book might you compare So Good They Can't Ignore You to and why?

Start with why By Simon Sinek

Which scene was your favorite?

The Archeologist in Armchair example was the best part.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Everybody who could change their life by being the best at what they do was very moving and helpful.

Solid book - unique material

This was a pretty good book. the narrator was a little dull but it was interesting to know that expertise is more important than passion when it comes to loving your work. I also enjoyed the real life suggestions on how to go about becoming better in your field of work. Some examples a little long winded but overall I 5hink the book is worth a listen or read.

Pay attention

Cal Newport provides a focused and straight-forward account on how to advance yourself and your ambitions, while enjoying the process. I first found Cal Newport through another book of his Deep Work, the vision and the insight he has in order to be productive and fruitful in your efforts cannot be replicated.

Great advice for the current workforce.

Although a little redundant in examples, the underlying message is one that feels lost these days, but is incredibly valuable for all those out there seeking supreme job satisfaction. A must read for all the “passion seekers” feeling lost.

Great principles and concepts

This was a fun listen. Lots of great stories to back up the principles and concepts. Many of the key terms were well defined by clear examples. This book really showed why acquiring a strong skill set is key before ultimately determining a career path. Indeed, you must be so good they can’t ignore you.

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.