So Good They Can't Ignore You

Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love

by Cal Newport

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How can you land a job that suits your talents and brings you joy?

This book champions the "craftsman mind-set" of steadily honing skills rather than the typical "chase-your-passion" advice, and presents practical approaches to gaining and sustaining job satisfaction.

About the author

Cal Newport obtained his PhD in computer science in 2009. He worked as a post-doctoral researcher at MIT and was on track to become a professor when he encountered the challenges of securing an academic position. He wanted to remain in the United States for family reasons but realized it might require starting from scratch. This book explores the answers he uncovered to the question: how do you end up loving your work?

Why you should read this summary?

You've probably heard someone say that the key to success and happiness is to "follow your passion." It's the mantra of countless self-help gurus with fake tans worldwide. But is this advice sound? If so, how did Steve Jobs build one of the world's most successful companies when his passion was becoming a Zen master?

So Good They Can't Ignore You (2012) steers clear of the "passion trap" and instead explores more practical ways to succeed in and enjoy your career.

You'll discover how to

• cultivate the rare and valuable skills that great jobs demand.

• leverage those skills into control and autonomy in your work – essential for job satisfaction.

• uncover your own mission: an inspiring goal to pursue professionally.

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