“Follow your passion might just be terrible advice.”
Have you ever asked someone for career advice only to hear them respond, “Follow your passion.”
How did you feel about that answer?
According to the author of the book “So Good They Can’t Ignore You“, Cal Newport, the passion hypothesis (i.e. follow your passion), just doesn’t work. People don’t pay you for what you’re passionate about but for the value you provide to them. This is applicable at a job, business, and just about any trade. And that’s basically the premise of the book
Book’s objective
The book sets out to prove that following your passion doesn’t cut it. It pays instead to develop rare and valuable skills and finding people who need those skills so you can write your check for that. With personal anecdotes and excerpts from interviewing professionals and business owners, the book demonstrates the importance of skills, control and mission when it comes to finding work that you love.
About the author
Cal Newport is an associate professor of Computer Science at George Town university. He received a PhD in Computer Science from MIT. Cal has authored a number of books centered around academic success (e.g “How To Win At College“), productivity, and managing distractions (Deep Work). You can find out more about him on his website
Lesson Learnt
This is a very insightful book. I learnt about the power of developing rare and valuable skills especially when it comes to creating work that you love. Indeed, it makes sense to me that even the people who gain control of their life and time (aka enjoy freedom) were able to achieve that not because people valued their passion but their skills . The book has challenged me to always keep seeking to become more valuable in any area where I provide service. Focusing on passion can be disappointing and frustrating as that’s not what people are after, it’s my value instead.
Book rating from Allroundachievers.
Take action
If you’re looking to learn more about how you can get so good that you can’t be ignored then check the book out.
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To your success!!