Paperback, 304 pages, published January 2017. Cal Newport's clearly-written manifesto flies in the face of conventional wisdom by suggesting that it should be a person's talent and skill - and not necessarily their passion - that determines their career path. The title is a direct quote from comedian Steve Martin who, when once asked why he was successful in his career, immediately replied: "Be so good they can't ignore you" and that's the main basis for Newport's book. Skill and ability trump passion. Inspired by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs' famous Stanford University commencement speech in which Jobs urges idealistic grads to chase their dreams, Newport takes issue with that advice, claiming that not only is this advice Pollyannish, but that Jobs himself never followed his own advice. From there, Newport presents compelling scientific and contemporary case study evidence that the key to one's career success is to find out what you do well, where you have built up your 'career capital,' and then to put all of your efforts into that direction.
Paperback, 304 pages, published January 2017. Cal Newport's clearly-written manifesto flies in the face of conventional wisdom by suggesting that it should be a person's talent and skill - and not necessarily their passion - that determines their career path. The title is a direct quote from comedian Steve Martin who, when once asked why he was successful in his career, immediately replied: "Be so good they can't ignore you" and that's the main basis for Newport's book. Skill and ability trump passion. Inspired by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs' famous Stanford University commencement speech in which Jobs urges idealistic grads to chase their dreams, Newport takes issue with that advice, claiming that not only is this advice Pollyannish, but that Jobs himself never followed his own advice. From there, Newport presents compelling scientific and contemporary case study evidence that the key to one's career success is to find out what you do well, where you have built up your 'career capital,' and then to put all of your efforts into that direction.
Paperback, 304 pages, published January 2017. Cal Newport's clearly-written manifesto flies in the face of conventional wisdom by suggesting that it should be a person's talent and skill - and not necessarily their passion - that determines their career path. The title is a direct quote from comedian Steve Martin who, when once asked why he was successful in his career, immediately replied: "Be so good they can't ignore you" and that's the main basis for Newport's book. Skill and ability trump passion. Inspired by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs' famous Stanford University commencement speech in which Jobs urges idealistic grads to chase their dreams, Newport takes issue with that advice, claiming that not only is this advice Pollyannish, but that Jobs himself never followed his own advice. From there, Newport presents compelling scientific and contemporary case study evidence that the key to one's career success is to find out what you do well, where you have built up your 'career capital,' and then to put all of your efforts into that direction.
Paperback, 304 pages, published January 2017. Cal Newport's clearly-written manifesto flies in the face of conventional wisdom by suggesting that it should be a person's talent and skill - and not necessarily their passion - that determines their career path. The title is a direct quote from comedian Steve Martin who, when once asked why he was successful in his career, immediately replied: "Be so good they can't ignore you" and that's the main basis for Newport's book. Skill and ability trump passion. Inspired by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs' famous Stanford University commencement speech in which Jobs urges idealistic grads to chase their dreams, Newport takes issue with that advice, claiming that not only is this advice Pollyannish, but that Jobs himself never followed his own advice. From there, Newport presents compelling scientific and contemporary case study evidence that the key to one's career success is to find out what you do well, where you have built up your 'career capital,' and then to put all of your efforts into that direction.
Last updated at 03/21/2026 11:29:36
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest... by Newport, Cal
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So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump....by Cal Newport
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So Good They Cant Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion In The Quest For Work You Love
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So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Newport, Cal | Hardback | 2012
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originally posted on audiobookstore.com
Basic career advice. Good for a *very* general set of rules to lead to success in reaching your goals and to set a path on how to actually achieve them. Not a big deal, and a person could get everything they need out of this book by simply reading the summaries at the end of each section of three to four chapters. Newport has a lot of interesting people he has interviewed, and their viewpoints would be good for a more relaxing read.
originally posted on audiobookstore.com
Not necessarily empirically supported or masterfully written, but the ideas are good and very effectively discount the conventional wisdom to "follow your passions" into your career. Then goes the step further to what you should do instead. Very practical and applicable. Recommend it!
originally posted on audiobookstore.com
I really enjoyed this book: a refreshing, no-nonsense thesis backed by a compelling argument and interesting real-life examples. The author also offers a practical guide for getting satisfaction out of one's chosen work. I realized I had been following a similar path in my own career, and have taken steps to keep on investing in my own "career capital" by cultivating a more focused practice. Well done.
| Imprint | Grand Central Publishing |
| DEWEY | 650.1 |
| DEWEY edition | 23 |
| Language | English |
| Spine width | 30mm |
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest... by Newport, Cal
Delivery $35.50
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love Newport, Cal [Used - Fair] [Hardcover]
Delivery $9.30
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump....by Cal Newport
Delivery $6.59
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
So Good They Cant Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion In The Quest For Work You Love
Delivery $28.38
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Newport, Cal | Hardback | 2012
Delivery $8.95
Basic career advice. Good for a *very* general set of rules to lead to success in reaching your goals and to set a path on how to actually achieve them. Not a big deal, and a person could get everything they need out of this book by simply reading the summaries at the end of each section of three to four chapters. Newport has a lot of interesting people he has interviewed, and their viewpoints would be good for a more relaxing read.
Not necessarily empirically supported or masterfully written, but the ideas are good and very effectively discount the conventional wisdom to "follow your passions" into your career. Then goes the step further to what you should do instead. Very practical and applicable. Recommend it!
I really enjoyed this book: a refreshing, no-nonsense thesis backed by a compelling argument and interesting real-life examples. The author also offers a practical guide for getting satisfaction out of one's chosen work. I realized I had been following a similar path in my own career, and have taken steps to keep on investing in my own "career capital" by cultivating a more focused practice. Well done.
The book came in excellent shape. Just started it and am enjoying it.
Coming out of college, my "passion" was not to sell salt! But that is where I started my career. What I learned from that experience, coupled with my experience in pharmaceuticals and eventually the world of recruiting has led to a career that has made me passionate about any endeavor to which I embark. Put your best efforts into whatever career path you find yourself, gain the ultra-valuable "career capital" and you will become "So Good They Can't Ignore You"!
| Imprint | Grand Central Publishing |
| DEWEY | 650.1 |
| DEWEY edition | 23 |
| Language | English |
| Spine width | 30mm |
