

#20
Mentioned in 226 episodes
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love
Book • 2012
In this book, Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that following one's passion is the key to career happiness.
Instead, he argues that passion often follows mastery and that developing valuable skills and expertise is essential for creating work you love.
Newport presents four rules: Don't follow your passion, Be so good they can't ignore you, Turn down a promotion, and Think small, act big.
He supports his arguments with case studies from various professionals who have found satisfaction in their careers through hard work and skill development.
Instead, he argues that passion often follows mastery and that developing valuable skills and expertise is essential for creating work you love.
Newport presents four rules: Don't follow your passion, Be so good they can't ignore you, Turn down a promotion, and Think small, act big.
He supports his arguments with case studies from various professionals who have found satisfaction in their careers through hard work and skill development.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 226 episodes
Mentioned by 

when discussing his book "So Good They Can't Ignore You".


Cal Newport

7,761 snips
Ep. 278: How to Think
Mentioned by 

when discussing the passion trap and career satisfaction.


Cal Newport

5,055 snips
Ep. 343: A Minimal Protocol for Taking Control of Your LIfe
Mentioned by 

as his book that discusses control traps in career progression.


Cal Newport

3,586 snips
Ep. 346: Getting Smarter in a Dumb World
Recommended by 

to Jorge's spouse as she explores a career transition into artistic work.


Cal Newport

2,853 snips
Ep. 338: Why You’re Always Distracted
Mentioned by 

in relation to his book, "So Good They Can't Ignore You."


Cal Newport

2,850 snips
Ep. 283: How To Organize Your Life
Mentioned by 

as a book that helps readers find fulfilling careers.


Cal Newport

2,023 snips
Ep. 333: New Year Course Correction
Mentioned by 

as another of 

's books, which he made a video about.


Ali Abdaal


Cal Newport

2,011 snips
Cal Newport: Lifestyle Design, Slow Productivity and Contrarian Writing
Mentioned by Karan as one of 

's books, discussing career capital and passion.


Cal Newport

2,006 snips
Ep. 281: Learning Hard Things
Mentioned by 

as a book he wrote in 2012, discussing career advice and the concept of 'courage culture'.


Cal Newport

1,636 snips
Ep. 274: The Deep Life Stack v2.0
Mentioned by 

when discussing the passion mindset and its dangers.


Cal Newport

1,611 snips
Ep. 263: Overhaul Your Life
Mentioned by 

as a book 

wrote.


Ali Abdaal


Cal Newport

1,534 snips
Ep. 284: Feel-Good Productivity (w/ Ali Abdaal)
Mentioned by 

as a book he published around the time 80,000 Hours got started.


Cal Newport

1,451 snips
Ep. 261: Control Your Time
Mentioned by 

as one of 

's books.


Ali Abdaal


Cal Newport

1,403 snips
Cal Newport: The Secrets of Slow Productivity
Mentioned by 

as a book where he lay out the career capital theory.


Cal Newport

1,401 snips
Ep. 356: How Much Should We Work?
Mentioned by 

as a book he wrote in 2012, discussing control traps in career development.


Cal Newport

1,394 snips
Ep. 345: Are We Getting Dumber?
Referenced by 

in the discussion about career capital.


Cal Newport

1,392 snips
Ep. 359: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt?
Mentioned by 

when discussing career capital and rare skills.


Cal Newport

1,294 snips
Ep. 285: The Productivity Paradox
Mentioned by 

as a book he wrote about career planning.


Cal Newport

1,235 snips
Ep. 277: From Chaos to Calm (in 1 day)
Mentioned by 

as a book for college students.


Cal Newport

1,229 snips
Ep. 340: Productivity Rain Dances
Recommended by 

to help readers rethink their approach to career choices and building a fulfilling professional life.


Cal Newport

1,203 snips
Ep. 317: The 10-Year Rule