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.
In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.
Barbara Fredrickson's "Love 2.0" delves into the science of positive emotions and their impact on well-being. It explores the concept of 'positivity resonance,' a state of mutual positive connection between individuals. The book argues that these positive interactions are essential for building strong relationships and fostering overall happiness. Fredrickson presents research findings that demonstrate the physiological and psychological benefits of positivity resonance. She offers practical strategies for cultivating more positive connections in daily life.
On today's mid-week episode of the Alcohol-Free Advantage Podcast, I share five things I’ve learnt at 50 that I wish I had known at 30.
I will start with a confession.
When I share these insights I am really saying out loud what I need to work on.
Therefore, my ideas are all work in progress rather than completed goals.
The five lessons are as follows:
- You can’t do everything
- You have more time than you think
- Slow down to speed up
- Little and often wins the race
- The most important lesson
Today, I wanted to focus on the most important lesson.
During my 50th birthday dinner speech in Dublin, I wanted to share with my friends and loved ones the most important thing I had discovered about life.
I recalled that over the last ten years, I had been fortunate to learn from some incredible people and study a great deal of literature and thinkers.
From all this research, I have concluded that happiness, fulfilment, and meaning all revolve around the same thing.
Therefore, if I could sum up this life thing with one thing, in the words of the Beatles, it would be this:
“All you need is love.”
*At this point in my speech, as I hoped they would, the whole group joined in to create a wonderful moment I will never forget:
“da, da, da, da, daaaa’
“All you need is love, love, love is all you need.”
****
For a deep dive into all 5 of the lessons I have learned at 50, I wish I had known at 30.
Check out the podcast today!
Your coach
Andy
PS - We are enrolling now!!!!
If you want to transform your mind, body, and potentially career and go on a six-month learning adventure with me, then come with me and learn to coach.
In January, I will personally train a small group in the art of life/executive/alcohol-free coaching so they, too, can unlock the meaning they seek by “giving back”.
Click here to find out more - https://andyramagetraining.com/dcpp-course-details/
Alcohol-Free Advantage Podcast with Andy Ramage 
