So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love

CalNewport'sclearly-writtenmanifestofliesinthefaceofconventionalwisdombysuggestingthatitshouldbeaperson'stalentandskill-andnotnecessarilytheirpassion-thatdeterminestheircareerpath.Newport,whograduatedfromDartmouthCollege(PhiBetaKappa)andrecentlyearnedaPhD.fromMIT,contendsthattryingtofindwhatdrivesus,insteadoffocusingonareasinwhichwenaturallyexcel,isultimatelyharmfulandfrustratingtojobseekers.ThetitleisadirectquotefromcomedianSteveMartinwho,whenonceaskedwhyhewassuccessfulinhiscareer,immediatelyreplied:"Besogoodtheycan'tignoreyou"andthat'sthemainbasisforNewport'sbook.Skillandabilitytrumppassion.InspiredbyformerAppleCEOSteveJobs'famousStanfordUniversitycommencementspeechinwhichJobsurgesidealisticgradstochasetheirdreams,Newporttakesissuewiththatadvice,claimingthatnotonlyisthisadvicePollyannishbutthatJobshimselfneverfollowedhisownadvice.Fromthere,Newportpresentscompellingscientificandcontemporarycasestudyevidencethatthekeytoone'scareersuccessistofindoutwhatyoudowell,whereyouhavebuiltupyour"careercapital,"andthentoputallofyoureffortsintothatdirection.