Introduction
Hey friends! Welcome back to the channel. In this episode of Book Club, we'll be discussing the book So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport. This book had a significant impact on my career decisions when I read it in 2016 as a medical student. We'll explore the four key rules that resonated with me and how they can help you find work that truly fulfills you.
Key Point #1: Don't Follow Your Passion
The common advice to "follow your passion" is often misleading. While it sounds great in theory, it's not always the best way to find meaningful work. Cal Newport argues that instead of chasing a pre-existing passion, we should focus on becoming really good at something.
The Problem with Following Passion
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Making your passion your job can quickly lead to burnout. Musicians like Ed Sheeran and video game streamers often find that what used to be fun becomes work when it's their career.
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It's hard to answer the question of what you're passionate about, and the things we're passionate about may not be viable career options. For example, I was passionate about playing World of Warcraft and the guitar, but it's unlikely I could make a living from them.
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Passion takes time to build. A study by Amy Wrzesniewski found that the longer people did an admin job, the more passionate they became about it.
What to Do Instead
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When I was choosing a medical specialty, I decided to pick something and focus on becoming really good at it. I figured I could always change my mind later.
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Similarly, when it comes to making YouTube videos, don't worry about making videos about what you enjoy. Just focus on getting good at making videos first. Once you're good, you'll be more likely to enjoy it.
Key Point #2: Develop a Craftsman Mindset
The Craftsman mindset is about pursuing rare and valuable skills. This is the opposite of the passion mindset, which focuses on following your passion.
The Career Capital Theory
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A desirable job has three characteristics: it's creative, it's tactful, and it allows you to have autonomy. Some people also desire jobs that seem fun.
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Given the competition for desirable jobs, you need to have something to offer. Cal Newport calls this "career capital," which is made up of rare and valuable skills.
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The more career capital you have, the more likely you are to land a desirable job or create one for yourself.
Types of Markets
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There are two types of markets: winner-takes-all markets and auction markets.
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In winner-takes-all markets, like music, basketball, and YouTube, there are many people trying to do the same thing, but only a few succeed. In these markets, the key is to become the best at what you do.
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In auction markets, like most careers, it's not just about one skill. Instead, you need to develop a combination of skills that are rare and valuable. For example, in plastic surgery, success is not just about being a good surgeon but also about marketing, networking, and publishing.
Developing Synergistic Skills
- When giving career advice, I suggest developing skills that synergize with your chosen career. For example, skills like web design, video production, public speaking, negotiation, and data analysis can be valuable in many careers.
Key Point #3: Cash In Your Career Capital for Control
One of the biggest determinants of job satisfaction is the amount of autonomy you have. As you develop career capital, you can use it to gain more control over your job.
The Resistance to Autonomy
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Autonomy benefits the individual, but it may not benefit the market. Therefore, there is often resistance to giving employees autonomy.
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To gain autonomy, you need to become really good at your job so that you have negotiating power. For example, if you're an amazing employee, your boss may be more willing to give you the flexibility you want.
The Importance of Effort
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Some people think that autonomy is a right, but it's not. To have a successful career with autonomy, you need to put in the work. This may mean working extra hours or learning new skills.
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It's important to be realistic about the amount of effort required to achieve your career goals. While it's possible to have a job you love with autonomy, it may not happen overnight.
Key Point #4: Find a Mission
Having a sense of purpose and meaning in your work can lead to long-term career fulfillment. Cal Newport suggests that the most interesting missions are found at the cutting edge of a field.
The Role of Skill Development
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To find a meaningful mission, you need to become really good at something first. Once you have the skills and knowledge, a mission or niche will often emerge over time.
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While I'm not entirely sure I agree with this approach, I think the general idea is reasonable. Developing skills and gaining experience can help you find a job that has meaning and purpose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, So Good They Can't Ignore You offers some valuable insights into finding fulfilling work. By focusing on developing rare and valuable skills, adopting a Craftsman mindset, and using your career capital to gain control and find a mission, you can increase your chances of finding a job that you love. Remember, it takes time and effort, but it's worth it.
If you're interested in reading the book, you can check it out on Shortform. They offer summaries of books, which can be a great way to get a quick overview or to revisit key points. There's a cheeky affiliate link in the video description if you want to check it out.
Also, if you're applying for a job in the near future, I recommend checking out my video on the 15 top tips for acing your job application. People have told me that this video has helped them land their dream jobs.
Thank you so much for watching, and I'll see you in the next video!
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