Awards

• Commended for Axiom Business Book Awards (Career) 2013

Overview

"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. Newport, who graduated from Dartmouth College (Phi Beta Kappa) and recently earned a PhD. from MIT, contends that trying to find what drives us, instead of focusing on areas in which we naturally excel, is ultimately harmful and frustrating to job seekers. 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 thsi 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."

Full Product Details

9781455509126

Table of Contents

Reviews

First book in years I read twice, to make sure I got it. Brilliant counter-intuitive career insights. Powerful new ideas that have already changed the way I think of my own career, and the advice I give others. <br><br>--Derek Sivers, founder, CD Baby

First book in years I read twice, to make sure I got it. Brilliant counter-intuitive career insights. Powerful new ideas that have already changed the way I think of my own career, and the advice I give others.<br><br>-- Derek Sivers, founder, CD Baby<br><br>

Written in an optimistic and accessible tone, with clear logic and no-nonsense advice, this work is useful reading for anyone new to the job market and striving to find a path or for those who have been struggling to find meaning in their current careers. --Publishers Weekly

Written in an optimistic and accessible tone, with clear logic and no-nonsense advice, this work is useful reading for anyone new to the job market and striving to find a path or for those who have been struggling to find meaning in their current careers. <br><br>--Publisher's Weekly<br>

Author Information

Cal Newport's background is in computer engineering, and is currently on the faculty at Geogetown. He runs the popular advice blog, Study Hacks, and has a tremendous presence and following online.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available