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  • So Good They Can't Ignore You

  • By: Cal Newport
  • Narrated by: Dave Mallow
  • Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (795 ratings)
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So Good They Can't Ignore You

By: Cal Newport
Narrated by: Dave Mallow
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Summary

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 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 audiobook.

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 this advice Pollyannaish 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 and where you have built up your 'career capital' and then to put all of your efforts in that direction.

©2012 Calvin C. Newport (P)2016 Hachette Audio UK

What listeners say about So Good They Can't Ignore You

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interesting but unhelpful

Overall, this book is interesting. It was reassuring and motivating to learn that my career will probably be what I make of it, and that it's probably not a matter of falling into a fulfilling job by chance. (I use the word "probably" because of the lack of empirical evidence cited in the book). But the lack of supporting research evidence, or clear guidance in identifying next steps (rather than retrospectively looking back on successful people's correct choices, or unsuccessful people's incorrect choices) has left me feeling dissatisfied. A follow-up book containing these two features would be warmly welcomed.

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20 people found this helpful

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Just listen to the last chapter.

Good book. Just read the last chapter and save yourself some time. It sums it all up.

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10 people found this helpful

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Don't listen to the sample

This book is well thought out and very helpful in its message. The sample didn't do the book justice at all

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5 people found this helpful

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Life Changing Potential

If you could sum up So Good They Can't Ignore You in three words, what would they be?

Work attitude revolution.

What did you like best about this story?

Completely changes attitude to work.

Any additional comments?

The concepts, tools and techniques shared in this book are potentially life changing. If you feel trapped in a job and want to find out ways to change your attitude to the job then I recommend this. Cal's writings on how constantly changing jobs looking for a job you love (rather than first trying hard to find what you are good at in your current role and maximising this) are mind changing (for me anyway).

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5 people found this helpful

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I really can't believe this is a book

You could summarize this book in a sentence. And it wouldn't be interesting or complex.

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4 people found this helpful

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Keep Coming Back

I often come back to this book to remind myself about the importance of "career capital". It gives me the gentle kick I need to continue to pursue work that I "love".

It's still an ongoing challenge but this book really helps. Love Deep Work by Cal, too - recommended!

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4 people found this helpful

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A very long way to tell very little

I don’t disagree with any of the messages in this book and I’ve definitely been taught some new perspectives that I will no doubt regurgitate when I help others

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3 people found this helpful

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takedown of the popular "passion hypothesis"

Would you consider the audio edition of So Good They Can't Ignore You to be better than the print version?

must read especially for people leading lives of quiet desperation & actively aware of it.

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3 people found this helpful

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Only the first part of the book was a good read

The first part of the book was good but then it became a complete waffle towards the end of the book. It's an okay read.

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1 person found this helpful

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Must. Read. Now!

I will have to read the rest of Cal's books. Just amazing what an author! Please Cal, give us more!

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