A Great Book: So Good They Can’t Ignore You
From Amazon:
In an unorthodox approach, Georgetown University professor Cal Newport debunks the long-held belief that “follow your passion” is good advice, and sets out on a quest to discover the reality of how people end up loving their careers.
Not only are pre-existing passions rare and have little to do with how most people end up loving their work, but a focus on passion over skill can be dangerous, leading to anxiety and chronic job hopping. Spending time with organic farmers, venture capitalists, screenwriters, freelance computer programmers, and others who admitted to deriving great satisfaction from their work, Newport uncovers the strategies they used and the pitfalls they avoided in developing their compelling careers.
Cal reveals that matching your job to a pre-existing passion does not matter. Passion comes after you put in the hard work to become excellent at something valuable, not before. In other words, what you do for a living is much less important than how you do it.
With a title taken from the comedian Steve Martin, who once said his advice for aspiring entertainers was to “be so good they can’t ignore you,” Cal Newport’s clearly written manifesto is mandatory reading for anyone fretting about what to do with their life, or frustrated by their current job situation and eager to find a fresh new way to take control of their livelihood. He provides an evidence-based blueprint for creating work you love, and will change the way you think about careers, happiness, and the crafting of a remarkable life.
A Thought Provoking Podcast: Coffee with Scott Adams
A friend recently recommended this podcast to me. Scott’s take on current events is realistic but hopeful.
From the Podcast Site:
Scott Adams is best known as the creator of the Dilbert comic strip. But in his daily (sometimes twice daily) podcasts, Adams uses his training as a hypnotist and a lifelong student of persuasion to analyse current events (mostly Trump-related) through a persuasion lense. In so doing, Adams offers you a new way to understand your reality. You can also expect to pick up some valuable persuasion techniques along the way. These podcasts are the audio channels from Adams’ popular Periscope videos. If you hear pauses and interruptions, Adams is probably reading comments as they come across his Periscope screen. Adams’ Periscope listeners requested that he convert the Periscope videos into podcast files so they can be played offline and also use less battery power. Most of what you will hear is spontaneous, unrehearsed and casual. The best way to listen is while sipping your favorite beverage.
Coronavirus Stats: Worldometer
Worldometer is run by an international team of developers, researchers, and volunteers with the goal of making world statistics available in a thought-provoking and time relevant format to a wide audience around the world.
A Quote I’m Thinking About
It all works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end.” — Max Lucado
What would you add? Feel free to comment by clicking here.