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Book Review- " So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport



I have discovered this book while surfing the Internet trying to update my readings list. The name is catchy, everyone nowadays has an aim to be outstanding, earn popularity- fame by any means. As for me, being good enough that people no longer can ignore you, sounds appealing to a person who is about to complete her Bachelor, however, still couldn’t find out what path I am trying to follow. 
Let me begin with the style of writing, very ‘reader-friendly’, laconic. It is not a novel but the book is written in such a language you will not get bored, you will become the main actor; will analyse along with the author and will come to the certain conclusions. Going through the quest, I felt like an adventurer searching for a chest with gold. 
About the content… I have opened the book because of my messy ideas about my future plans. I felt so disappointed to think that people find their ‘true call’, follow their passion. Me, in contrast, quite ordinary without any special disposition to anything. I liked many different things but haven’t thought of relating my career to any of those.  I was thinking: “ How I can find my great talent? Passions?” I had an example of my school friend. She always dreamt about becoming a vet. I thought that to live this way is much easier because she wasn’t confused in her plans, she simply continued her education from school to biological college then medical school and so on.
This book has put my ideas together. Firstly, by mentioning that I am not the only one without a mythical passion. Then, by opening a curtain to a more logical way to achieve success, not an easy way but through hard work.
The author gives us 4 important rules, he explains them by supporting his ideas with real-life experiences. If I try to summarise the rules in my own way... 
  • The 1st rule is about changing the concept of passion in your career path, he claims that passion itself is very rare and, moreover, can be destructive.
  • Rule 2, is about to show us- What if not passion? The author succeeded to explain the concept of “Craftsman mindset”, the importance of career capital, and deliberate practice & 10,000 hrs rule.
  • Rule 3 points out the importance of control in your career; how to avoid control traps.
  • Rule 4 reflects the significance of mission and how it acts as a catalyst for a successful career, however, in order to define the mission, you shall have enough career capital. 

By the end of the book, the author shows in his own example the implementation of the quest in his working life. 
Finally, he wraps the book up by the story, with which the book was started- Thomas, who in attempts to find his passion, brought himself to a monastery. When we meet him at the conclusion of the book, he realised how seeking passion does not lead you to the desired outcomes. Lastly, he says, “ Working right trumps finding the right work”. It gives you an amazing feeling, as the book is perfectly rolled up.
I have really enjoyed reading the book, and, I bet, I will read it again from time to time. As for me, I believe that success is something, which you make, and is in your hands. My gratitude to the author, Cal Newport.

By Ekaterina P.

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