There is a widespread narrative around passion and courage when it comes to finding fulfilling work. We are told to find our passions, and courageously pursue them. We are then told that if we are stuck, we simply aren’t looking hard enough. Or maybe we aren’t summoning enough courage to take a leap.

This leads to an unsettled state of anxiety around our careers; we are always looking for the thing that will fulfill us. Or we are busy wondering why we don’t have the courage to go after it.

Cal Newport disagrees with the messaging around passion and courage. Yes, passion is important – but it’s a side effect of good work, rather than a precursor to it. Courage, too, is important – but it shouldn’t be deployed prior to building a strong foundation from which to take a leap.

These are the overarching viewpoints within So Good They Can’t Ignore You, which I read and loved. Inside is a detailed summary of the powerful lessons and ideas in the book.