skybalon's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a good counterpoint to many guides that are heavy on the emotional aspect of finding a career. The information is good and feels reliable, but is not very well researched or documented. I think someone would do well to read this and understand that following one's passion without developing some credible encouragement that one can do what their passion is telling them to do, is making a big mistake. On the other hand, skills plus passion is probably unbeatable and the author never really mentions that. Worth the read.
simazhi's review against another edition
4.0
Apparently my third time reading it (I thought it was my second). I found the advice and case studies still very inspiring, although there are some loose threads and blind spots with regards to scholarly disciplines. The craftsman mindset has been important for me up until now and it is good to be reminded how and why it trumps the passion mindset.
gpettey19's review against another edition
3.0
It makes sense to me that this was Cal Newport's first (mass market) book—I can see how his writing and style have improved in his later works, Deep Work and Digital Minimalism.
There were some great nuggets of wisdom and advice in here, such as career capital and deliberate practice. I'm also inclined to agree with his premise that "follow your passion" is bad advice.
That said, this felt overwritten and forced for me. Newport's hyper-structured style actually took away from the many potential nuances of his argument; there was no need for stagnant "rules" that obviously have many exceptions and complexities. (If you have to explicitly summarize and repeat yourself at the end of every chapter, then your argument probably doesn't make much sense to begin with.)
I think Cal missed the greater point by trying so desperately to hone in on one rigid belief. The greater point being that careers are dynamic, involve a lot of effort and an equal amount of luck, don't follow a formula.
There were some great nuggets of wisdom and advice in here, such as career capital and deliberate practice. I'm also inclined to agree with his premise that "follow your passion" is bad advice.
That said, this felt overwritten and forced for me. Newport's hyper-structured style actually took away from the many potential nuances of his argument; there was no need for stagnant "rules" that obviously have many exceptions and complexities. (If you have to explicitly summarize and repeat yourself at the end of every chapter, then your argument probably doesn't make much sense to begin with.)
I think Cal missed the greater point by trying so desperately to hone in on one rigid belief. The greater point being that careers are dynamic, involve a lot of effort and an equal amount of luck, don't follow a formula.
coolhand773's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
dhealey6's review against another edition
4.0
I love Cal Newport's take on enjoying your work and being fulfilled by it. I was mostly convinced by his central point that most people don't work hard enough to be great at something, and being great at something is the thing that will give you the most fulfillment. As always I loved the citations of research and reviews of literature, which he makes simple, accessible, and easy to digest. I only took one star off because I do feel like he leans out over his skis a bit in his deprecation of the "passion" hypothesis. At one point he addresses a common counter to his theory, which suggests you will only become great at things you are passionate about, because those are the only things you'll be motivated to practice deliberately. I was thinking that the whole time I was listening to the book, and when he kind of sidestepped that point in a way that wasn't very satisfying, the result was that at the end I was left with the belief that passion IS actually necessary, if not sufficient for becoming great at something.
weiandherviola's review against another edition
5.0
A striking work. So short but sound telling us how to and why it is important to adapt to a craftsman's mindset in our age.
smitmachhi's review against another edition
5.0
The best carrier advice I've ever gotten, straight to the point, presented clearly and precisely with perfect amount of examples. I'd say his books should be used as textbooks in schools. Cal Newport is a genius and a super writer I don't think anyone can match up to his level in this productivity/self-help genre.