Insights from ‘So Good They Can’t Ignore You’ by Cal Newport

Question 1

What mindset asks ‘What can the world offer me?’

Answer 1

The passion mindset

Question 2

True or False: According to Cal Newport, the passion mindset can lead to chronic unhappiness and confusion.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Which mindset focuses on self-improvement and becoming valuable to others?

Answer 3

The craftsman mindset

Question 4

Fill in the blank: People who love their jobs often experience impact, ______, and control.

Answer 4

creativity

Question 5

Describe one reason Newport criticizes the passion mindset.

Answer 5

It makes people hyperaware of what they dislike about their job, often leading to unhappiness.

Question 6

How does the craftsman mindset suggest one should view their career development?

Answer 6

As a process of consistent improvement, focusing on becoming valuable rather than seeking immediate satisfaction.

Question 7

Name one question that can help identify valuable skills to develop at work.

Answer 7

What particular skill does my team, company, or industry lack at the moment?

Question 8

True or False: Cal Newport believes that finding a pre-existing passion is essential for career fulfillment.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

Why is the craftsman mindset essential for developing rare and valuable skills?

Answer 9

Because it encourages sticking to the process of improvement, even when passion wanes, helping build skills that give leverage in a career.

Question 10

List one method for practicing deliberate improvement according to Newport.

Answer 10

Carve out periods of undistracted focus.

Question 11

What should you ask yourself to assess if you’re becoming rare and valuable in your profession?

Answer 11

Am I becoming increasingly rare, and how badly would people miss my contribution if I quit?

Question 12

According to Newport, what three traits make work ‘great’?

Answer 12

Impact, creativity, and control

Question 13

Who inspired Newport’s philosophy by stating one should be ‘so good they can’t ignore you’?

Answer 13

Steve Martin

Question 14

True or False: The craftsman mindset is based on the belief that a great career is something you earn, not something you’re given.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

How does the passion mindset approach the question ‘Do I love this?’

Answer 15

It often leads to endless self-questioning without clear answers.

Question 16

What does the craftsman mindset prioritize over finding a ‘perfect fit’ job?

Answer 16

Developing valuable skills and improving one’s craft

Question 17

Why is feedback important in developing valuable skills?

Answer 17

Feedback helps identify areas for improvement, making the practice process more effective.

Question 18

Which approach does Newport argue will lead to long-term career satisfaction: the craftsman or passion mindset?

Answer 18

The craftsman mindset

Question 19

Application: If you want more control in your job, what should you focus on developing?

Answer 19

Rare and valuable skills that give you leverage to negotiate for control.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The craftsman mindset is a prerequisite for developing ______ and ______ skills.

Answer 20

rare; valuable