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Ignoring Passion

It was good to see someone call BS on following your passion to build a great career. In his book So Good They Can't Ignore You, the author writes:

.. If you’re not focusing on becoming so good they can’t ignore you, you’re going to be left behind. This clarity was refreshing. To simplify things going forward, I’ll call this output-centric approach to work the craftsman mindset. 

..Irrespective of what type of work you do, the craftsman mindset is crucial for building a career you love.

In other words, build up your skill level, become the master of your craft whatever that may be - project management, building things, writing code, cleaning the facilities. It reminded me of that popular JFK story featuring a janitor who worked at NASA.

The janitor knew something that most of us struggle with, the purpose of his work. He kept the building clean so that the scientists, engineers, and astronauts could focus on their mission of putting “man on the moon”. They did not have to worry about spending their time on trashcans, bathrooms, or hallways. He did that for them. He saw where his contribution fit in the organization. He connected his purpose with theirs.

Many among us should logically be able to connect what we do at work to something relatively grand even it is not quite a moon landing. Yet, the feeling of irrelevance and dissatisfaction with work is rife. I am eager to see how the book I am reading ends and if there is wisdom there that I could pass on to J.




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