Why is the nearly ubiquitous idea of following your passion bad career advice?
The problem with follow-your-passion is the verb “follow” assumes you have the passion to start with. We really don’t have evidence that most people have a pre-existing passion waiting to be uncovered like treasure that they can match to a career and be happy.
How do you wind up with passion for work?
Research shows that people are passionate about work that’s challenging and engaging, traits we know really satisfy people. But these traits are not specific to specific types of work. This idea that there’s a particular career path that you need to follow to end up happy really isn’t matched by the evidence.
What are the guideposts people should follow when they’re developing their careers?
When I study people who love what they do, the common pattern is they started by getting very good at a skill that’s rare and valuable. That’s the foundation on which most passionate careers are built. My advice is focus on doing something really well, and the passion will follow.
How can someone find a skill that matches his or her capacity?
Choose a field that seems interesting to you. It’s a much lower threshold than “find your true calling.” If there are five, flip a coin. Once you have that, study the stars in your field. Identify what they do that is valuable — what other people can’t do. Then you can choose which [skill] appeals to you most or that you have the best shot of being able to cultivate.
What’s the best way to hone that skill?
Hard work alone isn’t going to get you there. Just showing up early, doing what you’re told, staying late is not going to cultivate a skill. Take a page out of the book of professional athletes or musicians or chess players — people who stretch their abilities by using what psychologists call “deliberate practice.” That’s taking a skill you want to improve and pushing yourself slightly beyond where you’re comfortable. It’s not fun, but it can be deeply satisfying. Most people in a knowledge-work position avoid this type of discomfort.
Is there a point in life when it’s too late to develop these skills?
There’s no statute of limitations that says you can’t develop valuable skills if you’re midcareer. The equation is simple. Rare and valuable skills are your currency. And it’s the key to building an engaging career.