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So Good They Can’t Ignore You

Secret to Career Success

By Maxamed SharifPublished about a year ago 5 min read
So Good They Can’t Ignore You
Photo by Geranimo on Unsplash

So Good They Can’t Ignore You:

The Secret to Career Success.The mantra ‘So Good They Can’t Ignore You’ was popularised by the well-known comedian Steve Martin, a notion that was later expounded on by the author Cal Newport in the book of the same name, which also gives guidance and logic regarding the key ingredient to achieving one’s life goal—success. This idea suggests that there is no one single magic key to success; rather, it can be designed through the development of unique skills that will render one’s work invaluable and thus receive opportunities.

But how does one truly go about achieving this mark of excellence? The burning part of this question, and looking forward, turns to how a person can structure their career and life around the achievable philosophy of focusing exclusively on one’s work and striving towards embodying bespoke excellence.Success is not only earned through winning a competition; it is also manifested through passion and a strong motivation from within of wanting to succeed. There is too much emphasis being placed on the talent or hard work needed to make it in the global market. In a time where everything, especially success, is achievable, there is an utterly high competition.

Chasing after external validation is not a bad approach, but neither is it a best practice, since once one achieves success through externally validated means, it cannot be maintained over a long period. Achieving the confidence and the mentality of being “so good” so that your work speaks for itself defies boundaries and the need to advertise your work. A ‘brand’ of its own is created through being ‘that good.’.In addition, accomplishing a task in a superb manner creates an advantage. People work or associate themselves with those who have shown themselves to be spectacular performers.

This leverage gives you the power to negotiate better chances, earn legitimacy, and create a distinct space in the industry.Success and the Misconception of PassionPeople tend to have a great deal of misconception regarding how success is most able to be attained, with a great number of people claiming passion is fundamental. Passion first, says the expert’s advisor Cal Newport, should be the last thing to be considered if one wishes to enhance one’s skill. The more someone is able to do or achieve, the more enjoyment someone is able to have. With improvement comes the will to accomplish more—no more, no less, and no further.

This invitation empowers a well-reasoned method with respect to professional advancement. Instead of wasting effort in trying to look up the so-called favourite job, aim at being over the top in whatever position you are in. Confidence and satisfaction result from accomplishments, and accomplishments are exactly what fuel passion.You are either great or doing dust.In order to become able to leave people speechless with your results and efforts, the one hint to actually reach that level is great focus in creating workpieces and never giving up. This applies to all trade, art, engineering, teaching, or even self-employment.To nurture one’s craftsmanship:Practice Deliberately: Try self with work that is beyond reaching your maximum potential. Don’t be comfortable but rather find a chance to do better each day.Look for Criticism:

Having someone criticise you is the best way to grow. Find mentors, colleagues, and enemies to help you outwork yourself.Aim for Perfection: You should never cut corners in your work. Instead, always aim to complete work that is above standard, even in the smallest of the details.Establishing Your Professional AssetsOne of the terms that Newport talks about in his book is “professional assets, which he explains as acquiring valuable skills that are hard to find is important. It indicates skill sets and experience that help you stand out from the crowd.How to develop professional assets.Specific Learning: Take courses around the field and engage in workshops. Becoming an industry expert will also help you stay ahead of the trend.Be a Specialist: One can be a jack of all trades but a master of one is more beneficial. There can be loopholes in your knowledge, so make sure to find them and surround yourself with experts in that.Be a Problem Solver:

  • This is how you can be appreciated: identify problems and provide solutions to them. Be a person of solutions, because many admire that.The Grit, Resilience Quotient: An Indispensable AssetSuccess is not simply a walk in the park. It requires a long trip, which has its share of grit and resilience.

A very interesting line found in the book Grit, written by Angela Duckworth, states passion and perseverance are two great motivators that are needed for a successful career. The phrase being “good” makes more sense; it is not achieved easily and requires a lot of hard work.In order to develop the quality of grit, one should focus on:Long-Term Goal Setting:

Every accomplishment should be backed by a well-defined success picture that should be broken down into various actionable goals that are relatively easier to accomplish.Failing Big: See failure as a stepping stone rather than a showstopper.Consistency is the Key: You have to learn to push yourself even on the worst of days; you have to be present every day and trust your workflow.Finding Contentment While Trying to Be GreatIt is important to try and be the best in whatever you might do, but it is also equally important to try and find the joy along and within the journey. Give time to yourself and your loved ones during your pursuit of greatness. Achieving targets is important, but so is leading a life that speaks for onesel

About the eND

There is some truth to the phrase, “So good they can’t ignore you,” as it provides a positive approach and a plan of action. It means that if you upscale your skills, hone your craft, accumulate career capital, and develop some grit, you will be in a position to stand out in any industry. This reaffirms the notion that there is no such thing as an easy road to greatness and that happiness is not a destination but an ongoing process.Most of us reside in the ‘average’ space; in fact, it is more comfortable to stay there, but would you rather be comfortable or fit? Aim to do work that matters and helps you stick out. When you push yourself to only produce the best, the best outcomes and opportunities will come your way automatically. There it is—the call to action—get out there and be so good that people have no other choice but to take notice.

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About the Creator

Maxamed Sharif

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