Success Archives - Striving For Felicity

6 Steps To Prepare For A Job Interview Like A Pro

In today’s competitive job market, acing an interview requires more than just showing up. Whether you’re gearing up for a virtual interview or preparing for an in-person interview, making a positive first impression can go a long way. From mastering common interview questions to understanding the company’s culture, there are various key strategies to ensure you put your best foot forward. This guide will provide you with some of the best interview tips so that you can walk into your dream job interview feeling confident and ready. By the end, you’ll know how to make the right impression, ask thoughtful questions, and present yourself as the ideal candidate for the role.

1. Research, Research, Research

First things first: research. You need to gather as much information as possible about the company, the position you’re applying for, and the interviewer to optimally prepare for the job interview. Here are a few places to find useful information:

Company Website
Google News
Interviewer’s LinkedIn
Reviews from former employees
People you know

The goal isn’t to give a presentation about the history of the company, but you should have a rough idea of what they do, especially any current projects and how they relate to your position. Spend about an hour on a short research binge before moving on to the next step.

2. Collect questions that you could be asked

In a job interview, you will inevitably be confronted with questions. The best way to prepare is by stepping into the interviewer’s shoes and coming up with possible questions. Here are some tips:

No question is too simple – During my last job interview, I was asked exactly the one question I had deemed too simple and irrelevant (“Why did you decide to study law?”). Luckily, I resisted the temptation to skip over this question when I practiced, so I had a good answer ready. Think twice before dismissing any question as ‘too simple.’
The questions you hate most are the most important – Focus on the questions you hate answering the most. These are the ones that could make you falter in an interview. Trying to come up with a satisfactory answer on the spot might make you look worse than you’d hoped. So dig deep into those uncomfortable questions.
Use ChatGPT for ideas! – This is one of those tasks where AI can be helpful. Instead of asking for random interview questions, use this prompt:

“I need to prepare for a job interview with (company name) for (position). Please act as the interviewer and give me a list of questions on the following topics: career path, personal motivation, expectations for the position, etc. Here’s an excerpt from the company’s website/job description: …”

3. Come up with 3-5 questions to ask at the end of the interview

At the end of every interview, you will be given the chance to ask some questions of your own. Many people hate this part, especially if the job you’re applying for isn’t exactly your dream offer. If you do have questions, they might just be about salary, bonuses, or vacation days—tricky topics to ask about in the right way.

The only truly wrong answer at the end of the interview is: “No, I don’t have any questions. You’ve covered it all.” Asking questions shows genuine interest in the position beyond just receiving a paycheck. It makes the interviewer feel like they’re gaining an engaged and motivated employee.

Here’s how to come up with 3-5 questions: Yes, you need that many because some might get answered during the interview. You don’t want to pull a new question out of thin air while stressed.

Look through the company’s website, job description, or articles to find areas that are unclear or that you’re genuinely curious about. For example, if the job description mentions workshops for employees, ask for examples or recommendations. If they boast about flexible or hybrid work schedules, ask what an average week looks like.
You can also find inspiration from YouTube, blogs, and ChatGPT, but make sure the questions apply to the role you’re applying for, especially if you’re using foreign sources. What’s appropriate can vary between industries and countries, so think them through carefully.

4. Go through the entire list of questions at least 3 times before the interview

Now comes the actual practice. After creating your lists of questions to answer and ask, go through them multiple times to ensure you present yourself smoothly during the interview.

Take your list and say every answer and question aloud, either to yourself in front of a mirror or to a friend/family member. Be sure to visualize the interview as you do so.

5. Prepare your outfit, navigation, and technology days in advance

Job interviews are stressful enough, so don’t add any unnecessary stress. Prepare your outfit, map out your route to the interview location, or set up your video call app well in advance to help keep calm when it counts.

By the way, don’t overthink your outfit. Unless you’re applying for a position in fashion, you can follow these two simple rules:

Dress slightly better than you would need to for the job.
When in doubt, stick with the “standard” outfit. There’s nothing wrong with a blue blazer and white blouse. Your clothes don’t need to make a lasting impression—unless you dress awfully, they probably won’t even remember what you wore.

6. Mindset

Last but not least, your mindset.

All the preparation in the world won’t help if you walk into the interview with a mindset of doom. Remember, you’re not the only one who wants something out of this interview.

The company needs someone, and the shorter their search for a good employee, the better. They’re looking for reasons to hire you, not reject you. This is a partnership. You’re testing them as much as they’re testing you.

Preparing for a job interview may feel overwhelming, but with adequate preparation and ample time, you’ll be able to handle even the most tricky questions with confidence. Whether it’s maintaining good posture in a remote job interview, or practicing your eye contact in mock interviews, each step will bring you closer to landing the job. The best way to succeed is to be the best version of yourself—engaged, informed, and positive. Keep these best practices in mind as you move forward in the hiring process, and good luck as you take the next step toward securing your new job!

7 Ways Your LAZINESS Is Costing You MONEY

Blog, Success

Have you ever considered how much money your laziness might be costing you? It’s easy to overlook the small, everyday habits that slowly drain your finances. From neglecting to switch to a better savings account at a FDIC-insured bank to sticking with a traditional bank that offers a lower interest rate, the cost of laziness can add up quickly.

In a world where digital advertising terms and various affiliate marketing programs entice us to spend more, it’s crucial to be mindful of our financial decisions. This blog post dives into how seemingly minor acts of laziness, like not switching banks or failing to unsubscribe from unwanted services, can lead to significant financial losses.

Whether it’s missing out on a better deal at the grocery store or failing to capitalize on top picks for investments, these habits can have an immediate consequence on your wallet. Let’s explore the not-so-hidden costs of laziness and discover how a little effort can go a long way toward a healthier financial situation.

1. Being too lazy to change your banking account

For most people, deciding on a bank to store their money is a monumental decision that is taken with more caution than getting into a romantic relationship. Yet, as daunting as that task seems, it is very much doable.

Of course, it’s also a hassle to change your bank. It requires tons of paperwork and annoying verifications of identity. But a lot of the time, there is a big financial reward at the end of it. Why keep your money at a bank with high fees and little interest when you can easily find a secure bank with lower fees and higher interest?

You don’t need to move your money around every couple of months. But you should check in and compare offers every couple of years. It’s not guaranteed that there always is a better offer, but wouldn’t you rather make sure instead of losing out on money unintentionally?

2. Being too lazy to unsubscribe immediately

So, you’ve just subscribed to a free trial and are eager to start using the service. But hold your horses! Are you 100% sure you want to pay for this service after the free trial is over? The same question goes for paid subscriptions. Are you sure that you want to continue using this service after the month/year you paid for is over? Because if you are not, it would be safer to unsubscribe immediately after signing up.

Forgetting about a cancellation deadline has happened to all of us at least once. Sure, most of the time, the financial repercussions for one additional month or year of subscription are not the end of the world. But it is still money wasted.

So do your future self a favor and unsubscribe before you dive deep into the free trial.

Although beware: In some rare cases, unsubscribing means you can’t use the service anymore, even though the trial/month isn’t over yet. So read carefully what the website says as you click the unsubscribe button.

3. Checking out prices before a subscription renews

Let’s stay with our favorite money-eating machine: subscriptions.

If you do have a subscription that you’d like to stick to in the long term (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime, NordVPN, etc.), it can still be useful to consider unsubscribing for a day instead of letting the subscription renew automatically.

For one, the prices may have changed without you being aware of it, and you don’t want to be caught by surprise when you look at your bank statement. Secondly, if it’s been a year or longer, then there might be new and cheaper services you could choose as an alternative. And lastly, a hack to keep in mind: If you were unsubscribed and sign yourself up again, you get the chance to use discounts that you would have missed out on during the auto-renewal.

But be careful! Some of those discounts are only for first-time users of the service. So do quick research before going through the unnecessary hassle of unsubscribing.

4. Quick search for discount codes

Many websites have wonderful discount codes that are waiting for you to use them. So why not take a minute or two to do a quick search and see if you can get 10% off or get free shipping? You’d be surprised at how often there is a code you weren’t aware of.

If you want to save time, you can, of course, simply install one of many free code finder apps to do the work for you. For example, right now, the app PayPal Honey is advertising that its users save on average 115 € a year.

That kind of money can go straight into your savings and investment account!

5. Picking up pennies from the ground

Fair warning: If you are anti-Law of Attraction, then this one is probably not for you.

I’m not going to pretend that you can become rich by picking up pennies from the ground. And unless you are dangerously broke, those pennies won’t make a visible difference to you financially. However, what it does is send the message to yourself that you appreciate money no matter how it reaches you.

And as soon as you truly embody that energy, the Universe sends you all kinds of opportunities to gain money. You might start receiving a surprising bonus at work, a higher-than-expected tax return, or a free meal at a restaurant because they messed up your first meal. There are endless weird and unexpected ways in which money can reach us if only we are open and ready to receive it.

6. Planning ahead when getting fuel

Since most of us are still driving economically unfriendly vehicles and the fuel prices are much higher than they were a couple of years ago, this is a great opportunity to save some money.

First of all, you shouldn’t let your tank get so low that you are forced to get fuel at the next available gas station. Because that one is rarely the cheapest option. Next, learn which of the gas stations around your hometown and along your regular routes offer the cheapest fuel. To make things easier, download one of those apps that tell you the prices in real-time.

Do quick research on the cheapest time of day to get fuel in your area. Obviously, you should avoid rush hours since those tend to be most expensive, but even outside of that, there are differences in price. In my area, for example, studies show the gas prices are cheapest between 7 pm and 8 pm as well as 9 pm and 10 pm.

If you can arrange to be at a cheap fuel station during one of the cheaper times without having to drive far away during inconvenient times, then why not do so?

7. Keeping lists for holiday sales

Every year there are big sales on the same dates: Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, Christmas, New Year’s, etc.

I’m sure you are already using many of these opportunities to buy things at a cheaper price. However, are you strategic about it? How often did you remember something you needed to buy only after such a sale day was over?

A better way of approaching these sales is to keep a list throughout the year, in which you note down all the things you want to buy when they are more affordable. You can use this list also to write down gift ideas. That way, you’ll never be late with gift shopping, and you can get them at a cheaper price.

BONUS: What to do with your savings?

If you follow any or all of these tips, you are going to casually start saving some money throughout your daily life. The default result of this is that you have more money in your regular bank account that you can spend elsewhere.

However, I want to propose a different action step for you. Anytime you save money that you were prepared to spend, put it into your savings or investment account. After all, if you were emotionally prepared to spend that money before you found that 10% discount, it should be no hardship to relocate that exact amount into your savings.

That way, you not only get to celebrate saving money, but you also can feel proud of yourself for doing something for your future. This good feeling will reaffirm your desire to find more clever ways to save money, which will, in turn, help you to see opportunities to do so everywhere.

In the end, a little effort can make a big difference in your financial life. Whether it’s taking a few minutes to unsubscribe from unnecessary services or spending a bit of time comparing better deals, these small changes can lead to a better rate on your savings account or a reduced higher interest rate on your credit card.

Don’t let laziness cost you a lot of money in late fees or missed opportunities for better financial management. By being proactive and mindful, you can turn your financial situation around and enjoy the benefits of making the right investments.

Remember, every bit of extra income or saved money can contribute to a more secure future, whether it goes into a retirement fund or a new laptop computer. So, take that extra time and go the extra mile—you’ll be glad you did.

And always keep in mind: a well-managed financial life is not just about cutting corners, but about making informed choices that align with your long-term goals.

Now, armed with these insights, you’re ready to tackle the challenges of personal finance head-on and make your money work harder for you.

33 WARRIOR QUOTES To Awaken The Fighter Spirit Within You

Blog, Quotes, Success

The path to becoming a warrior is not about physical prowess or mastering combat alone. It’s about embracing the “way of the warrior,” which transcends the physical and delves deep into the realms of inner strength and resilience. This blog post is a collection of warrior quotes from some of the greatest minds, aimed at inspiring you to uncover the true strength that lies within. Whether you’re facing the everyday challenges of life or battling significant obstacles, these quotes will serve as a reminder that every ordinary man has the potential to become a real warrior.

What It Means to Be a Warrior

To be a warrior is to embody resilience and perseverance. It means not letting failure define you, but rather using it as a stepping stone to come back stronger. A true warrior understands that hard times are an inevitable part of life, yet they choose to face these challenges head-on with a warrior mindset. This mindset is the fundamental difference between those who merely survive and those who thrive. Real warriors find strength in the grip of their grief, harnessing the rational part of their mind to navigate the paths of their deeds. They recognize that true strength isn’t just about defeating an opposing force; it’s about conquering the malevolent spirit within, and turning every defeat into a lesson for greater victories.

Embracing the way of the warrior means understanding that suffering and hardships are not the end but part of the journey towards becoming a greater warrior. The real fighters, the peaceful warriors, know that every battle fought, whether it be a rampaging dog pack of daily struggles or the dark forest of major life crises, shapes their destiny. True warriors are those who keep their spirits high, never waste time on trivial matters, and always strive for the greater good. They are the ultimate warriors who lift the human spirit and make the world a better place through their courage and relentless dedication.

Quotes for Warriors

1. “A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does.” – Dan Millman

2. “You don’t have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you.” – Dan Millman

3. “A warrior acts, a fool reacts.” – Dan Millman

4. “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.” – Miyamoto Musashi

5. “The first virtue in a soldier is endurance of fatigue; courage is only the second virtue.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

6. “Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.” – Miyamoto Musashi

7. “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” – Rosa Parks

8. “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” – Rosa Parks

9. “Your victory is right around the corner. Never give up.” – Nicki Minaj

10. “In battle, if you make your opponent flinch, you have already won.” – Miyamoto Musashi

11. “I’ve always been a fighter. If you tell me I can’t, I’ll die trying to prove you wrong.” – R. A. Salvatore

12. “You might win some, you might lose some. But you go in, you challenge yourself, you become a better man, a better individual, a better fighter.” – Conor McGregor

13. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

14. “We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.” – Winston Churchill

15. “The will to conquer is the first condition of victory.” – Ferdinand Foch

16. “Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory.” – Miguel de Cervantes

17. “Victory is always possible for the person who refuses to stop fighting.” – Napoleon Hill

18. “I’m a fighter. I’m a survivor, and I’ll get through anything people can throw at me.” – John Daly

Quotes to Awaken the Warrior in you

19. “If you’re a true warrior, competition doesn’t scare you. It makes you better.” – Andrew Whitworth

20. “I am what I am. A fighter.” – Gordon Ramsay

21. “A true warrior fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” – G.K. Chesterton

22. “A warrior is not a person that carries a gun. The biggest war you ever go through is right between your own ears. It’s in your mind. We’re all going through a war in our mind, and we have to callus our mind to fight that war and to win that war.” – David Goggins

23. “I’m a fighter by nature and nothing will ever change that.” – Anastacia

24. “Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior. Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.” – Miyamoto Musashi

25. “I’m confident in the fighter I am, and I have nothing to worry about.” – Canelo Alvarez

26. “Warriors want a worthy opponent. There is no redress in fighting the pathetic.” – Donna Lynn Hope

27. “Warriors confront the evil that most people refuse to acknowledge.” – Bodhi Sanders

28. “I’m a fighter, so when someone says ‘no’ to me, I try to figure out what I need to adjust to hear the yes.” – Jacqueline MacInnes Wood

29. “A warrior’s greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time they fall.” – Confucius

30. “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” – George Washington

31. “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” – Leo Tolstoy

32. “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” – Bruce Lee

33. “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” – Sun Tzu

In the end, the journey of a warrior is an amazing journey of personal growth and unwavering determination. By following the warrior code, we align ourselves with our true destiny and transform into the best version of ourselves. The inspirational quotes shared in this blog post are more than just words; they are a call to action to embrace the warrior spirit within you. Remember, it’s not the immediate consequence of your actions that define you, but the lasting change you bring to your own life and the lives of others. As you navigate the challenges of life, let these quotes be your guide, reminding you that every day can be the best day of your life if you approach it with the heart of a warrior.

How To Transform Yourself From Consumer To Creator (5 Steps)

Blog, Success

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of content that bombards us daily. From endless social media feeds to binge-watching the latest series, we are constantly consuming information. But what if you could transform yourself from a passive consumer into an active creator? Becoming a content creator doesn’t require a sudden burst of inspiration or a massive time investment; it’s about making small, consistent changes and seizing opportunities. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to shift your mindset and habits to become a creator in your own right, no matter your starting point.

From Consumer to Creator: Key Steps

1. Always Keep an Eye Out for Opportunities to Create

In the digital world, opportunities to create are everywhere. The next time you’re scrolling through social media or watching a YouTube video, think about how you can add your own twist to the content you’re consuming. Are you passionate about a particular topic? Start a blog or a YouTube channel and share your insights. The act of creation starts with recognizing that every piece of content you consume can be fuel for your own projects.

2. Use Every Course, Seminar, and Book as Fuel to Create Something

Courses, seminars, and books are valuable resources, not just for learning but for creating as well. Instead of passively absorbing information, use it as a springboard for your own ideas. Did a particular course spark an interest in a new topic? Write a blog post or create a YouTube video summarizing what you learned and your unique perspective on it. This approach not only reinforces your learning but also adds value to your audience.

3. Be Messy Instead of Perfect

One of the biggest barriers to creating is the fear of not being perfect. Remember, tiny creations are better than no creations. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect idea; start messy and refine as you go. The process of creation is iterative, and each imperfect piece is a stepping stone to your next level of skill and understanding.

4. Tiny Creations are Better Than No Creations

You don’t need to create a masterpiece every time. Focus on small, manageable projects that you can complete in a short amount of time. These tiny creations, whether they’re blog posts, short videos, or simple social media updates, build up over time and contribute to your overall body of work. At the end of the day, it’s the consistent act of creating that sets you apart from the crowd.

5. It Doesn’t Take Inspiration, It Takes Time Blocking

Many aspiring creators fall into the trap of waiting for inspiration. The truth is, creation takes discipline and time blocking. Set aside dedicated time in your schedule for creative work, just as you would for any other important task. By making creation a regular part of your routine, you’ll find that inspiration often follows action, not the other way around.

Transforming yourself from a consumer to a creator is a journey that starts with small, intentional steps. By keeping an eye out for opportunities, using your learning experiences as fuel, embracing imperfection, and prioritizing regular creation time, you can build your own brand and add real value to the digital world. Remember, at the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent and taking the leap from consumption to creation. Start today, and watch your creative potential unfold.

5 Unpopular Truths About Studying

Blog, Success

Studying is an integral part of academic success, yet it’s often shrouded in popular myths and misconceptions. We all want to believe in that one secret study method that will magically transform our grades or that there’s a shortcut to mastering difficult subjects. However, the reality is far more complex. In this blog post, we’ll uncover some unpopular truths about studying that can help you approach your study sessions with a growth mindset and set you on the path to true academic achievement. From challenging the widely held beliefs about study hacks to understanding the real value of exam strategy, these insights are designed to shift your perspective and improve your educational journey.

1. There is no secret study method that will change everything for you

One of the biggest myths in the world of education is the existence of a magical study method that can change everything overnight. Many students spend a lot of time searching for this elusive technique, only to find that no single method can guarantee success. Scientific research shows that the best way to study is through consistent effort and employing a variety of techniques tailored to your learning style. True study strategies involve a combination of note-taking, retrieval practice, and regular review sessions. Remember, hard work and dedication are irreplaceable components of academic success.

2. Studying needs to feel challenging

A common misconception is that if studying feels hard, you’re doing it wrong. On the contrary, the feeling of challenge is a good sign that your brain is working hard to process new information. This level of confusion is part of the learning process, pushing you out of your comfort zone and promoting deeper understanding. Embrace the struggle as it indicates growth and the development of new cognitive abilities.

3. You will always forget information

Another unpopular truth is that forgetting is a natural part of learning. No matter how diligently you study, you will forget some of the material. The key is to use techniques like spaced repetition and retrieval practice to reinforce your memory over time. These methods help move information from short-term memory to long-term retention. Accepting that forgetting is inevitable allows you to plan your study sessions more effectively, focusing on review and repetition.

4. Exam strategy is more important than overarching comprehension

While a deep understanding of the subject matter is important, your exam strategy can often play a more crucial role in achieving good grades. Knowing how to approach different types of questions, managing your time effectively during exams, and understanding the format of the test can make a significant difference. High school students and college students alike benefit from developing strong test-taking strategies alongside their broader comprehension of the material.

5. 95% of study hacks content don’t teach you anything new or useful

The internet is flooded with study hacks promising quick fixes and miraculous results. However, most of this content doesn’t offer anything new or particularly useful. It’s important to be discerning and focus on tried-and-true study techniques backed by scientific research. Methods like active recall, spaced repetition, and deliberate practice are more effective than the latest trendy hacks circulating on social media.

Studying effectively is less about finding shortcuts and more about adopting a growth mindset and understanding that learning is a continuous, often challenging process. By debunking these popular myths and embracing the realities of studying, you can approach your academic work with a more realistic and productive attitude. Remember, there are no quick fixes, but with hard work, the right strategies, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, you can achieve great things in your educational journey. The next time you sit down to study, keep these truths in mind and watch how your approach—and your results—improve over time.

5 Lessons From “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” | Book Review

Blog, Books, Success

Finding the right career path can be a daunting task, especially in a world that constantly promotes the idea of “following your passion.” However, Cal Newport’s “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” challenges this conventional wisdom by presenting a compelling alternative: the craftsman mindset. Through this lens, Newport emphasizes the importance of building valuable skills, seeking control over your work, and practicing deliberate improvement. This blog post explores the key lessons for the book that will help us to cultivate a fulfilling and successful career without the pressure of finding a singular passion.

1. Stop Chasing Your One True Passion

I’m sure you have heard it over and over: If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life! Turn your hobby into your profession! Follow your passion! Find your passion and monetize it!

Sounds like solid advice, right? There is only one problem: What is my passion? I might like reading Fanfiction and watching Formula 1, but I sure as hell don’t want to turn that into my career.

Most of us have spent plenty of time searching for our “one true passion.” Many students drop out of college or jump from major to major because they haven’t found their passion yet. As if we can only have a fulfilling life if we find our passion and turn it into a career.

Cal Newport argues that this passion hypothesis is not only false but also highly damaging.

Turning your passion for yoga into a yoga studio doesn’t guarantee you will have a compelling career. It takes actual skills and experience to run a successful yoga studio. Instead of blindly following your passion, you should keep your daytime job and build enough career capital—aka sought-after and valuable skills—to eventually turn your passion project into a success.

On the other hand, Newport argues that nearly every career can be compelling if you go about it the right way. And isn’t that a relief?!

I have been studying law for almost seven years now and am getting close to attaining my second law degree, which means that the ‘real’ working life is nearing rapidly. And sure, I like law. It is interesting enough, but I sure as hell don’t consider it my passion! I wager to guess only a few students consider the subject they study their true passion.

In a world that increasingly supports the passion hypothesis, it makes you worry that you are on the wrong path, that you are setting yourself up for a life of misery, when you should be doing something else.

I have always loved the notion of “learning to love what you do,” which is why it is so refreshing to finally hear someone talk about jobs in that way instead of with a passion mindset.

But how do we turn our job, any job, into something we love doing? That brings us to the second lesson:

2. Job Satisfaction Mainly Comes from Control

Cal Newport argues that the people most satisfied with their jobs are those who have the biggest amount of control over when, how, and what they work on.

And yeah, that’s actually a big part of what makes me envy all those people with great careers. Think of these entrepreneurs or even successful actors; they all have a lot of control over what they do and how they do it.

Or compare the teachers of Finland (a country that regularly places very high in the PISA studies) with teachers in other countries. In Finland, every teacher gets to decide how to run their own classroom, while in other countries, all classes of the same grade use the same textbooks and have the same lesson plan with slightly different tests. I don’t know about you, but I know in which country I would rather be a teacher.

So yes, control over your working day is a big factor for happiness. I already knew that in relation to the entrepreneurial lifestyle, but I had never really thought much about it in relation to ‘ordinary’ jobs.

It is definitely going to make me look differently at every career opportunity I encounter. It could be the deciding factor that makes you choose the lower-paying job with bigger freedoms over the more prestigious employer. Or perhaps you will feel confident sacrificing a pay raise for having more of a say in the department.

It doesn’t matter in what shape or form you take control; just make sure to place it high on your list of priorities. This importance of control, as Newport points out, can be a key driver of occupational happiness.

3. To Gain More Control, You Need to Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You

Control without competency to back it up can end in disaster. So naturally, there are few jobs where you are given a lot of reign straight from the beginning.

But after the initial phase of getting a hang of our work, most people start to crave more control than they are given from their boss. They then might try to gain it through negotiation during the yearly performance reviews. However, why would your employer give you more control? What separates you from the other employees?

This is the point where it becomes important to become ‘so good they can’t ignore you’. If you reach that level of competency, your employer will actively try to offer you more to keep you with them.

Realistically speaking, a lot of employees are largely interchangeable. Sure, it is always annoying to have to hold job interviews and then instruct a new employee on how to do their work. But most employees simply don’t perform at a level where they provide a unique value to their employer. If you become one of the few who does provide that value, you will be able to negotiate for more control in your job, which will make it even more enjoyable.

4. To Become Great, Practice Like an Athlete or Artist

Athletes and artists improve their skills through deliberate practice. A musician might try to play a new song over and over again until every little part of it is perfected. An athlete carefully analyzes their weakest spot and practices that one maneuver time and time again while taking note of every development until they have improved. And then both the artist and the athlete move on to the next challenge.

This kind of deliberate practice seems obvious for athletic or artistic pursuits. Although it isn’t as obvious for knowledge workers, it can make just as much of an impact there.

Sadly, most of us stop practicing deliberately as soon as we are not required to write exams and tests anymore.

Cal Newport has adopted the habit of actively searching out challenging academic papers every week, that he then dissects bit by bit until he understands them entirely and can at times even argue against them.

This form of regular deliberate practice will rapidly set you apart from your colleagues and open new opportunities for you. Embracing this craftsman mindset is crucial for career success and provides great satisfaction in the working world.

5. A Good Career Mission Takes Time to Develop

Many of us dream of making an impact in the world. To spend our career doing something that improves the lives of countless people. And just like with the passion mindset, we rack our minds for possible careers and business ventures that can help us achieve this goal.

However, a good career mission takes time to develop. It might take years for you to explore your field in different directions before you’ll stumble over one that is both profitable and lights you up inside.

You can’t rush that progress. No amount of thinking will lead you to a good career mission. What it takes are small explorations into different areas until you have gained enough experience to notice unique opportunities. This methodical series of little bets, as Newport describes, is a crucial factor in finding a mission that aligns with both your skills and your passions.

“So Good They Can’t Ignore You” challenges the conventional wisdom about career success and provides a fresh perspective on how to achieve it. By shifting our focus from finding a passion to building valuable skills and seeking control over our work, we can create fulfilling and compelling careers. Whether you’re a college student, a young professional, or someone reevaluating your career path, Newport’s insights offer a roadmap to greater satisfaction and success in the working world. Embrace the craftsman mindset, build your career capital, and remember that skills trump passion in the quest for a meaningful and rewarding career.