[...] Because he has some very good advice… [...]

So how then do you choose a major? At random? Ordered by income/employment prospects? Dentistry, law, banking, software, it’s all the same? Close your eyes, choose one by income prospects and demand, spend ten years working at it (disregard the fact that you find the material duller than dirt), and you will be happy?

Allow me to assure you that that doesn’t work. I tried it. I lived it. It doesn’t work. It really doesn’t. When you lack the passion, and work alongside the people who have it, the difference is obvious. There is no hiding it. It has nothing to do with competence. The competence COMES from the passion, not the other way around. Don’t let some 30 year old who has never actually put these principles to the test (indeed, seems never to have had a real job) tell you any differently.

[...] to find out more? You can also read my summary of the book, or read (adapted) excerpts published in Fast Company, The Globe and Mail, and [...]

I was skeptical when I picked up your book and noticed you look like a 22-yr-old and could not imagine what wisdom could come from such a young person with limited experience. However, I was pleasantly surprised as it confirmed what I had known all my life in my endless search to identify my passion and pick the corresponding occupation. Question: I have been a stay-at-home mom for 16 years who worked in HR before leaving the workforce. I am now preparing to return and have started taking certificate classes in the subject area to update my knowledge. I will soon start a certification course to increase my “career capital” as you say. What advice would you give me as I have already lost years away from the field? Have you had any experience with women with children and what adjustments did they have to make? Also, I was wondering how the concept “Skills trump passion” can be applied to relationships. Many people look for passion when starting a relationship but as the divorce rate proves, that is simply not enough.However, I would not advise anyone to start a relationship based on logic either. I wonder if there are some threads in your observations that can also be applied to relationships, including friendships.

Great job on the book. It not only confirmed that something was not wrong with me in my elusive search to figure out the color of my parachute but it also gives me confidence that I can go back out with a new mindset to find work I love.

http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/11/build_your_reputation_the_r.html

I wrote a book review of your book. I am an ardent follower of your blogs and writing and I am trying to incorporate deliberate practice to my life. I am not successfull yet but i am progressing bit by bit.

Here is the review.
http://m2n037.blogspot.in/2012/11/screw-passion-first-become-good-and-so.html

In chapter 3 of your book, you mentioned the “exceptions” where following one’s passion may sometimes be helpful. I was once an athlete myself at a very young age so I would like to comment on this. It started when I realised how enjoyable running on the greens felt(feeling the wind and body movement). Naturally, I pushed myself to run as fast as I could every time I had the chance as I thought the excitement would be greater(and indeed it was). Then over time, it became evident that somehow I was the quickest runner among my peers. As I competed with more people, my confidence grew, and so did my passion for it. I would jump at any opportunity to race with others, challenging them and myself at the same time. However, I never trained as athletes do, and that’s probably why my “glory” was short-lived as me and my peers hit puberty. My peers who grew much taller were able to outperform me. From then on, my passion for running slowly died.

So you are right. Ability does comes first before passion. Passion is not just an “interest”. It is a package of one’s interest, accomplishments and confidence in doing something that enhances one’s self esteem(in being valued by others). It is something worth fighting for.