Today’s reading “The Clarity of the Craftsman” from Cal Newport’s book was a little different from our usual readings, which came as a surprise. It was as if Brian and Rachel knew we needed a little morale booster, considering how this is an issue that most of us final year students are considering. In this reading, he outlines two kinds of approach to thinking about work. The Craftsman mindset and The Passion mindset.

The craftsman mindset is an output centric approach to work, whereby you focus on what value you’re producing in your job. Newport states that the craftsman mindset is crucial for building a career you love, and he defines this by introducing us to Jordan, a professional guitar musician.

The passion mindset is one that most people adopt while approaching their working lives. This focuses on what the world can offer you, and in turn makes you hyperaware of what you don’t like about your work, leading to chronic unhappiness.

While I may not fully agree with everything that he has said, this statement “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” really resonates with me. Most of the times we let really small details hinder our progress, or limit our potential. However, I feel like I should stop worrying about how I’m lacking in different areas, but instead look at the bigger picture and put myself out there to experience new things. I believe that this is also another way where I can improve myself. Another statement that resonates wth me is that regardless of how you feel about your job right now, adopting the craftsman mindset will be the foundation on which you’ll build a compelling career.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with another graduating friend, and we were discussing about how we should not be picky with our first job and to embrace the experience that we can get. I guess perspective really does influence your outlook, and this reading gave me another perspective on the way I view working in the future.