Career Advice From Ina Garten: 'If You Love It, You'll Be Good At It'

Last week, at the Forbes Women's Summit, featured speaker Ina Garten shared some advice for her younger self.

Garten, who was once a Washington insider (for residents Ford and Carter, in fact), reportedly left the position — writing the nation's nuclear energy budget — because it was "dreadfully boring," according to Business Insider.

Her husband suggested that she try something fun.

Garten saw an ad for a small food shop in Westhampton Beach, New York, and made an offer.

"I had no experience," Garten said. "I thought it was the stupidest thing I'd done in my life."

As we all know, that small store became the launching pad of Garten's enviable career as the Barefoot Contessa, a lifestyle so enviable that even Tina Fey dreams about it. 

"Do what you love," Garten said. "If you love it, you'll be good at it."

Although we would caution that this advice can be easier said than done, there's perhaps no one more qualified to encourage you to go after what you want.