Book Title: How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big, Scott Adams
1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?
The overall theme of this book discussed how life is full of failures and mistakes, however, if you continue to persevere you will ultimately find success in your path. Also, Scott Adams emphasizes the idea that failure is not always a bad thing and it can lead to the best results.
2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
In my opinion, this book connects very well with everything I have learned in ENT 3003. Throughout this class, I have had to revise my ideas again and again. These changes and mistakes could have been considered to be "failures" if I were to look at criticism negatively instead of taking the comments as means to better my idea. This overall idea that I've had while in this class is the same theme that Scott Adams emphasizes in his book, How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big. Being an entrepreneur means you will have many failures along the way on your road to success. However, it is how you choose to look at these failures and grow from them that determine if you will succeed in the end. I have had to learn how to take criticism and grow from it throughout this course in my assignments and these small "failure" have lead to my ultimate success of having a more detailed and thought out business proposal.
3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
If I had to design an exercise for our class based on this book I would make the exercise about learning from your failures. I would have everyone write down three failures that they have experienced and then write at least three positive things that came from those failures. By looking at the successes that came from your failures, you are better able to appreciate your mistakes that you once viewed as a failure.
4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?
One of the most interesting points that Scott Adams makes in this book is the idea that making the assumption that people are reasonable is one that will set you up for failure. Although it seems rational to make an assumption that the people around you are rational, this is not always the case. After reading this section of the book, I thought about my past experiences and have to agree with Scott Adams on this idea. If you assume that the people around you will always make reasonable decisions, this will often lead to disappointment and frustration. In order to avoid failure and frustration, you have to lower your expectations of others due to the fact that people are not always rational.
Hi Andrea! I did not read the book by Scott Adams, but from your description it seems like a great read. You did an amazing job explaining the main idea and points to take from the book. I agree that making mistakes and failing should be perceived as a bump in the road not the end of the world. Also, the exercise you cultivated based on this book fits perfectly and would be a very positive for those participating to reflect on their decisions and outcomes. Most people do not realize when they think they are "failing" that certain things are just falling into place for the better just in a different way. Seems like you learned a lot from reading this book.
ReplyDeleteHey Andie!
ReplyDeleteWhile I did not read How To Fail At Everything and Still Win Big, I really enjoyed reading your reflection of it and what you got out of it. I also stated in my reflection that the book that I read tied perfectly into ENT3003. Mine was about innovation and entrepreneurship and how interconnected the two are. I like how this book puts such a positive spin on failure and how important failure is when creating something new.