Reading Reflection No. 3


1)     What was the general theme or argument of the book?
In How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big, Scott Adams talks about how you should put yourself first in order for you to be successful. This is not a typical way of being “selfish” but rather 3 ways to make sure that you put yourself in the best position so you can be successful in what you want. He describes the 3 ways as looking after yourself by being healthy in order to put yourself in good head space by eating right, sleeping, and avoiding emotional distress. He also talks about looking after your economics which includes your job so you do not burden your family and friends. The 3rd is look after all the other things which include your family, community, country, and world.
2)     How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
Throughout the book, Adams talks about investing in yourself in order to achieve success. This success should be measured differently than most. He describes success as small measurable goals instead of deadlines. I think this is relevant for an entrepreneur because success shouldn’t be measured by the revenue made in the 1st year but by managing goals like building a specific number of returning customers. This can help your mindset when the old way is discouraging when you do not meet your self-imposed goal.
3)     If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
I think it is more important than ever to focus on well-being when everyone is stuck at home. Creating a week of “selfish activities” and living with this mindset would be a great way to live with the glass is half full mentality.
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?
This book was not on my original book selection, after reading a summary a few weeks ago I thought it would be best to read it. As a self-proclaimed pessimist, it was refreshing to hear from someone so open with failing. It also resonated with me that even into his mid-life he knew he wasn’t happy and still tried to find activities that made him happy. It helped me see a different side to failing and also how to stay positive.

Comments

  1. Grace UbbenApril 17, 2020 at 8:08 AM

    Hi Orlantha,
    I read this book earlier in the semester and I also found it to be super interesting. I love that you pointed our your tendency to be a self-proclaimed pessimist because I tend to be that way too sometimes. It is nice to realize that we're all failing in our own ways and that it's okay. Even though I'm only 22, sometimes I feel overwhelmed that I don't have it all figured out, but this book was a good reminder that most of the time the journey is more important than the actual success. We all just have to find a way to embrace the journey!

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  2. KindraApril 19, 2020 at 12:01 PM

    Hi Orlantha. I have added this book to my reading list. As a mother of four, it's especially hard to find time for myself and I often feel selfish when I do take some "me time". I have to remind myself that spending time on improving myself is not selfish but actually makes me better in all other areas of my life, including being a better mom. Failing seems to be a theme I'm hearing about from many different sources lately. It's definitely a big part of life and it's important to be able to view it in a positive way as a way to learn and grow. Thanks for the insights!

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