21A Reading Reflection

How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big, Scott Adams

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book? 

The general theme of the book is that failing is not an outcome but a process of success; it is a hidden blessing for eventual success. 

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

One of the biggest things that stood out to me from the book is that successful people aren't goal oriented but system oriented. Achieving a goal feels good at the moment, but then you start to realize that it was nothing big which hinders you to stay motivated. A system is something you do on a regular basis with a reasonable expectation that doing so will get you in a better place in your life. Successful people follow systems, not goals. This relates to ENT 3003 because of the assignments that are due on Friday every week. The assignments become a system and force me to manage my time and make myself to be productive. 

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

I would plan an exercise that forces the students to start organizing business ideas that are grand scale. This would force the students to get out of their comfort zones and think beyond what they are capable of at the moment. Students will fail multiple times preparing for this project which would teach them to utilize the failures for future success. 

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? 

As I said earlier, my 'aha' moment was when I read about how successful people are not goal-oriented but were system-oriented. It made sense since being system-oriented would force individuals to be productive every day.