How To Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams
1. What is the general theme or argument of the book?
Adams addresses the insignificance of minor roadblocks and obstacles that one might face throughout their life. He argues that at the end of the day, our failures are only small steps towards our ultimate goal and vision and that we shouldn’t be discouraged. Rather, we should use them as experiences to learn from and alter the way we attempt these actions in the future. Being selfish to a certain extent in how we carry ourselves is also an important aspect stressed by Adams, stating that we need to look out for ourselves, and our finances, to ensure that our failures are recoverable.
2. How did the book, in your opinion, connect and enhance what you are learning?
I think it’s interesting how in assignment 26, we discuss very similar ideas and concepts related to failure and its role in our lives. The book goes into a bit more detail, describing our roles in failure and not just how the failure effects how we change our actions.
3. If you had to design an exercise for this class, what would that exercise involve?
If I had to design an exercise to exploit failure, it would involve constructing some sort of product of choice but having to create two versions that utilize different ideas. One would have to be constructed after, based on aspects that were found to be sub-standard to our ideal product. This would emphasize the failure of certain designs and the superiority of others.
4. What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book?
The biggest aha moment was for me was when Adams stressed the importance of worrying about your own well-being, and not obsessing and devoting all of your life to work. Overworking can often be a reason for some failure and a lack of vision for the bigger picture, such as why exactly your working. You work to live, not live to work.
Max,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting read by Scott Adams. I think your first point about obstacles and roadblocks that get in the way of our paths towards career goals is really important. We cannot let minor roadblocks discourage us. I also think the point about failure and how it should not be used as a discouragement but rather a learning process is important too. Finding that work-life balance is really important, and worrying about things in the workplace creates an unhealthy mindset, so I agree with Adams on that point. Good work!
Max,
ReplyDeleteScott Adams is one of my favorite person and I admire all the obstacles and situations that he had to overcome to get to where he is today. I like what you did for this reading reflection because it goes perfectly with the assignment right before it which is celebrating failure. He discusses how most times small steps backwards could lead to big steps forward in the near or far future. I like how he also cares about well being and business at the same time
dear maxwell,
ReplyDeletei thoroughly enjoyed this book, more so since Scott Adams is my favorite author. and your take away from the book was so accurate and well written that i believe even mr. adams would compliment you. i especially enjoyed how you note his importance of the idea of a gradual long term process rather than short day to day goals so one is able to complete the goals in the long term by ignoring minor roadblocks and focusing on their long term goals.
Max,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very interesting book to read especially because we have done assignments in the class relating to failure and this book gives a realistic idea as to how failure actually helps us. I found it very impactful when you wrote, you work to live not live to work because I believe as future entrepreneurs we may get caught up in making money or making our business better but that all does not fulfill happiness.