How to Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win Big
1.) One of the main themes that was communicated through this book, is the idea that creating goals comes with issues, so that if people use systems they will better succeed. It is argued in this book that the two basic problems with goals are that they are in the future and that they are too specific. Scott Adams, the author of this memoir, was traveling on an airplane when he ending up meeting a man who was the CEO for a company that was a believer in these idea. He helped illustrate to Adams about how much more beneficial it can be for people when they keep things simple instead of creating these goals that can ultimately lead people to so many small failures that they never succeed. On the other hand, when you have a system, you can easily adjust your schedule accordingly, so that time is no longer an issue, but it is rather focusing on wins whenever you deem necessary.
2.) In my opinion, this book connected most with all aspects of ENT 3003, but most importantly with the completion of the assignments for this class. For example, this book made me realize how the days where I complete my assigned blog posts are days that I can consider "wins" and every day that I do not complete an assignment should just be viewed as a rest day that will help me succeed in the future.
3.) Based on this book, if I had to design an exercise for class, the exercise would involve learning how to be comfortable to take risks. One of the other themes that is addressed in this book is the idea that people should strive to find jobs where they feel at ease with taking smalls risks within until they find their most ideal one. So, I would demonstrate the class to brainstorm about how they can take a safe proposition and stretch it out so that there is some risk and uncertainty involved. Doing this will allow students to realize how involving some risk can lead to rewards, while also developing students to realize wins are only important where they see them.
4.) One of the biggest things that most differed from my expectations of this book was the idea that things do not always have to be perfect in order for you to succeed. When people focus on systems rather than goals, then they will not worry about the potential failure, but instead see the full picture that is ideal. I was surprised to learn this because the most successful people that I know always seem to have such tight schedules that it seems must be followed or their day will be messed up and emotions will not be well. However, after this book I have realized that sometimes you just have to let things play out and try to focus on being successful in the biggest picture.
Hi Travis! I think you chose a very interesting book to do a reading reflection on. Something that stood out to me in particular was what you explained as a "win" for the day. You mentioned that completing, for example, an assignment in this class is like a "win" kind of day and the other days are considered rest days to better yourself overall for the future. i think viewing this like that and calling the "rest days" not "losing days" is such a positive approach. I think I'm going to start utilizing this mindset, too!
ReplyDeleteHi Travis,
ReplyDeleteI also chose to read this book. It was so cool to see what the author had to say his experiences in the entrepreneurial world. One of the things that I liked from the book, that you also touched upon, was the aspect of taking risks that you are good at. I had never thought of my life in this way, but once I read this and thought about many of the successes I've had in life, they have all been from taking risks in places where I might have a skill, whether I know it at the time or not. I also like what you had to say about perfection does not always equal success. In fact, it rarely does.
Hey, Travis! I enjoyed reading your reflection because I personally didn't read this book and have never heard of this mentality. My whole life, I've set goals that I've tried to accomplish, but never thought those goals could be holding me back. You summarized the themes of this book very well and made it clear to understand that every time we achieve or complete something, it's a little "win."
ReplyDeleteHey Travis, I do decided to read and review this book. I thought it was one that was very interesting and brought forth some really interesting and good ideas. Taking risks are the name of the game in businesses. You take a big risk by starting a business and continue to have to take risks in order to have it grow and make money. Some decisions will be hard to make but are necessary. Taking risks are good although some will fail, others will make the company better in the long run.
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