Reading Reflection No. 2

The book I read was; How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams.    

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

              Adam addresses and indulges the idea that failure can potentially be a positive thing—that it is a beneficial aspect of ones climb to the top. When hearing the words “failure” one is flushed with negative thoughts; however, this does not always have to be true. Failure can provide us with the opportunity to learn from our mistakes, to gain experience, all to ensure that we better ourselves. I guess its true what they say, “we learn from our mistakes”.    

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

I definitely connected with the humor present in the book as this is something Dr. Pryor practices in his lectures. As I watch to intellectual individuals express themselves with a humors relief it makes me wonder if there is a pattern. Anyways, I can truly say that the book enhanced my knowledge and reinforce my course learning, which I plan to apply to my future endeavors. I took two important points from Adams book.

First, Adams uses a struck by lighting analogy and compares this to getting lucky, which basically states that luck can be manipulated in a way. By stepping outside, or by holding lighting rods during a thunderstorm, all these factors increase the odds of getting hit by lighting. Basically, you have control of your actions which translates to making your own luck. So, go find the “luck”, place yourself in the storm and remember to keep a positive attitude cause you never know when lighting might strike.

Lastly, the one I connected with most was “Passion is overrated”. This was something that stuck with me since I am a passionate person and find many of times that it drives my behavior. He states that everyone has a passion, but that “passion” is not what leads to success. Adams mentions to use factors like energy, information, and a systems approach to empower yourself in the hunt for success. This is interesting because it was not something I have considered, sure you know that these factors are important but sometimes passion can blind you.     

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

              My designed exercise for this class would be, based on my reading, a series of assignments based on what the students consider to be their future career, whether it’d be real-estate or corporate administration.  They would devise a “system approach” on how to move towards their career and make certain that they state; what would drive them? What platforms or social capital can they use to gather information? What would drive them? All the meanwhile excepting passion from the equation.

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?

              My biggest surprise had to be Scott Adams background. For over 15 years Scott found himself in the corporate world before he decided to pursue several rocky business ideas. To my surprise they all failed, all 36 of them. Yet he never withered, nor did he call it quits, he got knocked down and right back up all 36 times. Therefore, Scott is an inspiration—showing us to never quite, to learn from our mistakes, and to always take action, and to never give up!