The book that I read was “How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still
Win Big: Kind of the story of my Life” by Scott Adams
1.
What
was the general theme or argument of the book?
a.
The book focuses on how to be a
successful person in any aspect that you
end up choosing, whether its business or personal gain. Adams lays out what he
did to make him a person. He goes through chapter by chapter explaining either
his personal failure, personal experiences or what he did to become one of the
most successful cartoonists of all time.
2.
How
did the book in your opinion connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT3003?
a.
This book definitely connected with
this class. Entrepreneurs want to be successful people and Adams lays out the
framework on a variety of levels and areas of life on how to be successful. It
also seemed to dispel some truths on what makes successful people successful. I
would recommend this book for anyone going on a business or big life venture on
their own.
3.
If
you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what
would that exercise involve?
a.
The exercise that I would create is
make everyone come up with a system to reach a vague goal. Once you create this
system explain how it would help you achieve this vague goal. Follow this
system for a couple weeks and see if this has helped you move towards your
vague goal. If not explain why.
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?
a.
The biggest AHA moment for me was
when Adams talked about his goals vs. systems. For years you have heard
motivational speakers saying you need to set goals, and reach them if you want
to be successful. But you never hear what you need to do to reach those goals. Adams
said goals are for losers. Adams argued that you should employ a system or a
routine instead of a set goal and use that routine and not focus on the goal.
Adams gives the example of losing 10 lbs. many people fixate on the weight they
want to loose and how it would make them healthier and stop at all costs to do
I agree with you so much that speakers always say you need to set goals for yourself, but do not indicate how you exactly you can set those goals. People always say they have goals, but never achieve it. I believe, as well, that people should set up systems before actually pursuing their goals. I really like how Adam indicated his set goals with a system. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a very interesting book to read. I like this book because it relates to failure which we have been talking this week. Being successful is what we all want to be but it comes with its up and downs. Hope to read more.
ReplyDeleteHey Josh, I didn't read this book but you did a great job of summarizing it and it sounds incredibly appealing to me. Failure is an important part of developing who we are as entrepreneurs but also as people in general. Some people go all their lives avoiding failure because failure is scary, but everyone needs to face failure head on and accept the fact that failure is good. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHi Josh, I agree with you that failure is important. I read the book "The New Psychology of Success" which was a great read. It actually talked about failure as well! I gained new insight by understanding the difference between a fixed and growth mindset and understanding failure as an opportunity. Your "vague goal" assignment seems interesting, but I think I would have a better understanding of what it refers to if I read the book you are referencing. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteGreat summary, Josh. I haven't read this yet, but I think I might go ahead and read it. Adams is one of my favorite cartoonists and a deeper insight into his mind would probably be pretty interesting. I really like setting up a routine instead of a goal. A goal can be so scary and lofty and hard to acheive. Great job on your post
ReplyDeleteAwesome summary Josh, that book takes a bit of a liking to me as well. The aha moment is always the best part of the book and life in general. It is like trying to figure out a hard math problem and finally you solve it out and in your head it clicks and, AHA!
ReplyDeleteI liked your idea of setting a vague system for reaching goals. I've been reading "Never Broken" by Jewel which deceased the process of mindfulness and being present in the moment to determine what's important to you in order to find and achieve your goals. I think that it's super important to be self aware and be able to first, see what you want, and secondly, determine how to reach your goals.
ReplyDelete