27A – Reading Reflection No. 3

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

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

I believe the theme of this book is that we will all fail, and fail continually, on our path to winning big. Winning big though will look different for each person based on what they are focused on. If we focus on taking care of ourselves and spending time with the people who matter to us, we will, in the

end, win big regardless of career accolades.

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

I think there is a clear connection between focusing on what matters most. Chris does a great job explaining how sticking to physical business plans are not as important as most people think, yet a lot of entrepreneurs spend a lot of time working on their business plans instead of doing what is actually important – going out and selling your product. Likewise, Scott’s book does a great job outlining what we should focus on to win big.

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

I really liked the breakdown of goals versus systems. I’d design an exercise where the class would write down 2 goals and then detail out all the steps to get there. I’d then have the class go back and reflect on what putting the framework of a system around those goals would look like and compare which would have a better result.

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?

For me, it honestly was the goals versus systems. I have been diligent in writing out all of my long-term goals, and just as the book discusses, I have at times become overwhelmed and feeling like a failure if I missed 1 step in 1 day that I perceived as putting me behind in reaching my goal. I am going to evaluate how to put systems in place for my personal goals.