Assignment 21 - Reading Reflection No. 2

For this reading reflection, I selected to read and reflect on Scott Adams' book: How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big.

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

The general theme of the book was all about patience and determination. The book discusses that failure is just part of the path towards success, and that the individual should not be intimidated by the possibility of failure. Adams explains that the method of achieving success includes failures. Additionally, the term 'goals' is misguided. Rather the term 'systems' is more appropriate. Last but not least, the theme of the book includes taking risks that are comfortable in order to find one's energy.

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

The book connected with and enhanced what I am learning throughout the course. I have learned from the course that starting up a business that is successful is no easy task, and that it is not a straightforward process. Rather, there are bends and curves throughout the process. This includes networking, adapting one's ideas, etc. More often than not, one's initial idea is not the exact same as the final idea, and this is ok. This book furthers my knowledge on the fact that failure is part of the process, and that it should not prevent me from continuing my ideas and opportunities. The book has enhanced my learning of the value of patience and determination when it comes to being a successful entrepreneur.

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

If I had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book I read, the exercise would involve interviewing three to five people who would most likely not be part of your customer base. Finding and talking to people who would not use your product or service can be valuable as well. This will show the individual that not everyone will like the idea, and that is completely normal. This initial failure will show them that not all failures are bad. The exercise will allow them to build their senses of patience and determination to help them develop and evolve their business idea into a stronger product/service that will enhance their chance for success.

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?

The biggest surprise moment for me when reading the book was the fact that Adams is against the phrase "finding one's passion". Instead of finding your passion, Adams argues to find your energy. He argues that with a positive energy and good sense of determination,   failure will not matter, and neither will the amount of failures you encounter. This is because the individual will be enjoying the process, rather than having a large amount of stress. This goes further into the idea of patience. Time will allow the individual to succeed, and this is much easier when the individual is enjoying life with positive energy. This differed the most from my initial expectations. Instead of "coming clutch" after failures, Adams argues to appreciate those experiences and remain dedicated and patient.