Reading Reflection No. 3

I selected a book from the entrepreneurship category called How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life by Scott Adams. Mr. Adams is a very successful cartoonist and the creator of the well-known comic strip Dilbert.

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

The general theme of the book was a history of the author's many failures, both personal and professional. He told stories about childhood failure to failures he had within a week of writing the book. Some failures were not directly his fault. With each scenario, he breaks down what the causes could be. For example, in the instance of his failed restaurant venture, he explains all the different factors he believed contributed to his failure (new restaurant strip mall opened just down the block, rent was high, décor and food didn't mesh well, overestimated customer expectations, etc.). He uses some humor (not too much because he says then people would not take his advice seriously) but it is a fun and light read with a serious message behind it. 

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

I picked this book last week before even realizing that the other assignment for this week is also about failure and how it helps you grow. This book ties in with entrepreneurship because the author is what he considers to be a "serial entrepreneur" which means that he has experienced many failures throughout his life. It ties back to one of the first lectures in this course where Professor Pryor explained that there is a big difference between a small business owner and an entrepreneur.

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

Well, the assignment we did this week directly correlates with this book! That really is the perfect way to complement this book as that is the theme. I also might have students practice some of the techniques the author discusses in the book like self-affirmations or using a "systems-method" to achieve things rather than a "goals method." They could try applying one of the techniques to their daily life for a little while and then write a reflection on any changes they might have noticed.

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?

I think the biggest surprise was just how many failures the author was able to list, and in the end, he still ended up wealthy and successful. He was an average guy who at many points lived alone in a one-bedroom apartment. He had several failed inventions and prototypes. He made poor investments in the stock market more than once. He had multiple failed restaurants. The author expresses that throughout all of his failures he maintained an unwavering positive attitude that he almost makes fun of in a self-deprecating way. He genuinely never considered failure an option and said that he always thinks of something better when he looks to the future.