How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big - Scott Adams
1) There were many themes to this book, but overall the best way to describe the theme was setting your priorities in order to have energy that leads to success. For example, Scott Adams said energy is extremely important because it is necessary to have something that excites you and gets you up in the morning like side projects. Side projects give you energy and stimulation and passion that lead to success.
2) I loved this book and did not expect it to be like this. There was humor and I kept wanting to read what was next. Usually I do not find entrepreneurship books enticing, but this book was great. It connected with this class in the way that I thought goals were important, but in reality it is a system that is important that leads you to your "goal." I think this can help in any business aspect because it is important what you do and how you view things. It is also important to acquire new skills because every skill he said doubles the odds of success.
3) I would make people find a goal for themselves. Then I would have them create a system to follow to achieve that goal, but don't focus on the goal. Focus only on the system. Scott Adam said that goals are specific objectives, but systems are supposed to be followed on a regular basis. For example, say a person's ultimate goal is to lose weight. The system to this goal would be to eat healthier. Systems make the person feel good when they follow it, but goals make it feel like people they are failing if they do not achieve it.
4) I had a lot of "aha" moments, but the biggest surprise for me was he said to be selfish. I was not raised to be selfish. I was raised to put others first and help everyone I can. He said it is important to focus on yourself, which includes diet, exercise and your career. One of the reasons for this is because you can't help others if you cannot help yourself. It makes sense, but I never really thought of it that way. If you aren't at your best, then how are you going to give your best to others? That is why it felt like such a big "aha" moment for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Shelby! I really enjoyed reading this reflection! I almost chose to read the book you did, so I was particularly interested in reading what you thought of it. From reading your post I definitely want to read it, maybe I will over Thanksgiving break. Your “ah-ha” moment regarding being selfish was really telling of your personality. I get what you mean on being raised to put others first and be caring, however I do see the value of prioritizing your own needs and wants first. I think the book likely means it in a way that you should put yourself first because you have to be happy and healthy before you can truly put your energy into helping others.