21A- Reading Reflection Number 2

The book I chose to read for this assignment is "How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big" by Scott Adams. This book is an autobiography on which Adams speaks about his many trials and tribulations on his way to becoming a successful Dilbert cartoonist. The main argument of this autobiography is to realize that we have to undergo a series of failures and errors in order to finally succeed- but once we do, we are prepared for our success and know how to navigate our way through future bumps in the road. Due to these multitudes of failure, we are strong and determined, we are vigilant and perseverant. This book connected with the lessons we have learned in ENT3003 as we have been taught that entrepreneurship is not a straight path which ultimately leads to the massive success that we believe it is. Entrepreneurs are people who break barriers, who go through struggles and financial hardships. Entrepreneurs are people who continue to battle with failure and hear the word "no" more than the word "yes". Entrepreneurs are diligent in their work and passionate about their efforts. If I were to choose an exercise off of this book, I would like to do a reflection paper. I would make the prompt along the lines of: "Name every failure you have experienced in your collegiate career on your path to your degree." This would surprise many students, as failure is something you do not think you encounter every day, week, or month; however, it is, though. Failing a test, not comprehending a subject in class, not being able to commit to every volunteer opportunity, getting denied from a student organization, not getting the job you worked so hard for are all failures, to say the least. However, these small bumps in the road are preparing you for life post-college and your future career. Failures teach you to not give up, because once you give up, you cut off the space for success. My biggest surprise while reading this book was reading about Adams' failures- some minor and some major. I know everyone fails; however, it is hard to really understand other people's failures not relevant to your own.