Reading Reflection 3

How to fail at almost everything and still win big- by Scott Adams

1. Contrary to the popular belief that passion is the root cause of success, Adams believes this works the opposite way with small levels of success increasing passion, which is essentially reinforcement. It is more effective to operate with systems rather than specific goals. Adams posits that systems allow slow growth overtime while goals, once achieved can result in feeling lost or miserable because of the loss of direction and having to find some new goal to replace the one just achieved. Adams emphasizes the importance of being selfish with the right attitude and positive energy.

2. Both the book I read and several assignments in this course are based on responding to failure in a positive manner and ways in which to avoid failing in the first place. I think the professor of this course might disagree with Adams and argue that SMART goals are more effective than the systems method proposed in the book.

3. In assignment 26A, we worked with what it is like to celebrate failure, so I would design an assignment that focuses on how to differentiate between positive failure and negative failure. Thus, this would help students know when to throw in the towel and quit, or if there are some encouraging signs, it would help students understand some important indicators that progress can still be made.

4. The concept that surprised me the most in this book was the idea that Adams thought two complementary skills are more important and useful than having one excellent skill. "the more you learn, the easier it is to learn more."