- 304 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
The host of CBC Radio’s Under the Influence, Terry O’Reilly, uncovers the surprising power of screwing up
The Incredible Hulk was originally supposed to be grey, but a printing glitch led to the superhero’s iconic green colour. NHL hall-of-famer Serge Savard’s hockey career nearly ended prematurely, not because of an injury, but because of an oversight. And the invention of a beloved treat, the Popsicle, began with a simple mistake.
In his fascinating and meticulously researched new book, Terry O’Reilly recounts how some of the biggest breakthroughs and best-loved products originated with a mistake. Some people’s “mistakes” led to dramatic life changes—losing their jobs, their companies and often their credibility—only for them to discover new opportunities on the other shore. Other people’s mistakes seemed minor, almost insignificant—and yet they unexpectedly resulted in a famous brand, a legendary band or a groundbreaking work of art. And in a few instances, a mistake actually saved lives.
The fear of failing often holds us back. My Best Mistake will change the way you think about screwing up. It will encourage you to accept mistakes and embrace the obstacles that may arise from these errors, leading you to unexpected breakthroughs and silver linings of your own.
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Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Jaws: Youâre Gonna Need a Better Shark
- 2. Scotty Bowman: The First Cut Is the Deepest
- 3. Ski-DooÂŽ: How Do You Spell Success?
- 4. Brian Williams: The Unofficial Spokesperson of the Second Chance Club
- 5. Billy Joel: They Sit at the Bar and Put Bread in My Jar
- 6. Steve Madden: The Shoe of Wall Street
- 7. Swansonâs TV Dinners: The Problem with Leftovers
- 8. Bill Maher: The Problem with Being Politically Incorrect on Politically Incorrect
- 9. The Dixie Chicks: On Getting Dixie-Chicked
- 10. Seth MacFarlane: The Gate Is Now Closed
- 11. Steve Jobs: The Second Bite of the Apple
- 12. Kelloggâs Corn Flakes: Supressing Your Desires since 1896
- 13. Rob Lowe: Sex, Lies and Videotape
- 14. The Who: Who Are You?
- 15. Ellen DeGeneres: When a Door Shuts, a Closet Opens
- 16. The Incredible Hulk: Fifty Shades of Grey
- 17. Anthony Carter: Turning Up the Heat in Miami
- 18. Popsicles: Air Conditioning on a Stick
- 19. Sam Phillips: Rocket ânâ Roll
- 20. Kathleen King: Watching the Cookie Crumble
- 21. Fiberglas Pink: How a Successful Product Dyed
- 22. Mario Puzo: An Offer Everyone Can Refuse
- 23. The Old Farmerâs Almanac: White Day in July
- 24. Atul Gawande: Planes, Pains and Operating Tables
- Afterword: Embrace the Obstacle
- Acknowledgements
- Sources
- Photos Section
- About the Author
- Copyright
- About the Publisher