Review:

I see Blink as Malcolm Gladwell’s sequel to The Tipping Point.  It is not so much a sequel in terms of having a similar story line but more so because of what it does for your mind and thought process about everyday events.  For all of you planning to read this book, prepare yourselves to let your mind and imagination have free reign.  If you enjoyed the thoughts that were born from reading The Tipping Point then you will be equally if not more intrigued with those born in Blink.

Gladwell has an amazing way of altering ones perception of the world.  After reading Blink (or any of Gladwell’s books for that matter) you will find yourself questioning things that never seemed to catch your attention in the past.  The main idea behind Blink is that split second decisions made in the “blink” of an eye can often be much more powerful and accurate than those made after weeks or months of analysis.

I thoroughly enjoy books that take a contrarian view on something and have the evidence to back it up. The examples from his research give incredible validity to his findings and observations.  You will be astonished to read of the numerous situations where a “blink” has been much more accurate and valuable than a long stare.  One incredible example is that of a man who has been able to predict, with great accuracy, the successfulness of a marriage in a matter of minutes just by asking the couple a few basic questions and observing their reactions.  Pretty mind-boggling stuff.

The interesting thing to understand about this book is that we all make countless split second decisions each day, yet we rarely realize it.  Just think about the immediate first impression that you get of someone or something when you walk into a room, restaurant or bar.  Why is it that you can tell in a matter of seconds whether or not that is some place you would like to be?  Think about the last time you got that “feeling” that something was not right.  Now try to embrace the next time this happens and work at understanding what causes you to go into that given state.  Don’t be surprised if you cannot put your finder on it.

Key takeaway: Your lifetime perception of something can change in the blink of an eye.  It’s that first instant that can often make a life-long difference.  This goes to show you the great power of a first impression.  There is nothing else quite like it and few things as powerful.  It is in your control to use the power of that first impression to get you started on your road to success.

~Reading for Your Success