How we think, how we come to our decisions, and what factors affect the process and outcome of these thought processes is an ever-present topic in both science and popular culture. In his book “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking,” Malcolm Gladwell explores this theme from different angles, focusing on the role our subconscious plays in decision-making.
Here are lessons from “Blink” that help explain how our subconscious mind affects our conscious thinking and decision-making processes.
1. We think in fits and starts, not in measured steps
When it comes to important life decisions, we make them with our conscious mind without always realizing what’s going on in our subconscious. Most of the time, we assume that there is a linear path from problem to solution in a continuous and uninterrupted process. Each step leads perfectly in a logical way to the next. In reality, though, our thinking processes are often much more “jagged,” with starts and stops, rather than a cohesive whole.
2. We make a subconscious first impression nearly instantly, and it often persists
In general, we tend to attribute certain qualities – good or bad – to people when we meet them. Our brains are wired for this kind of rapid assessment; in fact, it happens before our conscious mind has processed all the available information about the other person. Based on the first impression, we make quick decisions about whether someone is trustworthy or not.
3. We often rely too much on authority and are rarely sceptical enough of experts
We are wired to believe what authorities tell us without question, even when there’s no logical reason to do so. As a result, our brains tend to give more credence to expert opinions than they deserve. The reason for this is, in part, because we rely on shortcuts to make decisions, and the easiest way to do so is to follow the lead of someone more knowledgeable about a particular topic.
4. When there are no apparent rules or guidelines, our subconscious experience can be very different from what we think it will be
When there’s no clear path, no step-by-step instructions, or role models to follow for how to make a decision or conduct ourselves in a particular situation, our subconscious mind can operate with more freedom. The result can often be better than you expect. But when you try to force your thinking into a rational, deliberative process without doing your subconscious work first, you run the risk of trying to cram your way through a situation with an ill-fitting strategy.
5. We are influenced by people that we like even when we don’t realize it
There are all kinds of unconscious factors that influence our decisions and perceptions of people and things. One of the more basic and pervasive examples is that we tend to like people who are nice to us, regardless of whether they’re nice or not. We also tend to like those who look, sound, and act similar to those we already know or like.
6. Our first impressions can be so strong as to be debilitating
Sometimes the impact of our first impression can prevent us from taking another look at things later on. The reason for this is that once we’ve made up our mind about someone or something, even after initially forming a negative opinion, it’s challenging to change. But, on the other hand, a simple thing like putting the other person in a different context (say, in a different outfit) can sometimes change our view dramatically.
7. The more time you have to make a decision, the worse it can be
When we are presented with too much information about something or someone, that knowledge often gets in the way of making good decisions. While having all that data will allow us to feel more confident in our choices, it often tends to cloud how we think and obscures the facts.
8. Sometimes, the more choices you have, the worse your decision will be
Having too many choices can also hurt us when making a decision. It sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s true. In some cases, greater options lead not to better decisions but unsatisfying or even bad outcomes because of time lost in the decision-making process.
9. The best way to make a decision is to know what you’re looking for
It seems almost self-evident, but if you go into a decision-making situation with clear criteria that are important to you, it will help ensure that you make a better choice. In addition, you will do a much better job of separating the good from the great if you have a clear sense of your own expectations going in.
Conclusion: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
If you don’t know what you’re looking for in a decision, you’ll make poorer choices. Know what’s essential in advance and stay true to it. If possible, don’t let your brain wander when making decisions; instead, make the conscious effort to think about things in a more rational way.
Use both sides of your brain, and don’t just rely on your “gut instinct” because that too can be swayed by unseen and seemingly illogical factors. If you decide this way, be sure to review it later to see if it still seems like the best option.