How do you pick what your going to eat, out of all those tantalizing options?

I tend to just see it. Well most of the time really. I skim through the appropriate sections and something just pops, standing head and shoulders above the rest. I’ll often go through again just to make sure, often in more detail, yet whenever the waiter arrives – I almost always go for what I noticed first. If I don’t the meal is typically quite average.

Now what has this got to do with anything? Well its basically about making snap decisions. Rapid, concise judgements based on a significant amount of information on an instinctive, intuitive level.

Again you say but why is this important? Well when I pick a meal like this in a few moments, its a great meal. On the other hand the considered detailed analysis results in sub par result. Quick unthinking beats studied and detailed?

Doesn’t make sense does it? We’ve been taught to think first act second. I say that’s not always true. I say your gut has its uses. Sometimes leap before you look. Sometimes what pops or just feels right, is. Sometimes you know without thinking. I believe taking a more intuitive approach to business could lead to faster more authentic choices. Choices you don’t overthink. To hesitate can decimate. Trust. Jump. Choose.

If you find these quick and effective, strangely efficient snap judgements intriguing give Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink a read – he’s got all evidence and anecdotes you need wonderfully intertwined in brilliant read.

So, what was my order? Why Lindt covered Springbok, the most unique thing on the menu.

(I only actually thought about the fact that I was eating a dead mascot drizzled in chocolate when Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers walked passed… Tasted great nonetheless.)

This post was written on my girlfriend’s Blackberry while I lay snug in bed.