Flip Thinking by Berthold Gunster

FLIP THINKING by Berthold Gunster explores the improv strategy of turning *yes, but* into *yes, and* as described in his subtitle: “The Life-Changing Art of Turning Problems into Opportunities.” Gunster has worked as a theatre director and writer for years and has written numerous books on this subject. In this latest work he includes numerous chapters, each of which averages about 3000 words (or ten minutes of reading time), to encourage daily reflection on a variety of strategies. Some of those are waiting, rethinking, flaunting, and reversing. One of Gunster’s insights is that by default humans tend to try to solve problems, or even resist them, which can often make them worse. He encourages readers to reframe or let go of expectations. Similarly, he suggests asking yourself, “What could I learn from this problem? What could be the hidden opportunity?” A lengthy list of recommended reading, detailed notes, and an index comprise roughly thirty percent of FLIP THINKING. A summary of key points related to Gunster’s work is available on the Next Big Idea Club website. There, Gunster says, “Flip thinking is what children tend to do. What do grown-ups do when it rains? They avoid it. Stay indoors, carry an umbrella. What do children do? They dance in the rain.”