‘Flip Thinking’ by Berthold Gunster | Book Review

Whoever stated, “When life offers you lemons, make lemonade,” was essentially using the flip thinking strategy. Flip thinking is nothing more than an improv on real-life surprises/shocks, according to the author, Berthold Gunster, a theater veteran himself.

The book addresses most questions one might have around life’s unexpected happenings, a.k.a problems. Problems in life are unavoidable, at some stage or the other we all have to face them in our own way. But what if we shift our perspectives and view these problems as opportunities? There are so many problems. What problems are truly problems? Are they urgent enough? Do they warrant your attention?

The strategies presented in the book are crucial from a storytelling angle – incorporating love, shrewdness, creativity and patience among others – and together they work wonders across all walks of life. Illustrated with real-life examples, there are fifteen strategies designed to tear down the make-believe constraints and problems and carve them out into unending possibilities.

This book is not a lecture on how to solve your problems, but rather, how to turn them into opportunities. Much of what the author wants you to do is reframe the context. Gunster encourages you to go from the “Yes, but…” to the “Yes, and…” mode of thought, which is a very effective way of thinking. Eg. Yes, but this looks too difficult to incorporate vs Yes, and we can also add this feature to make it easier for our customers. It implies attacking the same problem from a different standpoint. This method not only allows for creativity and innovation, but it occasionally can provide crucial insight with little effort.

When reality hits and resistance fails, accept it, try to reframe the context, and understand the trend(s) at work to turn the same problem into an opportunity.

Overall, I highly recommend Flip Thinking to anyone looking for a new approach to problem solving or who wants to improve their mindset. Add to it that the writing is engaging, fun and informative. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue you’d like to “reframe” or simply want to develop a more positive and proactive mindset, Flip Thinking is well worth a read.

Get it here –