I surveyed in class “what are your new year resolutions”. I’m quite impressed that several of them said they want to read more, read more books!
The reason I’m impressed is because I guess I didn’t expect young generation is still reading?! (Ok, that sounds very pessimistic! But how can you not worry about the short videos taking over the world? What happen to the foundational human curiosity? People just browse and browse…and aimlessly consume a lot meaningless content! What is mind blowing is that people keep on creating minimal-value content!!! See, I didn’t say all content is meaningless, some still have values!)
So, I appreciate when people read, and reflect on reading, and attempt to read! That’s all good!
Here’s the book, I’ve been reading and recommending. Actually I’m re-reading it. It is my second time reading it, and I enjoy it.
Annie Duke is a former professional poker player. I think I actually remember seeing her on celebrity apprentice.
She used a lot sports analogy, poker strategies, experimental social psychology studies in this book, to help people see clearly, think, get comfortable with uncertainty and make smarter decisions.
“When 26 seconds remaining in SuperBowl XLIX, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll made a decision to pass the ball at one yard line, instead of a handoff to his star running back, MarShawn Lynch. The pass was intercepted and Seahawks lost, Tom Brady won another one.“
I remember when I started watching football, I asked a super naive question, “why would they run the ball? It’s only 2-3 yards. Isn’t passing more further and efficient?” (Obviously, what did I know about football!) But I was responded back with logic. “If every run is a successful 2-3 yards, then you control the ball/time, and you move forward eventually and touch down.” It is kinda a life story, isn’t it. Building blocks! Why wouldn’t we want to become successful overnight (a long pass, and touch down) but just keep on doing what we are doing, to live! If you believe in small positive efforts accumulated will payoff, then touchdown is just the matter of time!
The strategy in offense and defense kind of sports is usually the most interesting thing to watch, and to learn. The execution is exciting; the decision-making on calls is exhilarating.
That’s the book is talking about! We are making decisions all the time! From starbucks choices to stock investments. What are those unavoidable points in human nature when comes to dealing with emotion when making a decision, how do we get ourselves more comfortable with uncertainty. Thinking in bets, gives you some lessons and guidelines.