David and Goliath

Book Review by Shaktiman Singh

When the circumstances are overwhelming, like they are right now for many of us, when as humans, we feel that we are out of options and when we think that we're up against something bigger than ourselves, at such times, it helps to remember the classic tale of David and Goliath. A young David recognizes his strength (speed & maneuverability) and the vulnerability of the giant (his forehead) to give himself a shot, which ultimately led to his victory in an apparently one sided battle. David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell is a book which tells us how a potential weakness can give us strength, how easily we assume (incorrectly) that more privilege, resources & experience can tilt the balance in a person's favor and how we can adopt a different mindset and use clever strategies to turn the tables. In life, we need to play to our unique strengths, identify innovative tactics and be ready to upset those around us if we want to have a shot against a mighty opponent. Most of us mentally accept defeat when we are up against a more powerful opponent, be it in our professional or personal lives. But this book teaches us the small details & tactics which can change this perspective completely.

Highly recommend this book because of various counter intuitive insights it offers, such as: 1. Those with privilege lack the drive or endurance in hardships which gives the underdog a chance to succeed. 2. One of the common personality trait in successful entrepreneurs is disagreeableness. A total disregard of what others might think with a single minded focus to solve a problem. 3. Trauma can give an unprecedented uptick in motivation to succeed. 4. Police forces have achieved success when they followed the unconventional approach of engaging the community with support and understanding. People obey law when they don't see authorities as an enemy. Use of force by authority can lead to increase in crime rates. Study shows if more than two percent of a particular community is arrested, those kindred who are left behind will more likely turn to crime.

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In conclusion, the book is a series of stories which makes the reader understand that in the face of challenges, we ought to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses. If your objective is right, and you're true to the fight, apply tactics of manipulation, deceit, and cleverness to overcome the odds. Upsets are possible if we play to our strengths, have single-minded focus to win and be clever in strategies. After all, it is possible to defeat the Goliath in real life as well!

#MalcolmGladwell #Motivation