Loved the book Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. It explores the mystery of how, sometimes, we just have a deep understanding instantly. In some cases, there’s a wellspring of knowledge and expertise that bubbles up. In others, in chaotic moments of danger, we just know to react.

Since reading it, I’ve strived to trust my initial judgments more, and find that, looking back later, after I second-guess myself, that first impressions are often right. Especially creatively.

Still, we know that editing and revising and hindsight can often improve But they also say: Hindsight is 20-20.

And that’s right, too.

The gap of time is key.

Blink once: inspiration! Step away. Don’t second-guess. Wait. And wait some more.

Then experience your own work with fresh eyes. This time, you’ll truly know if what you did was good.

This second blink will tell you more than belabored bogged-down brow-knitting. 

Another Blink-related post: “Counterintuitive: A Book That’s the Opposite of Blink“