Next! Book Summary - Next! Book explained in key points
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Next! summary

Joanne Lipman

The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work

4 (100 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

"Next!" by Joanne Lipman is a must-read guide for job seekers. The book offers actionable tips and advice on how to navigate the job market, from creating a winning resume to acing the interview. It also sheds light on unconscious biases and the importance of diversity in the workplace.

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    Next!
    Summary of 4 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 4

    Search: Trust your instincts, and move before you move

    Most of us have wanted to start fresh before, whether it was looking for a new job, moving to a different city, or ending a stale relationship. But often, we come up against a roadblock: How do we actually make the change happen? Do we need a detailed plan, or do we rely on intuition?

    Let’s look at the story of a fire chief who saved her team from a blazing inferno. Even though the flames weren’t excessive, she had a sixth sense that her crew was in trouble. She instructed her colleagues to flee – right before the floor suddenly collapsed. 

    Phew! A great example of listening to your gut, right? Well, according to cognitive scientist Gary Klein, it’s not quite that simple. The truth is, the commander’s “instincts” were aroused by a mismatch of conditions, which triggered her dread. From years of experience, she already possessed a deep subconscious knowledge of how fire operates, how smoke moves, and what temperatures are the most dangerous. So even though it seemed like an intuitive decision, it was really her subconscious mind drawing on past experiences.

    That’s right, successful gut decisions aren’t really moments of brilliance – they’re pattern recognition resulting from deep expertise. When you trust your instincts, you’re tapping into a well of embedded knowledge. But how exactly do you do this? 

    Well there’s some good news: you’ve already started. That’s because change begins well before an explicit decision is made. Take Joanne Lee Molinaro, for example. It wasn’t until the coronavirus pandemic hit that she decided to dedicate more time to cooking. Sharing recipes online, her hobby became a side hustle. Within a year, “The Korean Vegan” gained 2.5 million fans and became a social media sensation. 

    That’s the first step to reinventing yourself: search. Try out new things. But don’t be fooled; Joanne’s success didn’t just come down to luck. She was ready to brave the unknown, and she put in consistent effort to learn how to cook. She took action and moved before she moved.

    To kick-start your own reinvention, you need to be patient, persistent, and willing to act. You might not be ready to jump into the deep end and commit all the way, but start taking small steps toward your goal. Because, contrary to popular belief, reinvention doesn’t happen overnight. And while intuition can be helpful, the most effective gut decisions are those supported by experience. 

    Finally, don’t be surprised if the search phase frustrates you – this is totally natural. Make an effort to enjoy your unique journey! In the next section, you’ll learn some tips to deal with the inevitable struggles and clarify your goals.

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    What is Next! about?

    Next! (2023) is an inspiring guide to personal reinvention. With insights from scientific research and real-life success stories, it provides practical steps to implement meaningful change in life and work.

    Next! Review

    Next! (2020) by Joanne Lipman is a thought-provoking book that challenges the status quo of workplace dynamics. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With compelling research and real-life stories, it sheds light on the gender gap in the professional world and provides actionable solutions for achieving gender equality.
    • By exploring topics like implicit bias and the impact of stereotypes, the book offers a fresh perspective on improving workplace culture and fostering inclusivity.
    • Its engaging storytelling and the inclusion of diverse voices make it a captivating read that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

    Who should read Next!?

    • Tenacious scholars
    • Aspiring creatives
    • Visionary millennials

    About the Author

    Joanne Lipman is a renowned journalist, editor, and best-selling author. In addition to holding various senior editorial positions, including Editor-in-Chief of USA Today and WSJ Weekend, she is a regular TV commentator and lecturer at Yale University. Lipman is also the author of That’s What She Said.

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    Next! FAQs 

    What is the main message of Next!?

    The main message of Next! is that women can thrive in the workplace by embracing their natural strengths and challenging the norms.

    How long does it take to read Next!?

    The reading time for Next! varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Next! a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Next! is a must-read for anyone interested in gender equality and advancing women's leadership. It offers valuable insights and practical strategies for success.

    Who is the author of Next!?

    Joanne Lipman is the author of Next!.

    What to read after Next!?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Next!, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • Choose Possibility by Sukhinder Singh Cassidy
    • 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan
    • Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey & Rachel Cruze
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