Snap: Seizing Your Aha! Moments

In this entertaining and thought-provoking study, Ramsland (The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds) explores the phenomenon of sudden insight%E2%80%94"a dramatic brilliance that floods the mind and clicks into place"%E2%80%94which she calls the "snap." She posits that these seemingly spontaneous leaps are really the result of preparation%E2%80%94Ramsland explains that the process leading up to a "snap" is divided into three parts: "scan," "sift," and "solve." Scanning involves observing one's surroundings and accurately remembering what one has experienced; sifting is allowing the subconscious mind to process and make connections; and the solution arrives when these are combined with the will to succeed and the ability to allow intuition to guide decision-making. Each section contains a myriad of examples of creative invention from people as diverse as Mozart; Percy Spencer, the inventor of the microwave oven; and J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Also included are brief reports of neurological studies that indicate that there is unique brain activity that correlates with a snap. Ramsland gives mental exercises to encourage these snaps, along with advice on brainstorming, looking outside of one's discipline for answers, and%E2%80%94most importantly%E2%80%94having a passion for the work at hand. In order to seize your "Aha!" moment, "it just takes %E2%80%98seeing more'"%E2%80%94and reading this%E2%80%94"and being ready to roll." (Feb.)