“When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing” by Daniel H. Pink explores timing to be most successful in life, careers, and education. He uses tons of research to show the optimal time to schedule a meeting, deliver news, take a test, and start a lifestyle change to name a few.
Detachment–both psychological and physical–is also critical. Staying focused on work during lunch, or even using one’s phone for social media, can intensify fatigue, according to multiple studies, but shifting one’s focus away from the office has the opposite effect.
In the first part of the book, Pink looks at our day; when we are most creative and productive, when(and how) to take a nap, and when to schedule meetings. The second part of the book looks at when to start a goal or lifestyle change and how the midpoints provide extra motivation. Lastly, the third section looks at the dynamics of group synching and what it does for belonging and achieving a goal.
Even though this book is heavily research based, I didn’t find it heavy or too clinical. It’s written for the everyday reader who has an interest in “life hacking.” It provides interesting ideas to try for more success.
Read this book if:
- You are interested in how timing influences success
- Want to life hack
Pink, D. H. (2019). When: The scientific secrets of perfect timing. Edinburgh: Canongate.