When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing

by Daniel H. Pink

Hardcover, 2018

Status

Available

Call number

BF468 .P57 2018 ESP

Genres

Publication

Riverhead Books (2018), 272 pages

Description

Business. Psychology. Science. Nonfiction. HTML:The instant New York Times Bestseller #1 Wall Street Journal Business Bestseller Instant Washington Post Bestseller "Brims with a surprising amount of insight and practical advice." �??The Wall Street Journal Daniel H. Pink, the #1 bestselling author of Drive and To Sell Is Human, unlocks the scientific secrets to good timing to help you flourish at work, at school, and at home. Everyone knows that timing is everything. But we don't know much about timing itself. Our lives are a never-ending stream of "when" decisions: when to start a business, schedule a class, get serious about a person. Yet we make those decisions based on intuition and guesswork. Timing, it's often assumed, is an art. In When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, Pink shows that timing is really a science. Drawing on a rich trove of research from psychology, biology, and economics, Pink reveals how best to live, work, and succeed. How can we use the hidden patterns of the day to build the ideal schedule? Why do certain breaks dramatically improve student test scores? How can we turn a stumbling beginning into a fresh start? Why should we avoid going to the hospital in the afternoon? Why is singing in time with other people as good for you as exercise? And what is the ideal time to quit a job, switch careers, or get married? In When, Pink distills cutting-edge research and data on timing and synthesizes them into a fascinating, readable narrative packed with irresistible stories and practical takeaways that give readers compelling insights into how we can live richer, more engaged liv… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member brangwinn

I’ve shared more information with teachers about timing and learning than I’ve ever shared before from a book. I wish the book had been available before I retired. There is lots of good information for people in any career.

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LibraryThing member Jane-Phillips

This is an interesting read in regards to the science of timing and how an understanding of it - from our circadian rythmns to working in synch with others - can improve our lives and create success. The author draws on a lot of real life examples to explain his points and after each main chapter

is a small chapter to help the reader learn how to use timing to their advantage. Definitely a good book to read as we go into a brand new year.

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LibraryThing member Razinha

I read Dan Pink's Drive before I read his A Whole New Mind, which was a better order because Drive was better written and had a more accurate message than Mind. Okay, a message that resonated better. When is as good as Drive, if not as much a paradigm shifter. But it is still a think prompter.

Dan

Pink writes an easy read...he's really good at it. Drive is excellent. And, as with Drive, he's very good at summarizing the extensive research he's done on this book - which he provides in his end notes, and encourages his readers to read and check his conclusions. (Some authors don't even provide references...Bill O'Reilly, take note...) Pink looks at timing patterns of the day, associated with beginnings, middles, and endings, and synchronization.

There's a lot more behind what he presents. Yet, what he presents...well, I'm a rather informed person but I learn stuff every day...at least I try. Drive may have shifted my paradigms, but When taught me some physiological and behavioral changes that I might just want to make. How did I not know that caffeine disrupted the natural cortisol production of my body? And that I needed to delay my morning extra jolt?

Things I do naturally seem to be right according to what Pink shares. Detachment is supposed to be critical - I'm paraphrasing, but...check out and you'll actually check in. Not focusing on something else might just help you actually focus on the task that needs your focus.

Time is obviously the focus of Pink's work here, and he talks about short and long term timelines, significance of milestones (holidays, just before decades of life, just after say...New Year's Day...), taking stock of time in general... A point that emphasizes living in the present is [researchers]

...found that the experience of awe—the sight of the Grand Canyon, the birth of a child, a spectacular thunderstorm—changes our perception of time. When we experience awe, time slows down. It expands. We feel like we have more of it. And that sensation lifts our well-being. “Experiences of awe bring people into the present moment, and being in the present moment underlies awe’s capacity to adjust time perception, influence decisions, and make life feel more satisfying than it would otherwise.”

Yes...our perception changes...I've experienced it. Walking through the redwoods or sequoias...time seems to slow.

Lots here, and hidden behind here... worth a read, and maybe a reread read or two. Pink's books have that quality.

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LibraryThing member jpsnow

This book isn't sticking with me only because I read most of it after a tall dark and short nap. Pink has once again applied his masterful synthesis and storytelling, this time to the science of our patterns of alertness and performance rhythms. Compared to his past books, he's made the insights

even more applicable by following the theory chapters with "hacking" chapters. Learn about how to find your own daily peaks and troughs. Lean why it's better to take breaks rather than powering through. There's empirical support for naps, walks, and social breaks with a friend. My favorite insight was about how midpoints are often critical points of inflection for accelerating to a goal or past the competition.

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LibraryThing member jmoncton

Most personal growth books focus on the question of what, how, or why, but rarely do we ever see books that focus on timing. Daniel Pink's latest book discusses how to find the optimum time to start a business, get work done, or even schedule a medical procedure (never in the afternoon!). With his

trademark humor, this book is filled with entertaining anecdotes and little pieces of advice. This book didn't have the same impact as some of his other books - Drive for example. And although it was interesting to read, I didn't have as many 'aha' moments reading this book. The best piece of advice in this book is to not have surgery during that afternoon lull and if you personally experience that afternoon trough, try a nappachino!

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LibraryThing member bell7

"Shifting our focus - and giving when the same weight as what - won't cure all ills. But it's a good beginning" writes Daniel H. Pink in his bestselling book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing. His focus on "when" begins with our body clocks and how our mood and energy shifts throughout

the day, then breaks things down into beginnings, middles, and endings, and even gives some focus on synchronizing with others - choir practice, anyone?

Within the chapters, Pink does a great job of timing scientific studies with stories and case studies to illustrate his points. You'll find interesting tidbits like for most people, you're going to be better at math and other analytic tasks in the morning but more creative in the afternoon (unless you're a night owl, then it flip flops). He argues pretty strongly that teens' schools should start an hour later than they do so it's more in sync with their biological clocks. After every chapter is a "Time Hacker's Handbook" that gives you practical ways to put what you've learned into practice. Want to start adding breaks to your day? There are plenty of suggestions to get you started. Want to start a new habit? Find out when is the best time for success. A fascinating, informative and even practical read.

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LibraryThing member JosephKing6602

Very "light" reading; but there were some interesting references to behavioral studies and economics which kept me reading...

LibraryThing member nivramkoorb

I read this book after seeing the author on TV. The book was about more than just timing but he did include some specifics such as not doing any significant medical procedures in the afternoon. Although he produced data to support his conclusions, I found much of this just basic common sense and

not anything really knew. It was a short book and it was okay but usually don't read too many 2.5 star books so overall this one was a disappointment.

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LibraryThing member tgraettinger

Interesting studies and thought experiments to try.

LibraryThing member Skybalon

First of all, I like Mr. Pink. I think this was my favorite of books so far. What I particularly like is this book has more practical suggestions than other books like this. It is an easy, light read which could make one feel that it undercuts its practicality, but instead, it offers breakout

sections that are purely practical.

Well worth the read.

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LibraryThing member Neale

Listened to the audio book over a couple of days while painting. Daniel Pink narrated the audio book and I have enjoyed his past books and this one. Some amazing stories and studies on the science of when is the best time to do things. Worth a listen.

LibraryThing member BizCoach

Interesting book on timing - the physiological and psychological way we interact with time.

LibraryThing member Castlelass

Daniel Pink examines the science of timing. He argues that when a decision is made is an important factor that many people overlook. The subject matter includes such topics as circadian rhythms, time of year, beginnings, endings, motivation, restorative breaks, and group behavior. Pink cites

scientific studies in general terms but does not provide the details. This may be a negative for those looking for specific proofs, but the positive is that it is easy to digest. Pink offers links to additional information available from his website. Though much of what is discussed is common sense, it does contain information that I found worthwhile, especially the tips to use in structuring the day’s activities.

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