Summary of "When" By Daniel H. Pink

 As children, we learn to time our requests to our parents. Thus, it makes sense that once we are grown, timing will continue to make a difference in the results we obtain. In this book, Daniel Pink takes a scientific approach to explain why timing matters throughout our lives.

Part I

The first section of the book focuses on the daily cycle. Generally speaking,  most people function better and make better decisions in the morning when they are fresh. By afternoon most people are experiencing a daily lag period. Afternoons are the worst time to schedule surgery at many hospitals for this very reason. A short siesta of between 10 and 20 minutes can counter an afternoon slump and help a person become more alert.

The exception to this, however, is if you are a night owl. Night owls function better in the evening,  

Part II

The second part of the book explores beginnings,  middles, and endings. A fascinating discovery in this section of the book is that, in general, those who graduate from college and enter the workforce during a strong economy fare better throughout their entire career and earn more than those people who join the workforce during a recession. Thus, it's important to try to give yourself the best and strongest beginning possible.

During a midpoint, people either slump or jump to the next level. Research also indicates that people are also more likely to cut corners in the middle.

Just like in novels, we want to have a strong and upbeat ending.  Most people remember the ending far more vibrantly than they recall all that precedes it. Additionally, people near the end of life,  prune their contacts and focus only on their inner circle.

Part III

Working in groups makes us feel good. Group activities like running together, singing in a choir, even doing yoga together have a positive impact on the body.  

One way for bosses to make a good impression on those who work for them is to respond quickly to email requests.

Thinking about the past and considering the future can have a positive impact on us. Integrating our lives into a coherent whole can help us to “comprehend who we are and why we're here.”

Overall, this is an interesting book, and I recommend reading it.