Review: When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink

Daniel Pink calls When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing not a “how to” book, but a “when to” book. Pink covers topics from how the economy at the time you start your career can have a big impact on your total earnings; to early birds versus night owls and how to determine which you are; to the fact that first time marathoners are disproportionately approaching the end of a decade in their life – they are 29, 39, 49, etc. These and many other topics are discussed, demonstrating how timing can impact what we do, and how we might be able to use that knowledge to better our lives.

As a former project manager I found the discussion of project teams and the “uh-oh effect” these teams go through at the midpoint of their project timeline to be both funny and true.

The book is chock full of interesting bits of science, related in a plain and somewhat humorous style that makes it an easy, quick read. I listened to the author read the audiobook. There are references to charts and graphs and self-help materials, and in the audiobook he helpfully points you to an internet link if you’d like to review them. (Or, you can do what I did which is to also check out the ebook from the library and review them that way.)

Each chapter ends with a section called the “Time Hacker’s Handbook” which contain advice, steps and tools if you want to try to implement any of the findings covered in that chapter. Some of these handbook sections read as if they are aimed at individual readers, and some as if they’re aimed at a corporate audience.

I rate When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing 3 Stars – I found it pretty informative and entertaining, even if I wasn’t particularly persuaded to pursue any of the self help tips at the chapter ends.

 When links

Borrow it: Find out if your library has the ebook or audiobook available

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