Productivity

When: 6 key ideas

by Daniel Pink

The core ideas of When, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   Daily peaks and troughs

   Most people peak in the morning, dip in the afternoon and recover later.

   Schedule analytical work at your peak and creative or routine tasks at other times.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Breaks restore focus

   Short breaks, especially outdoors and social, reduce errors and restore attention.

   Plan them rather than skipping them.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   Use fresh starts

   Natural beginnings, such as a new week, month or birthday, make it easier to start new habits.

   Use them deliberately.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   Midpoints can motivate

   When you notice you're halfway, it can trigger a burst of effort, especially if you feel slightly behind.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Endings matter

   People push harder near the end and remember experiences by how they finish.

   Design endings carefully.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Synchronise as a group

   Coordinating timing, like singing or rowing together, builds connection and performance.