Note: This piece was originally published on January 19th, 2018

Does it matter when you go in for an operation? When a jury hears your case? What year you're born in? The answer in all three of these cases: yes. Dan Pink took a deep dive into the science behind how timing affects our lives. He's author of the new book, "When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing."

Three Takeaways 

• If you want to get something done, think about what time of day you do it. Most people are more focused in the morning and are in a better mood. By midafternoon, our energy begins to flag. 
• Our criminal justice system is affected by timing. For example, a jury's bias is more pronounced in the afternoon than in the morning. 
• Awareness helps. Even if you can't change that afternoon meeting to the morning, Pink says simply being aware of how timing affects our performance can mitigate the problem (taking a break just before your afternoon meeting will also help). 

More reading (and listening)

• Dan Pink wrote for the Wall Street Journal about how timing can help you keep your New Year's resolutions. 
• Need more tips for how to live smarter? Check out The Pinkcast. 
• And here's Dan Pink talking about the best time to do everything: