Did you know that your first hour of the work day can set your tone for its remainder? Our change agents at 1Connect Consulting have been trying new routines to optimize their productivity. Here are some of the things we’re doing that might work for you, too:

Develop a Game Plan for the Day: Start your morning by developing a strategy for your day. Review and update your checklists, emails, and calendars, and reflect on what you need to accomplish today. Take a few minutes to organize your desk area so that you have all the tools you’ll need within reach.

Channel Brain Power for Difficult Tasks: Your energy in the morning is much higher than in the afternoon, and there are generally fewer distractions in the early hours as well. Therefore, consider using this time to tackle tasks and tough projects that require intense thought.

Avoid Engaging Others Right Away: Be sure to greet your co-workers with a friendly hello, but if you have an issue or conflict that needs to be addressed, it’s better to wait until later in the day for the best possible level of cooperation. Nobody enjoys being confronted with a problem the minute they enter the office. Similarly, schedule meeting times for later in the morning as well. As our 1Connect Consulting team has learned, most people are anxious to start their days and may not be as attentive right away.

Perhaps most importantly, greet your work day with the perspective that it will be a good one.