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No matter what happens before you get to work, the first hour of your workday sets the tone for the rest of it. Why not start off right with the 6 tips below?

1-Ignore non-urgent email. Even though we all seem drawn to our in-box, fight the urge to clear it out. Scan your in-box for anything urgent and attend to it. Skip the other mail for now and pay attention to the most pressing matters first, while your brain is most active.

2-Review any deadlines for the day. Look at your daily priorities in the morning to be sure they are still realistic. Even though you may have reviewed your to-do list last night, priorities can shift overnight and you may need to recalculate your to-do’s.

3-Tackle the most difficult work first. While you are fresh, start with work that requires more brain power or creativity. It’s easier to do this in the morning when you get to work because your brain performs best and you may have the added benefit of an emptier office with less distractions. Plus, you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment that these important tasks are finished.

4-Prepare for meetings. Review your day for any meetings and decide how much you should plan ahead for them. You may be leading the meeting or just listening but, either way, don’t wait until 5 minutes before it starts to plan.

5-Socialize a little. Casual chit-chat not only helps you build relationships with co-workers, it also makes you happier, sharper, and more productive, according to research. No need to rehash the weekend gossip but a little friendly small talk in the morning never hurts.

6-Clear your space. Take a few minutes to organize and declutter your desk before you get started with your workday. It helps keep your mind on the task in front of you and you won’t waste time looking for that misplaced report.

Try one or all of these tips when you start your day. Productivity is all about making the most of your time at work, starting with the first hour.

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