Schedule

Most people have a time of day when they’re most productive, which means that if you calibrate the day’s activities to the right times, you can maximize your efficiency. Many people can get a lot done between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., but not so much at 3 p.m. (except for night owls). Think back to yesterday and the day before. At which points did you feel at your most energetic? Once you’ve identified these high-potential hours, guard them. Block them off your calendar, so people can’t schedule meetings during this valuable time. Use these hours for high-priority projects and tough decision-making, for tasks that require willpower and complex thinking.

(Adapted from “When to Schedule Your Most Important Work” by Ron Friedman.)