Give yourself a theme to focus on each day of the week, and write down your top three daily priorities the night before, writes Evernote CEO Chris O'Neill. Keep track of important dates in your calendar, reduce meetings and don't let emails take over your day, he writes.

Working toward a greater cause that helps others can make you achieve more, writes Marcel Schwantes. Find something you're passionate about, try to learn from others who are achieving, and work on your communication skills.

Rephrase how you turn down projects so you're not exposing your limitations, and avoid apologizing for a delayed email response, writes Julia Bonner. Instead of saying you're busy, let people know what you're working on at the moment.

Companies are offering employees free, healthy food as part of wellness programs, and some are hiring dietary interventionists, who help ensure people do not overeat, even if the food in the cafeteria is free. A study of GEICO employees who adopted a healthy diet and got nutrition education and support showed an average weight loss of 10 pounds, lower cholesterol levels and better blood sugar control.

When you start a new job, make an effort to meet as many people as you can, remember to be polite and respectful to others and focus on what you can learn, writes Gary Burnison. Put in the hours to show your commitment, and try to identify any unique skills you have that would add value to the company.

Keep your emails with a prospective employer or recruiter succinct, honest and professional, writes Jennie Ellis. Make sure you spell the recipient's name correctly, and don't address an email, "To whom it may concern."

A Winneconne, Wis., voter has asked town officials whether she can bring three caged ducks to the town hall along with a sign that says, "If you don't vote, you can't squawk" for the upcoming November election. The state Elections Commission advised the voter to keep the ducks 100 feet away from the polling area.