Since most of us can't actually choose a face off the wall, as shown in the picture, we have to find other ways to get in gear and put our best face forward as we start a new work week. Trying to anticipate the things that could derail us, and planning around them goes a long way toward getting a good start to the week.

As much as I don't like doing laundry, I always get at least a couple of loads done on Sunday so I won't lose time in the morning staring at a closet full of clothes that don't match, don't fit or can't be worn until the temperature drops about 30 degrees.

Same goes for food. Knowing that I'm not likely to get up early enough to prepare fresh scrambled eggs and toast, and not wanting to spend the time staring in the refrigerator trying to find something that looks tasty (yes, I'm prone to staring in the morning), I like to get my grocery shopping done on Sunday, too. That way I can plan breakfast and lunch for at least the first part of the week ... and have them fixed and ready to go the night before.

Joel Zeff and Steve Prentice are experts on planning, productivity and work / life balance. Here are more tips from them for simple things you can do to make Monday (or whatever day is the beginning of the work week for you) the best it can be!