What many might not realize is that you can change your Preferences to make the Dashboard your default opening view in ACT! (instead of the normal Contact Detail view where you see your own name each time you open ACT!). This way, I can see my days schedule at a glance and a few other important views. 

I have modified my Dashboard view so that I also have an activity list of only the calls that I need to return. I have a component that shows only the scheduled appointments for our key consultants in the coming week so I can keep track of everyone's availability. And finally I have a panel that shows the things that I am behind on. It is a great way to start my day (except for viewing the list of things I am behind on).