Doing good deeds in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (Zil Haj)

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are better than any other days in the year.

Dhul-Hijjah is an exciting month because it brings together millions of Muslims to Mecca for Hajj and has Eid Ul Adha:)

Narrated Ibn Abbas:
The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things."
[Sahih Al Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 15, Hadith number 86]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah.
[Sunan Abu Dawood Sharif]

So we should try our best to fast all the 9 days of Dhul Hijjah particularly the 9th which is the day of Arafah. We should try and fast as many of the 9 days as possible particularly the 9th which is the day before Eid Ul Adha. InshaAllah

Note: The tenth day of Dhul Hijjah is the day of Eid ul Adha and is Haraam to fast on this day.
Those who are intending to offer the sacrifice (slaughter an animal) should trim hair & nails before 1st Dhul-Hijjah & avoid cutting them until the sacrifice is done. Its Masnoon.

"Whoever sights the crescent moon of ‘Zul-Hijjah’ and is intending to make a sacrifice (slaughter an animal/Qurbani) should refrain from cutting his bodily hairs and paring his nails."
[Muslim Sharif]

Any good deed you do during these ten days counts so much more in your scale of good deeds because these days are so blessed.
9 ways to maximize the 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah:
1- Do Good Deeds
2- Fast
3- Avoid Fighting
4- Recite the Qur'an
5- Increase in Nawaafil Prayer
6- Dhikr
7- Isthighfar
8- Do loads of Du'as
9- Give to Those Less Fortunate (Charity)