A new year signifies a fresh start, full of goals you’d like to accomplish in the next 12 months. Learning how to be more productive will help you achieve those goals.

With that in mind, here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your time:

Prioritize

Create a list of things you need to accomplish for the day the moment you set foot in the office. Once your list is finished, read it and determine which task is the most important. Place it on the top of your list. Next, place the second most important task and so on.

Try to include tasks that are the most challenging or least appealing at the top. You’ll feel more productive once you cross those off your list.

Activate

Sometimes you just have to buckle down and push yourself through a project. Prolonging or avoiding a task will only make matters worse.

Force yourself to work on the dreaded task for one hour and try to get as much done as you can. Working on the project in small increments of time will help you focus on the assignment.

Inform

If you have a string of people, or just an individual, depending on you for a project, keep them informed of your status. If you are overwhelmed and running late on deadlines, let people know.

Being honest about your status will instill a sense of trust and respect with your team. Don’t avoid or ignore someone who’s depending on you for a task.

Environment

Take a look at your work environment. Does it make you feel energized and able to focus on your job? If not, maybe it’s time to make that office your office. Put up meaningful photos, plaques, and other things that inspire you.

Rest

Pushing yourself through a tough project is one thing, but knowing when to step away for a while is just as important. If you’ve hit a wall, and you’re not making any progress, then it’s time for a break.

Leave your workspace and take a walk around the office. Focus on another task until you feel ready to approach the project again. Avoiding a task doesn’t help anything or anyone, but taking a break can allow you the mental and emotional space to refresh and regain your perspective on the job at hand.