Having a strong work ethic is an essential part of being successful in any business. It can help you reach your goals and become someone that both your coworkers and superiors depend on to get things done.

However, it can be incredibly difficult to develop the motivation to work hard. Building up the discipline to be able to work hard is critical if you want to go beyond complacent mediocrity. To do so, let’s discuss five essential steps to improve your work ethic:

1. Start Each Day Strong

Having a positive attitude is often the first step in accomplishing something. If you think negatively, it will often affect your work as you’re less likely to put in your all since, “what’s the point.” There are many things that we can do to improve our mental state before work. First, taking care of yourself is important; if you don’t feel good, it’s less likely you will work well. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthily and staying in shape.

Being properly dressed for the day can also be helpful. Dressing yourself to be successful and even to look good can instill a productive, confident mindset that can help you get through the day. Listening or reading content that will motivate you before work can also be helpful. Whatever it is, or however you do it, do something that helps you feel refreshed and instills a positive attitude, so you’ll be ready to take on the day.

2. Think Like a Leader

Having a leadership mentality can help you go beyond what’s expected of you. This doesn’t mean taking control away from your superiors; it means being able to think for yourself and to guide others. Having a follower mentality means that you only do what everyone else is doing or what you are told to do and that you can’t do anything without guidance.

Even if you’re not leading anyone, having a leader’s mindset will allow you to take charge of a task and get done what needs to be done. This can boost how effective you are at completing tasks, along with how many you’re able to accomplish. It will also boost your confidence, help make positive changes, and allow you to reach your goals on your own terms.

3. Stay Focused

When you let yourself become easily sidetracked, it will often take away time and attention away from a task, leading to subpar work or mistakes. Even if you do care about what you’re doing, it can come across like it doesn’t matter to you. While it may be easier said than done, finding a method that allows you to stay focused on your tasks will boost your effectiveness at work. Whether it’s eliminating distractions, listening to music, or working in an environment that gets you in the zone. Giving your undivided attention to your work will help get it done quicker and with fewer errors.

4. Develop Strong Relationships

While it sometimes can feel like you’re all alone in your struggles, you may find your coworkers have similar, if not identical, goals and values to you. When you associate with like-minded people who have – or are also developing – a strong work ethic, you are more likely to be inspired by their drive and feed off their energy. These connections also allow you to have people you can confide in and seek advice from.

They can also help you get your name out there and help develop new connections and opportunities, such as job recommendations or promotions. Even without any personal gain, it will allow for a better, more positive, and friendly working environment. Either way, cultivating such relationships will help you in the long run.

5. Recognize the Importance of Taking Breaks

Finally, while it may seem antithetical, always remember to take breaks. If you swing too hard in the other direction and overwork yourself, it can eventually lead to burnout. You won’t be able to accomplish anything if you lose the motivation or energy to work. Even if you try powering through, it may lead to diminishing returns. It won’t do you any good torturing yourself. Know when to step away and allow yourself to rest.

That doesn’t mean just sleeping or resting your body, it means living your life. Enjoy your hobbies, spend time with loved ones, watch a movie, play a game, read a book or listen to music. Allow yourself to be you and to rest. That way, when you get back to work, you can work to your capacity.