If you’re ready to start your own business, your mind is probably going crazy as you process all of the things you need to do. But along with the freedom to be your own boss, make your own decisions, and follow your dreams, comes doing your own taxes, hiring employees, and being completely responsible for the success of your ideas.

Here are some tips for starting a business this year:

Ditch the Procrastination

Procrastination is the enemy of every business owner, and part of running a business is disabusing yourself of the idea of perfection. Often we get so wrapped up in making sure that our ebook, website, project or product is perfect and find that we’ve spent years sitting on our ideas without even putting them into practice.

The best idea is to take some time to figure out how long it could realistically take you to launch, setting a date and sticking to it. Once you’ve told a few friends and family members that this is the date you’re going out on your own, you’ll be more likely to stick to it since others are helping keep you accountable.

Get rid of Distractions

Working from home is a lot harder than working from an office. Along with the knowledge that your bed is right there and you could easily snuggle right into it at any time, is the constant interruptions by friends and family members who assume that working from home isn’t really working and you’re available at any time of the day. Then you consider that the kitchen is full of snacks that are waiting to be eaten, the TV has some great daytime shows, and Facebook and Buzzfeed are also competing for your attention.

Beating these distractions will often just come down to improving your own willpower, however there are still plenty of ways that you can make them easier to ignore. Create an office environment away from the TV so you’re not tempted to turn it on, educate friends and family members and let them know that you’re working and can’t be disturbed, and commit to taking a lunch break away from your desk so you can recharge and also have something to look forward to through the day.

Work in the Best Environment

If you’re working from home, you’re going to need an office. Whether that means using a spare bedroom and remodelling it, or dragging a desk and some partitions into the bedroom, sitting in the lounge is just not going to cut it. Expenses are tax deductible, so make sure you choose a comfortable and ergonomic chair, a printer and scanner, a laptop that can do the job and of course, stationary and business cards- check out The Print Group.

Keep Motivated

Starting a business can be scary, and it can be tempting to toss in the towel when you realise that you’re not really getting anywhere. Keeping motivated means not giving up even when your finances aren’t looking great and you can’t find clients. This often happens right before a breakthrough, but many business owners never see this as they give up too early.