In today’s fast-paced world that places countless demands on our time and attention, there’s no shortage of expectations to stay productive. Alas, as mere mortals, we have both a limited amount of energy that we can expend and a limited number of hours in the day in which to expend it. Rest, balance, sleep, and self-prioritization are all key factors in avoiding burnout when life has a seemingly unending to-do list. Depending on our unique personalities, skills, and preferences, certain strategies might help with maximizing productive energy to help us work smarter, not harder. And astrology might help.

Let’s say that you have a deadline coming up, or a project that you’ve been wanting to complete, and your motivation is lacking. By understanding the distinct characteristics of your zodiac sign, you can unlock that hidden potential and unleash the productivity that was seemingly nowhere to be found before. Read on below for your sun, rising, and Mars (the planet of physical energy) placements for tips on how to help you stay productive.

The best productivity tip for your zodiac sign to help you work smarter, not harder

Aries

As natural-born leaders and the first member of the zodiac, Aries can boost their productivity by setting clear goals and deadlines. Breaking down big goals into smaller tasks with manageable steps and deadlines will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and ultimately put you back in control—a position where you like to be.

Taurus

Taureans need a calm and stable environment in order to thrive, and as one of the most loyal and reliable signs in the zodiac, you need structure and routine to feel your best. So buying a planner or writing out a list of steps on how to complete your tasks will increase your productivity.

Being ruled by the planet Venus, the best productivity tip for this zodiac sign is to surround themselves by beauty and create eye-catching final products. Something as simple as using a nice pen, decorating your work space, or getting yourself primped before working are all highly motivating practices for Tauruses.

Gemini

Geminis need to feel mentally stimulated and excited by their work, so if your productivity is nowhere to be found, it’s probably because you don’t feel challenged. Shortening your deadline or playing background music can create a sense of competition and multi-tasking, which are things on which Geminis thrive.

You can also optimize your productivity by working on multiple tasks or projects at once, so if you have to throw in a couple personal to-do items to get the ball rolling, so be it Gemini. To avoid spreading your attention too thin, try to implement the “20-20-20 Rule” if you are working on a computer or phone, which is simply taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Cancer

Being one of the most intuitive members of the zodiac, Cancers will feel best in a nurturing and comfortable working environment. These folks benefit from adding in self care to tasks at hand.

Keeping lotions and serums at your work desk to bring a little bit of your personal life with you to work is a great way to help you relax into your productivity. Cancers do not like to be pushed too hard, though, so make sure that you are taking breaks to recalibrate your emotions. As one of the more sensitive members of the zodiac, this will help you stay focused and ultimately get you to your end goal more quickly.

Leo

Leos are ruled by the sun, and they do best when they spend time moving their bodies and getting fresh air throughout the day. One of the best productivity tips for this zodiac sign is as simple as walking to work (or taking a break from work to take a walk) will help you get your engine “roaring” as you commit to your projects and deadlines.

As someone with Leo placements, you also do well when you shine in front of others, so collaborating is always a helpful tool for you to stay productive. The presence of others and knowing that all eyes are on you will motivate you to finish what you started and to have that final product be the absolute “best” around.

Virgo

Virgos are analytical and tend toward perfectionism, and they can enhance their productivity by getting messy and allowing themselves to create for the sake of creating. That said, they would do well to organize their tasks into a to-do list and ask others for assistance (or delegate tasks to other team members in group projects) in order to avoid burnout and have a sustainable stream of productivity instead.

Libra

Libras are represented by the scales, which are symbolic of their natural state of harmony and balance. When they are out of alignment, they tend to be indecisive and get caught up on making others happy. This can lead to decision paralysis, which is in opposition of productivity.

In order to get back on track, the best productivity tip for this zodiac sign is to choose one or two trusted collaborators or confidants to bounce ideas off who can hold them accountable. Seeking trusted advice and opinions will help Libras make informed decisions and quicken the pace on their projects. They are also ruled by Venus, and decorating their workspace, having visual reminders of their goals, getting themselves ready when they work, or tracking their progress in an aesthetically pleasing planner can be great motivators. They are creative by nature, so taking breaks to doodle, sing, or dance can also be helpful for keeping the vibes high and the productivity levels even higher.

Scorpio

As the natural ruler of the eighth house of shared resources and inheritances, Scorpios are highly motivated by combining forces with other powerful people. In order to keep their productivity high, they might do best to have a financial backing or find investors for their projects. They thrive off of being adored and admired by others, even if they don’t outwardly express it.

Passionate and secretive creatures by nature, they aren’t the type to boast and brag about their projects before they’re complete, so to keep productivity high, they work best in solitude. Having a private space to work and allow their creativity to flow is key for Scorpios as they harness their concentration and determination and turn it into something powerful. Meditation is another great tip for these folks. As deeply psychic water signs, whatever Scorpios envision with clarity eventually comes to life.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius folks stay productive when they know what they will eventually be rewarded with at the end of their efforts. If they buy themselves a plane ticket or book a staycation with the stipulation that they cannot enjoy it until their work is done, it will be easier for them to stay motivated.

Productivity is a measure of efficiency, and  Sagittarius is skilled at working smarter and not harder. They love to seek new challenges and opportunities, so they don’t allow themselves to get hung up on the same project for too long. Finishing one goal in order to start another is the name of the game. They don’t want to be too bogged down with to-do lists and would much rather fly by the seat of their pants when finishing projects and tasks.

Capricorn

Capricorns are cardinalearth signs, meaning that they are both determined and rooted in leadership qualities. They do best when they stay disciplined on their path, with many boundaries and stipulations in place. Using timers, blocking off their calendar for working or creative time, and delegating tasks to others to assist them in reaching their final product all work well for Capricorns. Their long-term success is always the driving force behind whatever they are doing, so productivity is not typically hiding too far away from these folks.

Aquarius

As fixedair signs, Aquarian people are always at odds with themselves (and much of society). They are walking enigmas, and when they aren’t feeling productive, it is typically due to their energy being out of alignment with their racing thoughts. These folks do best to stay productive by addressing the hardest thing first and then having a trickle-down effect over their remaining tasks.

When they sit with the one aspect of a project or task that feels truly daunting, then face that thing first, everything else will feel like a breeze, ultimately motivating them to move forward. They are also highly curious folks and working with other like-minded or out-of-the-box characters helps to ignite their creativity and move the needle forward for them.

Pisces

As mutablewater signs, Pisces people tend to have a hard time putting their head down and focus on getting things done. They are dreamers and do much better as the “idea people” in group projects. Collaborating with more structure, partners, and co-creators is the best productivity tip for this zodiac sign.

Incorporating artistic elements into their workspace (think adding an easel to your office, or keeping a sketchbook in your work bag) can help them to create a healthy work-life balance and nurture their emotional health, which is the ruling force for the rest of their life. Once this is in tact, productivity will flow more easily for them.