Write down what you need to get done. The simple act of “committing” your goal to paper will help you take it seriously.

Give yourself a deadline. If you decide your goal must be achieved by month’s end, you’ve got a psychological incentive to see it through.

Tell everyone you’re going to do it—or that you’ve already done it. Peer pressure is a great motivator.

Take a baby step. The hardest part is getting started, so do just one simple thing to set the ball in more likely to finish it.

Listening to your favorite tunes makes any task easier; time will pass faster and your brain will release endorphins, the feel-good chemicals.

Break down the task into manageable pieces. If you’ve been putting off cleaning your apartment, resolve to vacuum on Monday, dust on Tuesday, scrub the tub on Wednesday. By the end of the week, your home will sparkle!

Remind yourself that “good enough” really is good enough. Many of us put things off because we worry about making mistakes or failing.

Plan a reward. Tell yourself that once you complete your project, you’ll buy that great jacket you saw at the mall. Incentives work!

A recent study found that ninety percent of college students procrastinate on a regular basis. The other ten percent? They were probably busy getting things done.