Plan it before you act on it: Start with a written plan of action and keep it simple and straight forward. In order to feel productive, work on the one thing you must get done today. Pick an item that you can complete in ten to fifteen minutes. By breaking the day up into different manageable sessions for other tasks and by spending time planning it as well as actually doing the task you'll be ahead of the game. Review your progress at the end of the day, and plan out your events for the next day, but don't over plan your schedule.

Take small steps: In the beginning don't put anything on your list that takes more than thirty minutes. If it's a bigger project, break it up into smaller pieces and list each thing separately. You can tackle each step in the bigger project individually, with breaks in between. Having multiple small projects and checking each one off as you go will help you see the progress and you'll avoid feeling chained down to one large, overwhelming task or project.

Have a vision: When planning out your day, your tasks should match your values and purposes for that day. A goal for the day will make it much easier to stay focused on the steps to meet and even exceed your goals.

Know when to say enough: Don't push yourself so far that you'll get frustrated or bored with the task at hand. If you determine ahead of time how much you can do and plan these pieces into your day it will be easier to set a completion point or an end in sight. You don't need to do everything perfectly, in fact this can often lead to more procrastination because you get frustrated that the task doesn't turn out as well as you believe it should have. Aim for progress, for a step towards completion rather than a perfect ending to the task.

Act on it: Start with the worst job, or the one you're most dreading, first. Once you've completed that part, the rest will come easier without as much planning. You can set time limits on tasks you dislike or even alternate between the unpleasant ones and things you enjoy working on.

Don't interrupt yourself: Interruptions happen. The phone rings, someone stops by your office or house and suddenly your day has left it's planned course and you can't get back into the grove. Take steps to prevent as many interruptions as possible by staying aware and noticing when and why the problem occurs.

Motivate yourself: It's difficult to stay motivated if you haven't set up a pleasant environment to work in so play some music, let some fresh air in and get to work. Make sure your work space is organized and you have all the tools you need to focus on the task at hand. Having to run to the office next door to grab something could be a difficult distraction to overcome. If you struggle holding yourself accountable, find someone to track your progress for you in the beginning. Reward yourself as you accomplish your tasks with small treats, drinks or even a quick nap. A bigger accomplishment means a bigger treat or better reward.