1. Make a list. Believe it or not, a list is a great way to get yourself started with your work. Whether you have a supervisor to prod you along, or are on your own to meet your objectives for the day, a list is a great place to start. When you create a list, you clarify for yourself everything you need to accomplish for the day, and in what order of priority. This is key to productivity. It is impossible to get through everything you need to do if you do not quantify it for yourself and set a plan for how you will meet your objectives. A list is virtually a plan.
2. Factor in small rewards. Sometimes getting started at work is hard because the task is simply not pleasant or something you get any real fulfillment from. Whether it is reports and paperwork, making calls that you have been putting off, or writing, some tasks are just not fun. So, to get yourself motivated, so you will be more of a self-starter, and not require anything from your boss, like a threat, you have to give yourself something to look forward to. For example, you can plan in a little break. So, if you get all of your emails answered by a certain time, you get to spend a few minutes playing a game online, chatting with a friend, or checking your FaceBook. The idea is to plan in a few rewards to give yourself a break between tasks, especially tedious tasks. It makes time go much faster, and helps you get through work.
3. Start with something you do enjoy, or that is the least painful of what you have to do. Being a self-starter is easy for people who love what they do. However, if you are less than excited about your work, then self-starting is not always easy. Improve the chances of becoming a self-starter by knowing yourself well enough to know what you need to do first to get going. For example, if you know that you have to do your quarterly reports, and you dread it, you will drag your feet. However, if the same day you need to get news out about a party, that might be more fun. So, start with that so you can cross something off your list and get that satisfaction before you dive in. This does not mean do everything else first and put off the worst for last, but it means give yourself a positive start so that it is easier to get motivated to work.

Being a self-starter does have some to do with your personality, but even if to date you have not been much of a self-starter, you can change that today.