You know that novel you think you should write, or those files you want to sort through? There’s one thing holding you back – PROCRASTINATION! You know deep down you really WANT to get started on these projects, but you just can’t muster the motivation. Or maybe you’re afraid of failing. Well, no more! Here’s how to win the war against procrastination, courtesy of Real Simple magazine.

• Do just a dash of whatever it is you’re avoiding. Merlin Mann, the creator of 43Folders.com, a time-management blog, says force yourself to work on the task for a short period of time – as little as ONE MINUTE. When you realize how much of the anxiety was created in your head, you’ll give yourself the jolt needed to do more and follow through.
• Write a procrastination-busting Post-it! Jot down something like, “Are you inventing things to do to avoid what’s important?” and stick it wherever you’ll see it regularly – like your computer monitor, or on the refrigerator handle.
• Break projects into pieces. Neil Fiore, a psychologist and author of The Now Habit, says the optimal amount of time to spend on a task is 40 to 90 minutes. After that, you should take time to recharge. Keep this in mind: Work expands to fill the amount of time in which you have to accomplish it. So, if you tell yourself you have all day to get something done, it’ll take you all day. You need to give yourself incremental deadlines if you want to finish something quickly.
• Take rest seriously. The 8-hour goal is no joke. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll also be more efficient. When people are scattered, they feel as though they don’t have enough time. Sleep deprivation only makes the problem worse. So get plenty of sleep. A well-rested body and mind is your best tool when it comes to getting things accomplished.