How To Stop Procrastinating

Recognize that procrastination stems from habit. New habits will be needed, and these take time and commitment to develop.

Procrastination results from:
Real or apparently unpleasant tasks
Difficult and complex projects
Indecision
Fear of failure - If you are uncertain of your skills, starting a project will be tough and delaying will be easy. (Sometimes fear of success can be harmful as well)
A desire for perfectionism - you can't go on until you get it perfect
Lack of interest in the work
Hostility towards the person who assigned the project

Recognize the difference between an appropriate decision to delay, and an irrational postponement without justification.

Fix procrastination by working on a) tasks and b) your environment:

Task Strategies
Complete unpleasant tasks first. Schedule them for early in the day.
Reward yourself for accomplishments. Go out for special lunches when major projects are completed. If you don't earn the reward, don't take it.
Break large jobs into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Plan and complete a start-up task, no matter how small.
Set deadlines for yourself.
Tell other people your deadlines and encourage them to check up on you.
Maintain a focus on the end result, not just the process.
Develop a clear mental picture of the completed task and how you will feel at that time.
Make a game out of unpleasant tasks. Give yourself points, or do a running commentary on yourself as you do the task.
Remind yourself how good you'll feel when you're finished.

Environment Strategies
Tailor your environment for work. Remove distractions such as water coolers, snacks, in-boxes, coffee machines and magazine racks.
If you work at home, treat your office as an office. Don't go out to lunch before lunchtime or watch television before the end of the day.
Tell your family that you are not to be disturbed in your home office.

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