Editor’s note: This article was originally published by the LinkedIn Learning blog.

Everyone struggles with procrastination at some time or another. Whether you’re navigating the distractions of a home office, the interruptions of a bustling workplace or shifting dynamics of a hybrid schedule, procrastination can turn any work environment into a time management challenge.

But what if you could stop putting things off? What if you could count on yourself to plan your work and work your plan, no matter how overwhelmed or under-motivated you’re feeling? It all starts with confronting your procrastination head-on — and proactively building plans to counter. These tips, inspired by Ali Schiller’s course How to Get Started on Tasks You’re Avoiding, can help you get started.

Tips for avoiding procrastination at work

1. Plan your day first thing in the morning

Writing your list of tasks in the morning lets you build your day based on the latest information: what you know, how you’re feeling and what matters most to you right now. It allows you to acknowledge your options, set your priorities and seize your day.

By planning your day in the morning, you are getting started by default. You’re already working toward the first action on your list, which you’re about to choose. You could even think of your daily planning task as a warm-up for your workday. Starting by drafting a simple list of things to do can make sitting down at your desk and getting started feel less intimidating.

2. Start with a quick win

If you’re struggling to start a complex project, try beginning with a 10-minute task to orient yourself with the project’s goals and resources before you get started on the big task. A quick win could be just what you need to get in the right headspace to tackle what’s next. “Tiny rewards are often overlooked, but can be incredibly effective,” Ali says. “Celebrating even the smallest step releases dopamine, telling your brain you’ve done something worthwhile.”

Start by identifying tasks that cause you to slip into procrastination mode. Then, come up with a five to 10-minute “entry-level task” that’s easy enough to make getting started more approachable. For example, if you need to launch a big project, your first task could be to simply read and take notes on the project brief. Once you get that first task out of the way, it’s possible your next task won’t feel so intimidating.

3. Reward yourself for good time management

If you can never seem to hit the ground running, consider sitting down at your desk a little earlier. Reward yourself with 10 to 20 minutes of non-work-related activity before you start your first task. This could be reading, browsing your LinkedIn feed, meditating or whatever else motivates you to sit down and start your day. Then, allow yourself to transition into your more challenging work without guilt. After all, it shouldn’t matter when you perform your hardest tasks, as long as you’re getting them done.

Another way to reward yourself for good time management is to schedule your work based on your mental state. By monitoring your mental energy, you may find that hard, creative tasks are best tackled on mornings earlier in the week and that low-lift, low-energy administrative tasks are perfect for Friday afternoon when you’re feeling drained. “When you catch yourself avoiding something, start thinking about it as an energy problem and not a ‘you’ problem,” Ali says. “By assessing your procrastination from an energy perspective, you’ll begin to understand how crucial your energy levels are to getting things done.”

You can also change your environment to suit the task you’re working on. Studies have shown that big, bright, open spaces can be more conducive to brainstorming, whereas tighter spaces with low noise and light can be better for detail-oriented tasks like editing and debugging.

4. Schedule time for self-care and maintenance

Make the time to keep yourself healthy, rested and energized. If you’re consistently fighting feelings of ennui in the morning, try practicing gratitude for a few minutes while drinking a glass of water, with the goal of starting each workday hydrated and with a good attitude. Performing activities like these in your office chair can help you associate your workspace with feeling good.

If you work remotely, consider having an accountability partner — a fellow remote colleague who you check in with at a regularly scheduled time to confirm you’ve both identified your priorities and are making progress.

5. Continue your productivity journey

Overcoming procrastination is an ongoing process that requires patience and practice.  Remember that building new habits takes time and setbacks are normal. The key is to keep experimenting with different approaches until you find a combination that works for your situation, work style and environment.

LinkedIn Learning courses for enhanced productivity

Ready to dive deeper into improving your work performance and time management skills? Check out the following courses for more tips on how to make the best of your workday:

• How to Get Started on Tasks You’re Avoiding with Ali Schiller
• Time Management: Working from Home with Dave Crenshaw
• Balancing Work and Life with Dave Crenshaw
• Getting Organized for Peak Performance with Don Gilman
• Be an Effective Hybrid or Virtual Employee with Paula Rizzo

All UCOP staff have free access to LinkedIn Learning. Get started here.

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