Of all the bad habits out there, procrastination is one of the easiest to pick up. And it is the hardest to get rid of. But it's preventable, with the right strategies. Here's a list of four you've probably heard before - because they supposedly work.

1. Set deadlines even when you don't need to. The idea is to create something called windows of opportunity. Basically, if you're the procrastinating type, set a deadline even if it's not necessary. That way the deadline is your idea. And then you may find that you do better work under a deadline, because you're more focused and decisive.

2. Create accountability. A lot of times we procrastinate on things that don't really matter to anyone else. So find someone to hold you accountable, and fill them in on your plans. You'll be more likely to follow through, because you don't want to go back on your word.

3. Break big projects down into manageable tasks. The worst kind of procrastination is when you don't get started at all, because you're overwhelmed by a huge project. So break it down into little steps and tackle them one at a time.

4. Do a little bit each day. This one helps in two ways. First, you're constantly getting closer to the final goal. Second, your brain is working on the problem over a longer period. You'll come up with better solutions than if you do it all at the last minute.

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