Tie the task to a larger goal

...you are passionate about.

Thinking about how wonderful it will feel to get that promotion we crave will help motivate us if we can see doing a great job on the report as a stepping-stone to advancement.

Start with the easiest part

The most difficult step in completing a task is getting started. 

Starting at the easiest part takes less emotional resistance, and once we get started, we tend to get on a roll, which gives us the momentum to keep going.

Break it down

The task will seem less daunting if we tell ourselves that we are going to only spend five minutes working on it. 

We’ll find ourselves continuing to work past the committed time that we told ourselves.

Manage your distractions

Think about what may throw you off track from your work before you start.

This allows you to unplug, disconnect, and put a hold on everything and everyone that could potentially disrupt your focus and throw you off.