Most people work best with hard, external deadlines. A deadline requires you to focus because you have to deliver.

But when we create arbitrary due dates for ourselves, we tend to continually push them back when we get busy or sick or don't feel like doing it, even if we know they will propel us toward achieving our goals.

• Announce it.
• Commit to it. Once you have announced it, there is no turning back.
• Schedule it. Decide when you will work on your task.
• Post it. Post your goals on social media.
• Tel...