Make a list of what needs to get done. This can be listed in no particular order and will give you a handle on just what you need to accomplish. Now look over that list and decide which task and projects are the most essential. Which ones would mean the most, over the long term, if they were accomplished? Which will lead to the most benefit to you, and have the most impact on your life? These are the essential tasks -- focus on them as much as possible.

To make sure your to-dos actually get done, break off tiny pieces of the mountainous job, writing down only tasks that you can accomplish in less than 2 hours. Instead of jotting, "File my taxes," a job that can easily take days, write, "Get my receipts out and put them on the table." Instead of "Buy a new car," try, "Call the car dealership and set up a meeting for Friday." By addressing pebbles, not mountains, you are much likelier to meet your goals, which in turn inspires the confidence to climb future mountains - one pebble at a time.

Complete something. Choose a small task for yourself and finish it. Remember that progress, not perfection, is your goal. Work in small blocks of time instead of in long stretches. Try studying in one- to two-hour spurts, allowing yourself a small break after each stint.

Reward yourself along the way. The reward that lies ahead may not be enough to motivate you now. Reward yourself with a break, a movie or some kind of treat as you progress.

It's hard to work in front of a computer, because it's a marvelous multi-tasking machine. Add to this the almost infinity of resources on the internet, and suddenly it becomes a time sink for anyone wanting to get things done. With FocusDesktop you can focus on the tasks (work related or not) that you want to accomplish, because you have everything you need in a simple interface.

How do you clear distractions? Disconnect from the Internet if possible, or at least turn off instant messenging and email notifications. Keep open only the applications essential to complete your task. If your have to use a web browser, keep open only the specific site, e-mail message of information you need on it. Once you're in that zone, don't allow yourself to do anything else but the task at hand. When you feel yourself being pulled away from the task, stop yourself, and bring yourself back.