If you're like me - the Chief Procrastinator herself, you'll understand how frustrating it can be when you see a whole line up of things to do, crying for your attention yet all you want to do is watch a YouTube video on how to bake vanilla cake..loool.

For some procrastinators, it's the quest for perfection. For others, it's just sheer laziness. But the time comes when you need to get things done. Here are 4 tips to help you beat procrastination.

1. Create a To-do list
A To-do list is one that contains your activities for the day or the week. Depending on your preference, you can either have this on your phone or in a jotter. You can write it at the beginning of every week, or at the start of a new day.

It will give you an overview of all the work you have to do. Also, don't forget to attach deadlines.

2. Set alarms and timers
Once your to-do list is ready, set an alarm for it. For instance, if you need to send an email to a client on Monday morning, set an alarm for 9am.

This way, you will get a reminder for it just in case you get caught up with something at that time.

3. Eliminate distractions to the barest minimum
Distractions can be in various forms. It could be extra work, your smartphone, your kids or siblings (if you work from home).

Most often than not, our phones pose a major distraction throughout the day. To prevent this, you can turn off your data during work hours (so you don't get notifications from Instablog) or download an app that will help you block all the distracting apps on your phone.

4. Have an accountability partner
Having an accountability partner is a great way to stop procrastinating. Personally, when I need to get serious work done, I share my to-do list with my friend, who checks up on me during the day to ask me if I've done certain tasks yet.

So, even when you get distracted with that interesting episode of candy crush and you're ignoring your alarms, a call/text from your accountability partner will bring you back to focus!

Written by @Lauretta_o for @developingafrik