I have very similar issues (in fact, I should be working on a mandatory assignment right now). I find that using something like Trello or http://kanbanflow.com

I have very similar issues (in fact, I should be working on a mandatory assignment right now). I find that using something like Trello or http://kanbanflow.com http://kanbanflow.com, or just a simple notebook, to split up tasks into smaller tasks is a good thing. I'll have problems getting started (and I still do) doing something without splitting it up as much as I can first, and I also find using a Pomodoro timer is very helpful. Set a timer for 25 minutes. During those 25 minutes you will be focused and work. When it rings you set it to 5 minutes and have a break, do whatever you want. When it rings you go back to work. I'm not exactly sure why this helps but having a set amount of time for 'work time' and a set amount of time for 'break time' helps me focus. That way you just avoid going to HN or Reddit and all other things fun during those 25 minutes, and since it's only 25 minutes at a time you get a little reward when you take a break. After having done like 4-5 of these 25 minute sessions you can take a longer 30 minute break for some food or just relaxing. I've managed to use this with fairly good success working 6-8 hour days at uni studying for exams.