answer:Set personal deadlines for yourself. Plan out what you’d like to have done by what date, for example: I’ll have the book that I have to report on read by the 10th. I’ll choose my thesis for my essay by the 12th. I’ll choose my secondary sources/criticism by the 14th, etc. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not easy, especially if you’re prone to procrastination (like I am). Heck, I’m procrastinating now! I also feel like I work best under pressure, but you’re right – the quality of what I hand in wasn’t always my best. I’m much better now about starting work earlier; when you’re in grad school and have a million things on the go at once, it’s the only way to get anything done. Try the deadline thing and see if it works for you. Good luck!