Sometimes procrastination can manifest as “productive procrastination” in completing other tasks (i.e. cleaning, cooking, chores, etc.) instead of the most important task (i.e. starting an assignment, studying for an exam). A complex task may feel too difficult to start because in part our anticipation of the difficulty or unpleasantness of the task can be much higher than it is. Metaphorically, it may seem similar to being told you must eat a frog - something that many people would find unpleasant!
Starting on one small aspect of the task you are avoiding (or metaphorically, taking a small bite of the frog) can help make this feel more manageable. If the task still feels too difficult, try using the Assignment Chunking Template and the assignment planner to create more manageable tasks.
Starting on the most difficult assignment early in the day can also lessen stress by creating a sense of relief that you have started and are making progress, even if it is a small amount.