Procrastination is like a voice in your head giving you several seemingly valid reasons to avoid doing something.

Usually its tough to summon a counterargument to overcome it.

This post originally appeared onFast Company.

Sometimes a carefully calibrated self-interrogation is the more effective way to stop procrastinating.

Asking the right questions can help give you practical solutions when you feel stuck.

It can heighten the sense of urgency and spur you to action.

What One Thing Can I Do to Get Started?

Sometimes were faced with projects so big and overwhelming that we dont know where to start.

Complexity often leads to paralysis.

But according toresearch by Dr. Tim Pychyl, getting started is the hardest part.

This optimism gives you the momentum you’re gonna wanna unlimitedly see it through.

Once you begin focusing just on that, youll likely have more motivation to keep going.

What Are My Three Biggest Priorities Today?

So each morning, get your priorities straight.

Then commit to them.

Block out the first few hours of your day to focusing exclusively on those.

Only when theyre done should you move on to your other work.

How Can I Make This Easier?

Many of us believe that succeeding at something demands hard workand it often does.

But sometimes that belief gets in the way of finding simple solutions to big challenges.

Theres no shame in making something difficult easier for yourself to complete.

For instance, you might not have time to workout for an hour every day.

So rather than skipping the gym completely, start by exercising for just 10 minutes each day.

Sure, at first that may feel like a waste of time or a cop-out.

But something is better than nothing, and it adds up.

If you cant go out for a run, just do spot jogging or a few pushups at home.

The key is to commit to the easier alternative and stick with it regularly.

Once you become consistent, youll find it far easier to increase the duration.

Alternatively, you could just delegate.

Less up-front effort equals less reason to procrastinate.

What Will Go Wrong if I Dont Do This Now?

In his bookGreat by Choice, Jim Collins writes about productive paranoia.

Ask yourself how you might lose out or suffer the consequences if you delay any further.

And dont focus just on the immediate impact.

Sure, that may sound drastic.

But it can be an effective way to remove the psychological roadblock.

If a dose of fear can get you back on track with your goals, isnt it worth utilizing?

The truth is, all successful people have a tendency to procrastinate.

The key is what steps you take to start getting things done.

And sometimes thats all about asking the right questions.

Asking These 4 Questions Can Help You Stop Procrastinating| Fast Company

Peter Banerjeais cofounder ofSuccessIsWhat, a productivity blog.