What are your tips for defeating procrastination?

I usually set myself a deadline at least a couple of days before the actual deadline. Then I try to get rid of all distractions (i.e. I usually unhook my speakers from my computer so that I can't watch anything on Youtube), hide a bunch of snacks around my room, and lock myself in there until I get a set amount done (e.g. I tell myself I can take a break every time I finish a page of writing or whatever).

Doesn't work all the time, but an 85% success rate is better than nothing, right? :)

Good luck on your paper! :)

although setting deadlines is an important step, it's ver common for procrastinators to postpone them (I do it all the time). what usually works for me is talking to people about those deadlines (or making them public on internet social tools such as www.43things.com - what happens is that you feel more compelled to meet your deadlines when other people are expecting you to meet them too. I guess it increases feelings of guilt and shame which end up forcing your to "do your job, for Christ sake!!" ;)