People who work remotely often find that, while the freedom to make their own schedules and work environments can provide greater life balance and open more opportunities, it can also be a harsh test of discipline. With no one watching to ensure that projects are finished on time, focus is paramount and deadlines can easily overwhelm after several days of procrastination—which even the most disciplined among us cannot avoid.

Fast Company comes to the rescue with its 7 Tips for Battling and Even Embracing Procrastination – a rather creative set of suggestions for the perpetually or periodically procrastinatory.

Although it seems counterintuitive, a key benefit of discipline is intellectual and creative freedom; freedom to innovate, to solve problems and provoke insight. The undisciplined mind is too easily subject to distraction, engaged by seductive but ultimately unproductive pursuits. Discipline is not limitation. In fact, it is quite the opposite: Discipline offers the potential to focus in almost infinite measure, rather than be impeded by fleeting diversions.