Without a boss looking over their shoulder, contractors have to be more self-disciplined than most other workers. But what happens when they fall into the dangerous trap of procrastinating?

Laura Spencer writes on Freelance Folder that contractors should write an itinerary and stick to it to combat procrastination. Established schedules should be extended to include more than just deadlines, with invoicing clients or doing tax returns written in.

To get over the lack of boss to impress, contractors can also find an accountability partner in the freelancing world to pressure them to get their work done, says the writer.

Breaking sizable tasks down into manageable sections can also stave off the procrastination bug as it makes the work seem smaller and less impossible, adds Ms Spencer.

Contractors who do manage to overcome the need to put off work could leave the recession stronger than they entered it, according to Martin Lyne, director of small to medium enterprise at T-Mobile.

He explained that small businesses made proactive changes to the way they work during the recession, making them better placed to survive in the tough economic climate.