How to write a paper

come up with 5 ideas, write them down
come up with 5 more ideas, write them down
narrow down the list to 3 ideas
basic research (skim) for idea 1, take mental notes
basic research for idea 2, take mental notes
basic research for idea 3, take mental notes
pick most interesting/appropriate idea
find 3 articles/papers/studies on the topic
read the first paper, take some notes
read the second paper, take some notes
read the third paper, take some notes
review all the notes
formulate a general thesis
create simple outline of paper
write one paragraph
etc etc.

From http://www.quora.com/What-are-the-best-life-hacks-to-tackle-procrastination