We’ve all done it.

We’ve put off until later something we could have — and probably should have — done now.

Some of us may be more chronic about it than others, but procrastination is a universal trait among us fallible humans.

Procrastination, from the Latin words meaning “to favor tomorrow,” is the target of National Fight Procrastination Day, commemorated every Sept. 6 (and no, they never put it off to a later date).

Though some believe the cure for procrastination is to “just do it,” that won’t work for most people. It is probably far more productive to first look within yourself and discern why you procrastinate.

Here are some possible reasons:

• Fear of failure. “I might not do this right,” people reason, so they guarantee they will not fail by not starting the task in the first place. Of course, not doing the task is a failure in itself.

• Fear of success. “If I do well,” the thought process goes, “they’ll only expect more of me and heap more responsibilities on me.”

• Perfectionism. Self-imposed standards are set so high, it seems useless to start.

• Lack of focus. At times will all drift, feel directionless and lose our sense of purpose.

• Addiction to working at the last minute. Putting ourselves under severe time pressure can create an intoxicating adrenaline rush.

• Being overwhelmed. The task simply seems too mountainous to accomplish, so what’s the use of even starting?

• Low energy level. We don’t eat right or get enough exercise or sleep, so we’re in no shape to tackle even a mildly challenging project.

• Rebellion and resistance. We subconsciously resent externally imposed schedules, standards and expectations, so we cross our arms and doing nothing.

So, what can be done to fight procrastination? Quite a bit, actually.

• Take care of yourself physically. Get a checkup, eat healthy, get enough sleep, balance work and play.

• Take care of yourself emotionally. Forgive others, let go of the negatives of the past, refuse to define yourself by your weaknesses.

• Start every day with a premeditated plan. List the most important thing you want to accomplish that day, and immediately start working on it. Imagine yourself tethered by a bungee cord to that project. You can take breaks or tend to other business, but you should always be drawn back to the main task until it is finished.

• Take regular short breaks. Working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break works well for most people.

• Reward yourself for completing a task or a part of a larger task. Take a walk, grab a snack, have a short chat with a friend.

• Break larger projects into smaller, 10- to 15-minute steps. Known as “chunking,” this method helps you focus on the here and now, rather than fretting over the looming monster of the full project.

• View failures as learning opportunities you would not have if you had not started the task.

• Start a “done list.” Write down what you have accomplished and revel in your success at end of the day. Set your “in-box” in a desk drawer, take out one project at a time and place the completed work on your desktop, so all you see is what you’ve already accomplished.

Now, go do it!