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