On your Calendar or in your Tickler file, put a reminder/checkup question to yourself.

Example:
Chapters 1 and 2 are due on Tuesday.
You know you have a busy day Monday.
Sunday you want to go ice skating.
For Friday or Saturday, include a note to check the status of that assignment. (Chapters 1&2 done? Busy weekend ahead)

This will be enough to remind you to think about it and to keep you from getting distracted. They are not deadlines. They are reminders of an impending deadline.