• it is, typically, open-ended
  • there is not a obvious single "correct" answer
  • you have more say in the direction the work takes

• it has a much longer time-frame
  • you need more self-discipline to get things done
  • you have more responsibility to plan your progress

If you're still in "assignment mode", break the task into small assignment-size steps and treat each one as an assignment (but, alas, no late penalty).