I actually write down lists of things to get done, sorted generally into difficulty and dependencies.
Then I lose the list.
Making the list helps me focus on what's actually important and what's underlying my lack of motivation. Usually if I can figure out what's bothering me, then I can get moving again.
I agree. Keep a list on paper right at hand for action whenever you get a little free time, and update it constantly (put it on the computer and keep printing out updated copies as needed).
Here is what I do with my list:
I don't put long-term goals on it. Just the stuff I want to get done fairly quickly (today or next couple days), with maybe a separate section for stuff I would like to get to over the next few weeks. I have multiple sections; for example, shopping lists, reminders. But the main section is a detailed list of small tasks to get done fairly immediately, listed by priority. (Actually two main sections, one for work and one for home.) I break things down in detail so that I'm scratching things off the list pretty frequently; it gives me a feeling of accomplishment. Also, I include small, forgettable tasks on the list so they don't get lost in the shuffle.
I pencil in and scratch off items on the paper list, then update the version on the computer and print out a new paper list when the old one gets messy. In practice, I may print out updated lists a couple times a day if I have a lot going on.
I can tackle one task at a time or many at once. If I have a lot of tasks around the home on the weekend, I may tackle 5 or 6 simultaneously: I put in 5 minutes on one task that I don't like, take a break and work longer on another task that I enjoy or that passes quickly, then return to the unlikable one and put in another 10 minutes, and so on. Your list should have a good mix of easy and difficult tasks so that the easy ones serve as breaks from the difficult ones.
Over the long-term, it's good to get in the habit of puttering. Indulge your Sensor side. Use the list for organization, then turn off your brain and float around from task to task according to your list and just enjoy the sensation of keeping constantly (and mindlessly) busy with tasks. IOW during the day, whenever you have some free time, get in the habit of turning off the TV, turn on your stereo and blast some music, fix a coffee or a drink to bring with you, consult your list, and start puttering.
But that's really the secret: You get yourself into a habit of puttering about and moving from task to task. The list organizes you so that you don't have to think ahead while you're puttering, and then you put in anywhere from a half-hour (after supper) to a full day (on the weekend) of light, easy productivity. Don't try to be super-productive; pace yourself so you're drifting from task to task rather than rushing through things, and just get in the habit of puttering on a regular basis at a livable, easy pace.
Life is long, and you can't always be doing something monumental and exciting. There's a lot of repetitive, upkeep work to be done. If you're unorganized and lazy, then those chores will always seem like a bother and a distraction and you'll be constantly falling behind on them. But if you can get in the habit of maintaining a list of chores and brainlessly puttering at them, then the repetitive chores can actually become fun - a way to take a break from bigger things and refresh yourself by turning off your brains and enjoying the motion and busywork.
Once you get in the habit of being productive with small things, you can start programming in some bigger things as well so that you begin to see progress on some long-term goals. You schedule in time slots for exercise, practice on an instrument, writing in your diary, or whatever, and you simply make sure that those things get done as part of your daily puttering routine.
If you want to be super-productive on some big projects, you can work on the big projects and then putter as a way to take breaks and refresh. Or you can just putter to get routine stuff done during the day and leave your evenings free for social stuff.
Either way, getting in the habit of puttering will increase your productivity without wearing you out. It will also give you a sense that you've got the petty stuff in life under control and up-to-date, and that will free you up to contemplate what you might want to do with your life on a bigger scale.
Getting the small stuff under control is really the key to embarking on the big projects, in my experience (unless you have friends who will drag you into big adventures whether you want them or not). And puttering helps get the small stuff under control.
FL