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Originally Posted by ViceVirtue 
Anyone have any tips or recommendations on how I can become motivated to make use of my day by accomplishing various tasks that need to be done rather than just wasting it away?
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Yes. Recognize that question as being part of the problem.
I've worked on my procrastination issues over the last year. I've read a number of books, listened to a number of talks and I tried various things out.
Procrastination is the result of way people think about, percieve, or what they believe about a situation.
One of the most frequent beliefs that cause people to procrastinate is the belief that they have to feel motivated to do something before they do something.
They are a sail boat which has to wait for a gust of wind to blow into their sails before they can move.
Truthfully, inspiration like that does happen, but only in the rare minority of instances.
Most of the time motivation works more like a dynamo. You start off with nothing, but once the wheels start to turn electricity ( motivation, momentum, fun ) gets generated.
Doing makes motivation.
Not the other way around.
Think about how many tasks you do every day, where you are not even conscious as to whether or not you "feel motivated" to do them. You don't need to "feel motivated" to get something done or to enjoy it.
Think about all of the times you have procrastinated on something and have noticed that it is not that bad, or even fun, once you got going.
Remind yourself of this everyday. Also, notice it everyday.
Sometimes people get out of bed knowing that once they have a cup of coffee they will feel okay. I frequently get started on various tasks, knowing that once I get started motivation will come afterwards.
It is like a cup of my magic motivation coffee
If you practice noticing these reactions in your daily life over time your thinking will shift and you will have fewer problems getting going.