Fear of failure or fear of being criticised usually motivates me. I know I can be lazy but I hate people having that impression of me.
Plus, sometimes just the knowing how much worse I'll feel if I don't do said thing can motivate me. So- I hate exercise with a passion but it does make me feel better physically and emotionally. So, I'm forcing myself to do a bit each day. Not even that much- about 9 minutes but, it's strenuous and I hate it. Only doing that much means I'm more likely to do it though. So- that's maybe one thing you could try. Force yourself to do 10 minutes say of something you don't want to. And tell yourself- it's 10 minutes of the whole day- there's really no excuse not to do it!
Exercise is a good one I think because, as you get fitter, you tend to naturally have more energy to do things.
With something like exercise or studying or, applying to jobs or working etc.- it's the idea of the greater good I suppose. The actual activity may be horrible but, life will be slightly better for having done it and could be a whole lot worse if you don't!
The last thing is 'must-do's'. I normally have a list of 'must-do's' in my head for each day. Sometimes, it's only a few things- change my bedding, do some washing, do some paperwork. Alongside work targets too but yeah- having certain things you know you absolutely must do can help.
I guess also, it depends on how much you can fail. Some people don't have a financial safety net. When they fail, they're out on the streets or, their parents would give them absolute hell. So, it also depends on what level of guilt trip you get if others end up having to support you and how much you can take that. For me- the prospect of the lecture I'd get if I had to rely on the bank of Mum and Dad seems worse than forcing myself back into wage slavery. But, there again, I'm middle aged and have very few excuses as to why I'd messed up.
