Blocks / Inspiration Lack Busters

We all get a bit down on work - what do you do to break through it?

[vincevincevince]

Just got back from my honeymoon and I can't focus properly on work (partly because there seems to be lots of it!).

What do you guys do when you just don't want to focus (but have to...)

[troels nybo nielsen]

I begin in the least frightening corner and then I take one small step forward and then another and another etc. etc....

[rocknbil]

I'm here aren't I?

:-)

Just kidding, what I do is ease into it with short projects and little tasks to match the current short attention span. Upload and resize this pic, make these few text changes. 6 or 8 of those and I'm geared up for the larger stuff. Basically the same thing as troels but from behind the desk instead of the corner.

[limbo]

I write all of what I have to do in one place (usually an spreadsheet so I can sort and order it easily), then organise it into high, medium and low priority, and then I begin knocking off the jobs one by one, starting with the highest prioriy and working my way down to the 'bells and whistles' work.

In other words, and to echo the posts above, turn it all into digestable chunks.

[SEOMike]

I make everything into a list, like above, then attack it starting with the easiest so I don't get frustrated quickly and give up. I also crank up my iPod with fast paced music to help distract me.

[oneguy]

Here's one I don't think I've posted before.

Acquisition therapy:

I'll go buy myself something... something I can afford, have wanted for awhile, and just have not bought. It has to cost a small chunk. Afterward, I'll feel like I better get to work to pay for it. Even though it was really bought with cash in the first place, I still feel the need to make it up, and that puts me in gear.

Pre-acquisition therapy:

I'll spend some time researching something I want, but can't really justify or can't afford. That puts me in gear.

I know you said "focus." The lists are a good idea, but I've found that I can write lists, then just lose them or let them become outdated before I actually do more then a thing or two on the list. I somehow sickly enjoy making the lists, but I have to have the motivation after I write it. Otherwise, I just wind up with an overwhelming list.