How do you find motivation for doing all tasks when it gets too difficult?

I use the deep work hard to get started ritual to motivate me to just start and when I am completing some rituals on a regular basis, I try to start completing ones that I have been procrastinating about.

I break the task down to smaller tasks and set a specific time to start them so that I am not tempted to procrastinate e.g. start task 1 at 2:20 pm. After I complete each mini task I give myself a break and a small reward e.g. time to read my favorite book, play 3 levels on diamond dash, order my favorite dish from the local Chinese restaurant, etc. From there I move on to the next step following the same steps. If you only focus on the one mini task at a time it makes a large or difficult task seem smaller and more manageable.

Making sure to start small and/or slow with task so I'm not overwhelmed in the beginning. From there, just being consistent to the point where the tasks become so routine I'm operating more from habit than motivation.

I remind myself of my goal and how the task will benefit me to get closer to that goal. I set reminders and make time to complete the task in my busy schedule.

I give myself permission to complete only one task in each time period. As I look through the list, sometimes I realize that I have enough energy to do more than one. That usually energizes and motivates me.

As a painter I know that sometimes one has to work without inspiration. It's just deciding to follow through on hard work. Somedays are harder then others, but following through makes it easier the day after, and the day after that. Motivation feels the same. Some days we feel motivated and some days we don't. Its nice to feel motivated, but it's even better to know that you're in charge of your decisions whether you're feeling motivated or not. And doing it regardless, even if it's really hard, makes it much easier to feel the motivation the next day and the day after. Sometimes you just have to push through a difficult day. But the rewards are worth it. You can do it!!!!

Don't set out to do all of them. Pick the top three most important and allocate them fixed amounts of time in minutes. Group the rest of the tasks. For example you might get have three things that involve going out to the shops or two things that involve going into a different room. If you do them together you'll save time and energy. Include menial tasks like washing the dishes or hanging out clothes to dry on your written list.
Get started!
Intersperse the most important tasks with quick and easy things to give yourself the rewarding feeling of having checked that thing off your list.
Keep going. And then write a list for tomorrow that helps you get ahead.

Today I had a difficult day. I wasn't feeling well for most of the afternoon. So, instead of beating myself up about it, I did what I could later when I was feeling better. If it's too hard all the time, you might have to reconsider the tasks you're doing and ask yourself if it's really important. Do this for every single task. If yes, then start slow by changing the amount of time to less and gradually to more.

Sometimes it does become difficult to stay motivation, or to find the motivation to start. And in a nutshell, my advice would be to not rely on motivation too heavily. Think of motivation as a nice bonus that makes the job easier. Instead rely on dedication, take ownership of what your doing and allow yourself no excuses, even if they are good ones.

However, there are some tricks that might make things a little easier, and maybe even coax out some motivation.

1) if you find a long list of todos or a large task that has a lot of parts, choose a place to start that you like or find most appealing. Example: if your task is to workout at the gym, choose the exercise you like most and start with that. A lot of the time starting is the hardest part, and by choosing the place to start it eases the way.

2) Break the task into tiny pieces, choose something ridiculously easy to start each task. Example: if you need to go to the gym, make the task to open the door. Make the task walking to the corner. Once you've started you'll be more likely to continue.

Motivation is hard to come by, and these tricks are just that. Tricks. They may help you sometimes, but at the end of the day you have to just remove excuses. Even ones that are valid. The gym was closed, work just ran over today, etc. You can do it!

When faced with a difficult list I work in order of priority. That way if I only manage to get a few things done I know I have tackled the most important and still feel like I have achieved something.

I think part of the purpose of the exercise of creating a daily task list and picking the three most important tasks is to avoid having to do everything. It focuses effort on the most important work and lets the less important stuff fall away. I also find that I’m more motivated because I’m focusing on tasks that fit clearly into a bigger picture. I can see the impact of the work I’m doing and the direction it’s taking, which keeps me motivated.

You just have to do what you can. I find that sometimes when I start with the easy, short tasks, I can build up momentum that can help me accomplish more than I thought I would be able to. Even if that isn't your your experience, doing even one thing is always better than not doing anything.