I agree with a pp about doing the worst tasks first. I like that saying "eating a toad for breakfast"
With a thesis, break it down, map it out, tackle little sections and reward yourself each time. Expect to make several drafts also. It's part of the process of being awesome!
Doing the housework:
I also think it can be helpful to do something menial but that gets you moving. I like to fold the laundry, standing up and dancing to dumb but positive and energetic music. (Like black eyed peas, "the beginning")
Lists are helpful, I have one on my phone that I can mark deadlines and mark items as urgent.They are satisfying to cross off. Really praise yoirself when you cross one off. If the items are too difficult to cross off, break your goals up even more. For example, put "pick up toys in L.room" then "hoover L.room" instead of "clean living room"
Just don't beat yourself up if some item stays on there for weeks, unless it really was urgent! Build up momentum gradually if needs be.
It's also important to do self care which for me falls into categories of :
actual rest , (meaning sleep,)
decompressing, (meaning watching a show, socialising, playing a computer game, reading)
Pampering ( meaning doing nails, eyebrows, haircuts, sorting outfits and making love etc)
I also like to make self care/life goals/lists of habits to make which I review only every six months or so or when I feel I'm struggling.
It's really important to consider whether we really have free will, how much self control do we really have?
A friend once said to me that people do actually do the things they really want to do. If you can't get started on something really important, ask yourself why you want to do the things you have set out. Maybe you just do not actually want to be on that path.
Also, if you are ill or coming down with something, you won't want to do anything no matter what motivational tricks you employ. At that time it really is wisest to rest because your I.Q won't be where it should and you will not do good work and almost definitely make stupid and even dangerous errors! Just rest!
Try to figure out where your body is at each day. Have mental energy but not physical? Or vice versa? Is your mind silently screaming that it needs to be outside?
When you have pmsor are menstruating, it's the best time to declutter, discard old habits and plan your schedule. When you are fertile is the best time to choose outfits, plan meals, make purchases and pamper yourself.