I have had a lifelong problem getting motivated to do things that are hard to do NOW when I don't get the benefits of doing those things until much LATER (like quitting smoking and losing weight). Mr. Instant Gratification -- that's me!! What helped, I think, was a kind of quiet meditation/visualization .. imagining the future, having achieved those goals, having put all the hard part behind me .. how it would look and feel. And to notice every little thing along the way that indicated progress. Good Luck!!!