on motivation, willpower, and self-discipline

One of the things I've really struggled with in recent months is what I call being my own drill sergeant. I'm fairly good at working under pressure when there's an outside deadline, but it's become harder and harder for me to have the self-discipline and willpower to do stuff. I've become rubbish at starting & sticking with new habits or even creative projects that I want to do don't happen unless there's an outside deadline (let alone chores).

What bugs me most is that I used to be really good about self-discipline and willpower. (Granted, the best instances of this were at IMSA). And the one thing that seems different from that environment / lifestyle to know is how much I use my computer. So I'm wondering if trying to limit my computer time would work or if that would just make me cranky.

So, flist - how do you do it? What formula of reward / consequence works to motivate you? (Keep in mind, extremely limited budget, so buying myself something as a reward doesn't exactly work).