Trying to summon the motivation
I think having a buddy that has similar interests and lives in the area is invaluable. Of course being able to work with him is good too.
Having both those criteria is fairly hard to find. I get a lot done when I know dude is coming over to help, even if it is to sit there and drink a beer.
If the project has a financial ramification then it is almost as motivating as having a buddy.
Having a buddy or someone that in a way promotes accountability or competition is the key. Otherwise I have to ask myself constantly "what is it all for"? A buddy will enable the need for speed and creativity......"lets get 'er done!!"
$0.02
(I have thought this is actually a good business somehow. You could charge people to be their accountability buddy. You don't actually do any of the work but since its gonna cost them money they will get off their *** and get whatever the project is....started.)