I had ordered a book a few days ago. It came yesterday. As soon as I got the book in my hands, I started reading it, fifteen pages in a single breath. I wasn't sure I was that interested in it anymore before the moment I opened it. One possible reason I see for it is that it was my obligation to read it as part of the preparation for the paper on the book's subject (constructed languages; anything from Esperanto to Klingon and beyond). I was anxious about the paper - it was, after all, an important project; I'm sure you understand. I think people abstain from things in that way because of the feeling of obligation or duty to make them happen, which is invisible pressure that we can't deny or let go of because of the expectations we put upon ourselves. It's no wonder so many people would rather lay on the couch day in and day out: it's easier than to try and conquer the mountain all at once. How do you relax? What do you do to regain the energy and set yourself up for the next time you have to get something done?The real difficulty for most people is possibly being curious/interested about something enough to get up and do it.