Sounds familiar. I was trying 'three things per day' technique, but found it overwhelming so I simplified it down to 'one thing'. Each day I am setting one goal, which can be anything, and I have to accomplish it. Helps to establish the routine and some sort of discipline.

Edit: it is also important to understand that out of the box nonlinear creativity etc in our case serves just one purpose - to find excuses not to do what we are supposed to do.