Simplify
Some people think of goals in terms of where they lead to. This results in the inevitable chain-reaction, like a little kid who keeps asking "why?" until the answers get abstract and ridiculously complicated. Do one thing at a time, and try to focus more on the process than the result. It's pointless to plan your life out 15 years ahead of time, because you're constantly changing and you can't expect yourself to retain the same aspirations for such a long time.
Write
Get your thoughts out on paper. Doing this will make you feel as if there's less clutter in your mind. Use paper and pen as a way to get everything out there so you can zone-in on what really matters.
This happens to everyone. You get an idea in your head and before you know it you're daydreaming about all the potential futures you could have. You get a new job and try to imagine yourself in a way higher-up position. You go on a first date and already start thinking about the future of the relationship. Don't do that; just stick to the here-and-now and go one step at a time. Dreaming about the future when there are things to do in the present is just another form of procrastination.
Moderate thoughts
Step outside yourself a bit. Are you unmotivated because you have a genuine reason to be, or are you just making up reasons as you go along? Review your thought process and stop yourself if you start making excuses or pretending you don't have stuff to do.
Don't overthink
If you are moderating your thoughts, it's easy to get over-analytical. Remember, the point is to simplify things and get tasks done, not sit around all day lost in thought. Think about how a machine gets work done. From a human perspective, machines are stupid. They don't have feelings and can't communicate like humans. But they consistently get stuff done, minute by minute. Don't lose your humanity completely, but when you have something to do, try to aspire to working 'like a machine', so to speak. A machine only focuses on the work at hand and doesn't stop until it's complete.
Converse
If you just feel crappy and can't find motivation, talk to someone about it. If you're in school and can't figure out an idea for a paper, talk to the professor. Try to get insight from a person you see as being highly motivated. Everyone's human; it's not like some people are born with a purpose and others aren't. The people you view as motivated and productive have likely had times where they've been unable to find the enthusiasm to get things done. Learn from them.
Enjoy
Like good old Confucius said, "Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." If you're passionate about what you're doing, motivation will come easily. If you find yourself perpetually unmotivated and unenthusiastic, ask yourself if you're really doing what you should be. If you get lucky enough to find your ultimate job and do work you love, you'll do a far better job than in a line of work that you can only pretend to appreciate.
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