When the potential accomplishment is in the distant future, it's helpful to set up relevant progress tracking on a daily or weekly basis where you can see the work accomplished. Instead of having 1 large completion, break up the completion into smaller chunks that you can see getting done. The reward for doing the work is seeing it get done. And the punishment for not doing it, is seeing it pile up. Set up immediate, relevant, and visible carrots and sticks to prod yourself towards self-control and discipline, on your way towards eventual completion. Start tracking the days you did and didn't do what you needed to, so that you can see the progress.
