for stuff like this, i spend a lot more time really clearly designing the solution.. then you've got an end in sight, and you just have to plug through the todo

for stuff like this, i spend a lot more time really clearly designing the solution.. then you've got an end in sight, and you just have to plug through the todo list (when it's fun work i just play around and try things, since i don't mind backtracking in those cases). also, i make incredibly specific todos when i'm in a slump - dull work is way easier when you're constantly finishing little parts of it and crossing them out.