Getting distracted and being unable to force yourself to start sucky tasks is often seen in people with ADHD.

Doing the dishes doesn’t really require doing anything in sections, doesn’t require a plan, really, just the ability (via your brains executive function) to make yourself start.

I have ADHD and based on what some experts say, which lines up with my experience, executive function is poor, meaning the “just do it” part of the brain is weak as hell. No amount of knowing I have to or trying to make myself do the thing works. I just sit there not getting up or doing the thing.

That is, unless I have an emotional, external motivation like fear (oh crap! someone is coming over in 10 minutes) or guilt (wife is upset with me for dropping the ball).

I find, personally, that if I have taken my daily prescription and have been exercising regularly, I feel better and more energetic overall, and under those conditions, I don’t struggle as much to get started on a crappy task.

Depression can also affect motivation. If you’re feeling down you’re not feeling like doing a task. I also struggle with that (common in folks with ADHD). For me, personally, exercise helps. So does sun. And being around friends.