How to write when you don’t feel like it

After several nights of bad sleeping (ankle being a pain in the arse) I really didn't want to write this morning. Some days when this happens, I manage to find other writerly-related things to do so I feel like I haven't wasted the day. Some days, however, I can't find other things to do and so I sit at the computer, stare at the screen and consider just how much I don't want to write but how much I need to pull up my britches and get to it.

Generally, I end up making a deal with myself and the one that usually works is – just do an hour. I can talk myself into an hour – unless I'm absolutely out of it the brain can work for that long (as well as my brain ever works) and if needs be, a shot of caffeine can see me through.

Most times I find that I keep going. The hour becomes two, or three or four and then it's time for lunch or dinner and I've had a good day. Occasionally, I barely make it through the hour and then I toddle off to bed for a nap, or collapse in front of the tv and stare zombie-like at it.

Made the hour deal with myself – ended up doing hour and half and 2400 words, so I'm happy. Now, I'll go collapse in front of the television and rest up before a reasonably busy afternoon and evening.

What do you do to make yourself forge ahead when you really don't wanna write?