I'm always on the lookout for tips that can help those of us who suffer from clinical depression--or just bouts of lack of motivation.

One I was reminded of recently is the Mantra, "Just do one thing."

In better times, the one thing might be writing a few pages, or researching a story, or contacting an agent. 

In harder times, it can be as simple as getting out of bed.

Focusing on a small chunk of what needs to be done usually creates momentum. Even when it doesn't, at least that one thing will have been done. 

If it may be helpful to you, keep "Do just one thing" in mind. Even better, jot it on a note that's visible by your desk or by your bed. 

If it's not you but someone in your life you care about who has this issue, help them to identify one thing and praise them for doing it rather than focusing on all the things they're not doing.

Most likely, they're doing their best.