set up a carrot-on-the-stick reward system for yourself.
as soon as you complete the next project, you're allowed to pick the pattern for your next project
next one down ... pick the focus fabric
next ... a companion fabric.
go along like that. each current project polished off gives you permission to take another step toward your new-and-i'm-so-glad-it-isn't-due-by-christmas project. :-o