I vary with how I do lists and how extensive they are, but sometimes I do put fairly trivial stupid things on simply because it's easy to cross off, and crossing something off is proof you're past "getting started" and that's often the hardest part.

Using the parent's example, 'Clean house' is too big, 'Clean living room' may even be too big. My approach might be something like:

* Living room:

  * Remove garbage

  * Put dirty dishes in kitchen

  * Put stuff that doesn't belong in tote 

  * Put everything that does belong on shelves 

  * Vacuum

I like each thing to be an 'accomplishment' in itself -- however trite -- because there is a meaningful result (even if no one but me cares or notices).

This is what happens for me even with shorter lists.

Or, I try to ease myself into working by starting with a list, but start feeling overwhelmed as the list grows longer.

When this happens, I more often than not end up procrastinating. It usually takes a critical deadline and an unhealthy amount of panic to break the deadlock.