I wonder when we will see technologies that help engage the prefrontal cortex while reduxing the influence of the limbic system. Focusatwill.com might be one of them (seems essentially to be about playing 'hardcore' dance music to increase beta waves).

Another thing mentioned is stress. That is a big problem contributing to self-control.

Honestly during times when I am not being constructive it seems that my prefrontal cortex is not even really active.. The types of thinking that I do when I am working just aren't happening.

Actually it seems to me a bit like resting a muscle or letting a car cool down that is overheated. Sometimes I just need to actually start the engine of that part of my brain that handles goals and higher level thinking. Other aspects of health like general energy levels affect it.