What are some ways to increase motivation while learning new skills and information online as an adult?

I will have to come and stop you right there because:

Motivation is a double-edged sword.

Let me explain.

If you work and only work based on motivation, then on the day when you are motivated, you are likely going to be very productive and produce a lot of value. However, on the day that you are not motivated, you will achieve nothing because you are frustrated with yourself as you cannot utilize the energy of that motivation.

Motivation is inconsistent because every day you wake up you are going to be affected by a lot of variables. There are variables about the weather, the people, the environment, your physical health, the time of the year, month and week, and so on. Such variables will alter your motivation daily and it basically becomes a game of luck-based. You are fundamentally thinking: “If tomorrow is lucky, I will learn. Otherwise, I will not learn.”

That kind of attitude won’t get you far. And in a year from now, you won’t advance much.

Do you know what does not depend on that many variables?

Discipline, or Habit if you want to make it less serious.

Imagine this: when you wake up, do you feel like brushing your teeth is a chore? No, right? Because it is a habit and discipline. You will get a toothache if you don’t brush your teeth regularly.

Now remember your most productive day. Picture it clearly in your mind. Then ask yourself this: Did you feel an immense amount of motivation that day? Or was it just another normal day when you decided to learn? Did ou learn so seamlessly and easily that you almost forgot that you have skip both your lunch and your dinner?

Yes, that is the power of habit and discipline.

Discipline is what you should strive for, not motivation.

In a nutshell, you learn every day. Don’t wait for motivation.