There's an interesting summary that MIT news did of a study done in 2005[1] that explains habits which might be helpful. The part I found most interesting was:

There's an interesting summary that MIT news did of a study done in 2005[1] that explains habits which might be helpful. The part I found most interesting was: > "It is as though somehow, the brain retains a memory of the habit context, and this pattern can be triggered if the right habit cues come back," Graybiel said. "This situation is familiar to anyone who is trying to lose weight or to control a well-engrained habit. Just the sight of a piece of chocolate cake can reset all those good intentions." > Graybiel speculates the beginning and ending spike patterns reflect the nature of a routine behavior: Once we start, we run on autopilot -- until we stop." So this could explain a few things. One is that when you're in the mode of getting things done at work, it's easy to ride this wave into inspiration for learning. But when you're at home after work it's easy to ride that wave into distraction. So a potential fix might be to trigger your brain with a stimulus to get back into inspiration mode. For instance, make a simple note of cool things you learned this week, month, or year, and reflect on it for a few minutes. This might kickstart you into action for learning. 1. http://news.mit.edu/2005/habit http://news.mit.edu/2005/habit