I need something pushing me. Usually it's a demand placed upon me that requires I learn it to meet some kind of deadline. It's got to be something time-bound.

I need something pushing me. Usually it's a demand placed upon me that requires I learn it to meet some kind of deadline. It's got to be something time-bound. If it's just a general request, for example, from a higher up that I learn something or look into something for some unknown reason or for some theoretical future project, odds are I'm not going to actually do it. But if I know that if I fail to do it and there is actually a consequence like me not being able to fulfill a goal that has been set for me, then I'm going to make sure that it gets done if for no other reason than not wanting to fail or be embarrassed. If this is not for work where you are accountable to others and instead this is for a personal project it becomes more difficult. If possible, work with someone on your side project because then you will be accountable to them like you would be on a team at work. If it's just yourself and you are taking the approach of "well it doesn't matter if I don't meet my made up deadline for myself", then things tend to never get done. I had this issue. When trying to balance side projects with life and family, the projects kept getting pushed. Once I had a business partner, I'm far more productive because I have a real reason to get stuff done - no one wants to fail the person they are in business with.