IMO, there are two main factors are important for good learning: a) Motivation - This is different from enthusiasm about a given subject. It is about the drive

IMO, there are two main factors are important for good learning: a) Motivation - This is different from enthusiasm about a given subject. It is about the drive to put in the yards for learning. Enthusiasm doesn't always translate to motivation (perhaps there is a better word for it). b) Engagement - Without engagement, hours of watching or reading will still leave you dissatisfied that you haven't learnt anything at all. Being engaged with a topic flexes the brain muscle and allows you to internalize the concept. I use different techniques to maximize the two factors. For motivation, nothing fuels it better than achievement. This achievement can be something big like a complicated project or something simple like crossing of a chapter in a book. The key thing is to have a scorecard, minor or major goals. It is a bit like Gamification for self. It motivates people to no end. For engagement, I mix and match learning mediums according to the environment. It is easy to despair waiting for the best setup, where you can spend your undivided attention. The smarter thing is to engineer your study plan for a realistic environment. I find that practice, books and videos engages you in descending order. OTOH if you have a busy schedule, focus level and time available may have a reverse distribution. The key is to pair each environment with corresponding learning mode. I watch videos while on commute or in in crowded places, read books while on couch or with family and do hands-on practice during my lone time. Videos and books complements practice nicely. It is not possible to pick up everything by practice alone. Likewise after practice, you can take more context and subtleties out of a book or video. When it comes to practice, doing the prescribed exercises or tutorials is helpful but you get maximum return by deviating from the script such as writing your own scenarios or doing a project. Even blogging or making a learning video will help to engage you more with the topic. This works by tuning your engagement to the maximum. With books and videos, it also helps to find ways to engage with the medium. It may be via discussion boards, taking notes, writing commentaries or doing a blog. Without engagement, very little sticks.