I've been trying to figure this out for myself. I've heard a couple things

- you need a plan of what you're going to do with the information you're going to learn, after you learn it

- you need measurable improvement and feedback validating your improvement

- you need a community supporting you to keep you accountable

I guess at school, until your final year anyway, you get all three. Item 1 is lost once you realize your academics don't really help you at work.