1) Be curious always. This is the key to build motivation. Focus on developing a "T-shaped" skill-set i.e. broad knowledge on a variety of domains with deep specialization in a few as required by a job or needs.
2) Do not focus on competing with others. This is a sure fire way to lose motivation. Always focus on persistent and incremental learning. You are only competing with your "past you". Calvin Coolidge said it best;
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
3) Understand the difference between "learning for knowledge's sake" vs. "learning for a job". The former is what you should strive for. It will guarantee a lifelong occupation for the brain, however constraining your external circumstances might be.
4) Always spend some time Reading and Thinking before jumping into Doing. We live in a time in Human Civilization where almost all of the accumulated knowledge is codified in some fashion for easier comprehension (Scientific Laws, Theories etc.). When you Read, you get other people's experience for free which can inform your actions when it comes to "Doing". Remember the quote "Standing on the shoulders of Giants..."
5) Finally, learn to accept failure without falling into despair and losing self-confidence.