The question per the title.

It used to be the case, that I learned because I simply loved building and learning how things work (not only limited to software engineering, but also to general science and engineering). It also used to be that I would get excited for every new technical innovation.

But it feels different now.

The only thing keeping me going now is discipline. I learn not because I want to, but because I have to. So like I allocate <1hr each day to learn something new, improve or build something small.

The rest of my time, I spend it on hobbies or life stuff.

I get that (discipline) > (passion + motivation) in the long run, but if I would have to keep doing this for the next X years of my life, wouldn't it be better if it were a more enjoyable experience?

Like, I'm not sure how long I want to keep doing this.

Anyone else in a similar predicament and if so, how did you resolve this?