How Do You Stay Motivated to Study As an Adult?

What are the tricks you use to focus your time on studying when you are an adult with the responsibilities of a household, job, etc. I am going back to school for a second Masters and a certification. Some days I just loose the drive. My favorite study tactic is to use a timer to ensure I give it at least an hour a day. What do other adult students do?

Suggestion:

I study at the gym. It helps me cross two items off of my to-do list and I find that I can concentrate really well on what I'm reading if I put on head phones, but don't listen to music (simply to muffle noise). It's hard to take notes and highlight, so I take texts that don't require much of either. I typically read on the bikes because it's easiest, but I've found that I can use the elliptical and even the treadmill for power walking and still read.

I like to leave my house to study, too. There are a million and a half coffee shops with free wifi and they don't seem to mind campers too much. If I stay at home there are so many distractions and I'll just clean everything to procrastinate. If I leave there are fewer distractions.

Lastly, I always reward myself when I finish a class, finish a project, or just feel really on top of my things. Find different ways to reward yourself – extra free time, a nice dinner out, a day off from homework even! Motivate yourself with the rewards that you want!

It's a challenge, but it can be done! Good luck!