There are a few basic ways to get motivated to try and learn new things to expand oneself:

Reward based motivation: This is the classic carrot on a stick method. The horse will run faster when there is a prize dangled in front of his face.

First, choose a reward for yourself - something you desire, for instance an item of clothing, or tickets to a big basketball game. Then determine exactly what goal you need to accomplish in order to achieve the reward. In many cases reaching the goal itself can be reward enough because it makes you feel accomplished and good about yourself. However, having a reward system in place will be valuable in the beginning when you are having trouble getting started and also along the way as you get frustrated and want to quit.

Motivated by Fear or Necessity: Often times in the case of getting motivated to loose weight one might have orders from a doctor to loose a certain amount of weight in order to avoid the risk of a heart-attack or even death. This is a good example of motivation by fear or necessity.

I've also heard of people that motivate themselves to loose weight by committing to a magazine or website that they will post-before and after pictures of themselves in a swimsuit. To many people this is a frightening prospect, which then motivates them to achieve their goal so they can look and feel good when the pictures are published - and avoid being humiliated.

Self-motivation: The last example of how to get motivated is just the age-old way of setting a goal that is important to you and committing to it. This particular example of motivation takes a lot of determination and heart. If it is a goal that you are only partially committed to you will probably not achieve it. One way to help commit yourself to a goal is to write it down and look at the goal often. Also, make short-term and long-term goals. If you are constantly being reminded of the goals you are after you are more likely to direct your life in the path that leads towards the things you want.

In the case of learning and expanding your hobbies and interests you may want to determine what it is you want out of that hobby or from that education. Do you want to be a doctor; do you want to help people? What about becoming a professional athlete or an Olympian? And, there is no shame in wanting to make millions of dollars if that is your goal. Once you know what end result you want it is easier to set up goals and get motivated to accomplish them.

There are many sources for finding and determining how to achieve your goals and what steps you need to make to get there. Finding the right teachers, schools, and mentors are all important. Of course, TV and the Internet can also be good sources of learning and expanding interests. The Internet offers such an expanse of knowledge and opportunity for growth and learning. And, although much of television is brainless there are definitely thought provoking and educational programs as well. Both are a matter of just seeking out those things that you are interested in learning.