Do you have a liking for a particular subject in our very broad based general education?

I personally feel motivation actually comes from sheer discipline. But motivation does not inspire interest in things that an individual sets out to work on. But passion and a natural curiosity does. Having a natural curiosity in say the sciences for example is like asking the Whys and the Hows of the topic we are learning about. And these questions spurs a person’s interest in the subject. It does not guarantee high marks or good grades however, but it is the foundation for any specialist who intends to dedicate his or her life to a passion.

I also strongly believe in the different learning styles – visual, auditory or Kinesthetic. It is debatable whether it is a preference rather than an innate characteristic, but it could probably provide you with a direction to improve your learning.
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles/vakt.html