When I was younger I would systematically read all Linux man pages. I could give much more similar examples. That kind of excitement has vanished, but has been substituted with other things. I try to think longer term. What is limiting me? Is it algorithms? Is it statistics? Domain knowledge? It takes time, but the progress is there. And society is not going to reward you, because it rewards short term, the latest fad. But don't accept your limitations, plan long term.