I am probably weird or something but I've never had a burnout or low-incentive problem with practicing or playing. Then again, I've always played music that I not only enjoyed but I'm passionate about. Even when I was young I would learn whatever scales or songs I was assigned by my teachers and then I'd work on the songs I liked because I needed the application to go with the theory.

To this day, certain songs get stuck in my head and I will be on a mission until I know how to play that song. My current must-do song is a revision of Sting's "Fields of Gold" by Fourplay, a group anchored by pianist Bob James and guitarist Lee Ritenour. I already know the original version of "Fields of Gold" but this new rendition sounds challenging and it'll freshen me up to learn it.

Perhaps the thing that motivates me the most is live performing... I live to play in many ways. That's always my #1 advice: book a gig, no matter how large or small, paid or charity, then get ready for it. Then book another and so forth. These can be any gig as long as it is in the public in some way - a nursing home gig will work fine - as long as it gives you a reason to practice and a presentation to look forward to (this is why students have recitals). Also set a regular practice time - for instance, my Saturday mornings are always dedicated to learning new songs or brushing up old ones.

One last piece of advice: consider completely rearranging your studio or practice room. Freshening up your environment can put some juice in you. I tore out and renovated my studio over the summer and it really made me feel good to have a new practice space when it was done.