> If so, how do you keep yourself motivated to solve multiple problems a day, especially knowing you are actually never going to work on such problems as part of an actual job?
Personally, it's because I'm not going to use that in my job that I find leetcode entertaining. I don't feel like I'm working when playing leetcode.
> I don't feel like I'm working when playing leetcode.
This. So, basically it's not "grinding" as OP describes it. Not starting each day with assumption that you'll do K mediums or L hards. More like making a honest attempt when you feel like it, and seeing whether it sticks.
Personally, it's because I'm not going to use that in my job that I find leetcode entertaining. I don't feel like I'm working when playing leetcode.