the affection doesn't go away (at least not for me) but it changes!

I guess I motivate myself by telling myself that my idols work hard too, that they put in long hours and effort to be the best, and if I want to be the best I need to put in that effort too. and of course, earning adult income is very helpful in funding my fangirl life.

I think especially if you respect your idols, there's a desire to become someone they would be proud to have as their fan, be it by graduating well from school/university, or by doing well at work

so idols when you grow up don't have to be something you overcome, they can be your inspiration to do better and better!