I developed an explicit distaste for boredom, and went out of my way to avoid it. I kept books near me at all times. I invented stories and thought up new plots when drifting off to sleep. I invented mental puzzles to keep me entertained during class [...].

I have this pattern too. My recount how and when it developed would be much different though. Also my terminal values are different. But I can relate very well to this.

One recommendation I'd like to relate because it is a mild form of mind-hacking that did help me: As a youth I watched quite a bit TV. I knew that it was often mindless but then it is made to be as entertaining as it gets by the industry. I couldn't just will it away. But when I fell in love I had better things to do and at that time it was easy to develop a distaste for TV. I did watch TV with my fiance then but never alone anymore. When we relocated I made sure that we didn't get TV cable but watch only DVDs. This habit solidified. I now deplore TV.

So what is the lesson? When you find yourself in a situation where you are intrinsically motivated highly toward something (usually strong emotions like love or anger but may be curiosity) then use the impulse that brings away from your unwanted habits. Notice how easy it is to avoid the habit. Use the opportunity to change the habit irreversibly e.g. by cancelling subscription, selling equaipment,...

Sidenote: This meetup also seems to deal with using time more profitably: http://lesswrong.com/r/discussion/lw/jft/meetup_west_lahow_to_live_on_22_hours_a_day/