Recipe for 'success'

I was recently reflecting on the ingredients for success: passion, incredibly high standards when tackling any task, and a solid work ethic. Although I've alway never been afraid of hard work, the other two factors have been definitely missing over the years.

My philosophy has always been to deliver a solid shift; in other words, if I was working a 7 hour shift, I'd be as productive as possible within that specific timeframe. The concept of overtime bothers me; it's an admission that either time has been mismanaged or too much work allocated. In my careers, I've always sneered at folk who prided themselves on working ridiculous hours to get caught up (mostly because they spent too much time on meaningless 'meetings', cigarette breaks, or coffee runs) whereas I'd be content to leave the office at the stroke of quitting time.

I wanted to leave because I looked forward to going home to my wife (and later, wife and kids). Work was never a refuge or escape for me; it's always been a means to an end, namely, being able to pay the bills.

Folk would point at my attitude as the basis for my current level of success (or lack thereof), and I would be in complete agreement. I admit my priorities have always been my home life, and work a distant second. Even now, as a freelancer, I love being able to see my wife and kids as often as possible, happily setting aside a given drawing.

I lack the desire and drive to be perfect in a chosen career, because I quite simply haven't cemented my choice as to what I really consider my passion. Once I do, I'm certain the formula for success will prove itself accurate, as it always does.