Constantly striving for excellence in every area of your life is ultimately what will determine the quality of your life, no matter what you do for a living.
Each day presents an opportunity for you to master skills and further goals. Success often comes down to having the right attitude and smart decision making.
There's a universe of opportunity out there for those with the same sort of ambition and drive that I had, but only if you follow the right path and don't go astray.