"...And let me tell you, it is important to have fun in life, of course. But when you're out there partying, horsing around, someone out there at the same time is working hard. Someone is getting smarter and someone is winning. Just remember that." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
You either want it hard enough or you don't. I don't really see doing your own thing as an excuse. As long as you are doing better than last time it's all good.