Losing My Religion

 

In the quest to write/draw/publish comics, I've cut out more and more personal hobbies.  I watch fewer movies, read fewer books (a BIG problem for a writer), cut off video games, don't travel much, and haven't picked up my guitar in over a year.  I feel like I'm starting to lose myself a bit.  Whittling away all the other quirks and interests that make up who I am.  Obviously not healthy.  It's the same as a comic book artist who ONLY looks at comic as their source of reference and inspiration aesthetically.  Everyone needs balance.  Everyone needs to step away from the drawing board / computer… recharge, renew, re-inspire. It's the same for any workaholic… doctors, lawyers, management, salesmen.  You can't let your work consume you. 

…And yet.

That begs the question.  How does one achieve their goals when even a modicum of success requires a grueling Bataan-death-march level of labor? It's easy to say "Everyone needs a break and a healthy work/life balance"  but it butts heads with "Fame costs… and right here's where you start paying… in sweat."