What is important is what inspires persistence and determination- in other words what you care about.

If your clients aren't actively telling their friends about you, maybe your work isn't as great as you think it is.

Don't get stampeded by what people around you value. The task is to figure out what YOU value - and value highly enough to throw yourself into with unqualified passion.

A true professional feels no pressure to run up a client's bill, knowing that any reduction in revenues caused by being efficient will be more than recompensed by the reputation earned for being honest and trustworthy.

Success comes from doing what you enjoy. If you don't enjoy it, how can it be called success?

When did you feel most fulfilled? When did you impress yourself, or otherwise feel most proud of yourself?

No one can manage you if you don't give them permission to do so. But if you are interested in accomplishing as much as you are capable of, then I believe there are good reasons to grant that permission.