Louis Pasteur would agree with your headline. He said something to the effect that he achieved because he worked hard, not because he was brilliant. And he chose a field for which he had a passion.
Stuff. Owning some stuff is good. I like heat, food and medical care. But owning lots of stuff is a burdern--obviously, I'm not the first to say that. But I do find this is true. Not only must we dedicate hours of our lives to acquiring stuff, but when we have it, we have to spend hours taking care of it!
Your work process sounds very much like that of a writer. There is no 'off' switch. And if someone chooses to earn a living as a writer---that is risky indeed.
This is why we need the occasional collage--or origami project. We stop and enjoy our moments, instead of having them eaten away by obligation.
I totally agree with you about the "stuff".
The funny thing is that people often think of themselves as lazy and undisciplined, even though they have already done far more than they should in fulfilling their duties. Such overcompensation is difficult to evaluate from one's own point of view. I think we know that this is done by having too little sense of self-esteem. Therefore the confirmation must come again and again from the outside world, like a drug which is constantly to be repeated, which flows through the blood circulation and wants to be renewed again until the weakening.
The one who takes the liberty of being less concerned about what others think of him often generates envy and disfavour. On the other hand, however, the effect weakens if there is no evil will or defiance behind it (hidden agenda).
The inner urge for expression and the constant search for possibilities of expression and the use of ( mental ) material: yes, that may be the behaviour of a writer. I haven't thought about it that way yet.
Thank you for the link. I started to read it with interest.