I feel like I'm actually the opposite of the OP's worry.  I'm the "normal" "fit" "socialized" (married, too) guy.  However, a lot of my headspace is devoted towards music, and I'm constantly worrying and stressing that I'm not doing ENOUGH.  I know I have a passion for it and I know that I enjoy it. This has been proved for over a decade for me - it's not a passing fad.  That being said, I feel a vague unsettled anxiety that pushes me to want to create, create, create.  To the point of thinking, "I need to spend 8 hours a day in the studio."  Given that I have a full time job, I'm gone from 6:30am to 6pm everyday...soooo the whole 8 hour thing is impossible.

I try to remind myself that there is more to life than being good at music. I recently read a book called "Peak" about experts, and it made me spiral into this same hole again.  "I need to be an expert." "I need to be great."  Cuz the thing is..I actually think I CAN be great.  But I don't feel like I have the hours I need to put into the craft what I'd need to to truly be great.  So I'm back at square one.

However, I have a wife ...and someday a family.  I've heard from several new fathers about the impact a kid has on your life and how they put things into perspective.  For instance, one friend said he used to be constantly concerned about his career and moving up the ladder. When he had his first child, all of that faded away and all he wanted to do was come home and play with his kid.

I suppose I'm rambling a bit here, but I understand the OP, and like others, am still searching for that right "balance".

I've had Alicia's Keys and have used Ableton's grand piano. Both are sufficient.

work ethic can 100% be trained/learned. it's just a habit, a different way of time management.  it takes determination and sacrifice that some may be unwilling to give, but if they want it, it's there.

i think the biggest key is perseverance and persistence. as mentioned above, what separates the great from the good is the persistent, consistent work throughout the years and moods and pressures, etc. etc. 

i do agree with your first point, lydian - there are lots of people with musical/technological talent, but not a lot who are willing to work hard (or long) enough to see that skill maximized (and in some cases, monetized).

It's all about perspective, mate.

Ryan Dungey, one of the world's best motocross riders, talks specifically about that in this video: https://youtu.be/pqF5nYqHzas?t=19m24s  (Part of a great series, btw)

He talks about having a life and a purpose outside of your passion. 

Although it's uncomfortable for most of us to admit, most of our lives' meaning comes from relationships with other people. Be it family or friends, we find community and satisfaction via interrelational means...sometimes us as "computer musicians" can lose sight of this, but it's important to keep your priorities straight.

You'll be alright bud.  Lots of us have gone through and are going through what you're going through. Part of the human condition. Stick with it!

you'll always be learning.

just start doing.

Nailed it. I have to force myself to do this as well.

good post Midge. thx

I will caution you, however.  Sometimes too many synths/effects/third party plugins can be detrimental to your workflow and ability to GSD (get stuff done).  If you're the type of person that won't get "distracted" by all of those different plugins and their applications, then by all means - NI makes quality software that has stood the test of time.  If, on the other hand, you find yourself frequently unable to finish tracks and get "lost" in gui's and plugins, think twice before spending your money. You may be better off purchasing one or two synths and learning them inside out.