Maybe mental health isn't talked about enough, but no matter how passionate you are about something, being a workaholic isn't healthy. It doesn't make you more productive or efficient, and you don't give 100% attention to other aspects of your life that, outside of work hours, also require and deserve your full attention, like family, friends, hobbies, etc.
Discussion
I'm not sure about that. There will ALWAYS be times in your life you are out of balance. For example, when you first have a baby - you are WAY out of balance - a 'mom-aholic' so to speak. And dads have to rise up too and be very unbalanced.
There are times at work that require attention, sometimes for months or even years.
To be successful at anything you need to be out of balance for quite some time to master the skills.
So the 'secret sauce' is being sure you recognize it and overcome whatever it is you are struggling with, read LOTS of books, and make sure you come back to reality before you self destruct.
I think being out of balance a good portion of your life creates success in what you do. But you can't stay there forever or you self destruct. Everyone I know that is successful (raised very high quality kids and became financially independent) was out of balance. Often from the passionate pursuit of something you desire - a big dream - often driving you out of balance.
Hople this makes sense.