I am more of the smell the roses type, but I have a good degree of competitiveness in me . I just try to channel it between me and myself. I go through periods of ebb and flow, too, but I've been able to moderate this by varying the type of activity I do. Cycling is definitely still my #1, though.
I've had a little trouble adjusting to my new schedule, with my new job. Although I actually have time to ride during the day a couple of days a week now, I find that unless I go out early in the AM, I more than likely will not ride.
I learned my lesson when I was teaching classes at the gym. Not only did I get injured, but my "schedule" of training and teaching, along with a full time job and 2 young kids just about sent me over the edge. Once I quit that and became just a "consumer," I lost all motivation and put in less and less effort, gained a lot of weight, and got disgusted with myself. If I had been able to moderate myself before this, I don't think I would have lost my mojo.
I set reasonable, but fun goals. This year, I am going to do a century again... after 6 years, it's time.