Although many pursue success in this manner, tunnel vision is seldom the path to high performance.
On my recent trip to Mumbai, I read an interview with Sjoerd Marijne, the chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team. (In India, this sport is a huge deal.)
He said, “I've emphasized the need (for players) to have interests beyond hockey, especially since we work with a tunnel vision where our focus is always on hockey. I've tried to bring them out of their comfort zone and make them realize that in that zone they cannot grow as players or individuals.”
Yes, pour your heart and soul into work. Yes, set big goals and use tenacity to reach them. But the sheer importance of your primary focus can make it nearly impossible for you to engage in the sort of play and experimentation and risk-taking required for personal growth.
In other words, only by stepping away from work can you have the freedom and opportunity to learn new skills and blossom as a human being.