I think the main question is whether or not you want to reach your goal and see programming as a means to an end or as the end itself. Usually, even when working on my own projects I have a goal, and the software is just a means to an end. So I tend to work on my own as though I am a team of one rather than that I am working 'just for myself'. This means I set up a whole pile of superstructure that isn't strictly a requirement, force myself to try to abstract as cleanly as I can think of and even refactor my code (when there is no project lead telling me to do so), write tests and abstain from trying to be too clever because it gives me better and faster results.

I'd imagine a chef or a competent musician would still use their hard won skill when cooking for themselves or making music for their own enjoyment.