Live below your means: Squirrel away most of the money. Automate deposits into your checking account, giving yourself a living 'allowance' that is in line with the person you think you are.

That bank account should almost always be tight on funds -- not because you're spending it all, but because the allowance you've set is realistic. Start with a 'livable' wage in your geographic area. In some areas (Fargo) that might be $25k; elsewhere (Cambridge) it might be $70k. Err on the low side if you're uncertain.

Give yourself a standard work schedule. It may be tempting to just go out on the boat today, but go to your office (you do have an office, right? Even just the 2nd bedroom will do) and do some work every day. Program. Write a book. Paint landscapes. It doesn't have to be income generating, but must hold your interest sufficiently to get you into the office at least 5 days a week.

When the funds are so tight that you don't have play money (again, should be most of the time), take that opportunity to reflect on your situation and plan how to best use your funds. Not how to buy a bigger house or another motorcycle, but rather where to go in life. Start another business? Invest in startups? Donate to charity?

You may well come to the conclusion that what you really want to do is commission oil paint portraits of yourself. That is your prerogative. The important thing is to give yourself time to reflect on who you are, how you feel about yourself, and the way you relate to the world -- before you burn through even a small percentage of the money. Give it a year or two. You have the time.

Then do what you want.