I believe that it’s all about consistency. If you work hard and get to a point where you're happy with how you look and feel, you can be more flexible with your diet and enjoy a balanced life. If you’re trying to drastically change your life, you have to remain disciplined with your training and eat clean. With this comes a healthier happier life.
With training I believe that you should lift/train with your mind and not your ego. Everyone is different and everyone should train according to what works best for them. Consistency is key and the little things matter. Not only will it help you physically, but it also keeps you mentally strong, too.