Trevin Wax draws out four points from The Intellectual Life, by A.G. Sertillanges, which may resonate with you.

1. Recognize the Intellectual Life as a Calling.
2. Submit Your Intellectual Pursuits to Truth.
3. Understand the Intellectual Life Requires Considerable Discipline.
4. Remember the Goal of the Intellectual Life is Virtuous Character.

Read his thoughts on these points here.