When you stop trying to get better you cease to be good

Some might be surprised at this because of my high level of playing but doing this is a crucial part of maintaining those standards.
All the recordings present clarinet playing that compares well with any orchestra, I never miss solos and I get many audience compliments on the beauty of my playing.

If I stop working so hard my level would drop, pushing yourself is necessary to maintain standards let alone getting better.

It's the same as training your body, you require constant stress to maintain change and improve over time.
Imagine a boxer that stopped training how long would they stay good?,  I constantly do new exercises, learn new repertoire etc to stay alert.

Taping yourself practicing can be helpful as well. Play, listen and change what you do not like.

Like being fit physically, being musically fit means you might be able to take a day off here and there and not lose your gains.