Well, since you at least know that getting complacent and heading back to bartending is a possibility, maybe you just use that as your motivation. You REFUSE to let yourself go back to that life because you want something more.
There's no tried and true advice, you just have to have discipline. It's always easy to go back to something you've done for so long, but that doesn't mean it will make you happy.
Right now, you know that bartending isn't making you happy, so keep in mind that going back will make you content, but not happy.
That's the best advice I have: don't go for okay, go for happy.
I love PJ's quote "go for happy".
As a designer myself, I'd advise you to join a local industry group in your area, or go to local web design events/trade shows/studios so you can see others who have a passion for the craft and can share some stories or ideas to motivate you. If you don't know of any, I'd start Googling. Or check out sites on Facebook. Online social media is a great gathering place for those in the electronic media industry.
Good luck.