The most satisfying compliment I have so far received in my flying career is that I am "a good teacher". Couldn't give a rats arse if I am the best pilot around (I never will be).. the above compliment meant far more in terms of contentment as a professional instructor. You sink into the background more as an instructor, and push your students forward into the limelight and it's this way that you discover a quiet contentment which only a teacher can fully appreciate.
Instructing is all about other people so sideline the skillful pilot aspiration from the equation a little... it ceases to be about you when you become a flying instructor. If you are someone who experiences vanity as a pilot then forget instructing, that's the best advice I can give you and your potential students. Should you choose to give it a go then I wish you every success - the spiritual rewards are many - the financial rewards not so but it's all about balance in life and why am I starting to sound like Yoda?
VFE.