I'm similar in my approach to work to you, and the only advise i can offer is don't be afraid to ask for help. There is no point in single mindedly pushing yourself down a path for hours, when someone near to you will both be able to give you the answer AND explain where it comes from. I'm awful for it, but one of the hallmarks of common sense is knowing when to give up, as well as when to keep on. Dedication comes partially with understanding; you won't feel your dedicating yourself to a task as best you can if your spending a lot of time researching (you actually are, but that's irrelevant). Once you find your feet, you'll feel like your contributing more to the task, and that will help you feel that your working to your best, and dedicating yourself to the tasks