That’s right… sorry to be the one to tell you, but you’re not special. There are many other people who can do what you do. There are people who can do some of the things that you do even better than you. Accept this fact and you’re on the way to getting better at everything you apply yourself to.
Ego is the number one detriment to your growth and progress. Don’t get me wrong, confidence is a good thing, and ego can be a natural and normal extension of that confidence, but as soon as you think you’re the best at something that you do, you cease striving, you stop learning, and you limit your own potential.
I’ve seen this phenomenon in every work environment I’ve ever been in, and I’ve also seen this in interpersonal relationships. When you think you’re great at anything… you become complacent.
Knowing I’m not special has made me more competitive, more cooperative in my business and personal dealings, and it’s made me apply myself to the things I’m most passionate about.
If I ever felt that I had done my best work at any occupation, then it would be time to hang it up. I wake up each day and remind myself that I’m not special, so I work harder, I forge alliances and relationships that will help me get better at what I do, and I strive to push my successes to greater heights than they’ve been before. Seeing progress is where I find satisfaction, not in any singular accomplishment.
Accept that you’re not special, and you’ll be ready to really start kicking some butt.