Destined for greatness. But…increasingly frustrated by the wait. Perhaps you are not as special as you think you are.

Don’t get me wrong: In many ways you are extraordinary. You are exceptionally driven and have experienced a fair degree of success. But I don’t think what makes you extraordinary is enough to make you great. Your gifts have enabled you to achieve—or maintain the appearance of achievement—with relatively low effort. But as time goes on, this strategy is becoming less reliable.

You hate the rat race, and part of you thinks that toil is pretty much for ordinary people. You have more important things to do than (mundane, monotonous, never-ending) work. Different rules should apply. Special promises a shortcut.

Whatever extraordinary talent, desire, and vision you possess are not sufficient ingredients for success. Yes, it is somewhat invalidating to accept you are not so special, and it can be gutting to admit you are behind in some important areas and need help. Still, these are the changes you need to make, because Special isn’t getting any better at carrying you.

The first benefit of this reality check is pressure relief: Relax the belief that you are special, and your stressful, perfectionist expectations will ease. The second benefit is humility, which will help you appreciate and sustain your progress.