OK, let me go and say something I've been telling people for awhile.
Your competency at a profession is not based on any one skill. It is based on if you have the skills that SUPPORT that skill so you can use it, and thus have a job and a career.
- If you're the world's greatest artist and have no social skills, you're probably not going to get hired, or even let people be aware of your talent.
- If you're the world's greatest writer and you're disorganized and ever complete anything, that legion of half-finished novels will never see an audience.
- If you are a brilliant programmer and don't know the industry you're in, then you will not be able to deal with clients, make plans, and get the job done.
For that matter if you're a brilliant ANYTHING and can't do a job search, network, and market yourself you're probably in trouble anyway.
As I coach and speak to people about careers, I constantly hear how they're not as good at others at some vital, important skill. They aren't the best programmer, artist, writer, marker, etc. Because someone is – or might be – better than they they figure they're a failure and will never get a job.
Well people may be better than you. Or they may not be. Either way your success at jobs and careers it not based on being the best – it's based on having enough skill to do the job and the skills and knowledge to support that skill.
So stop giving up because someone might be a better programmer. Or a better writer. Or a better speaker.
Instead focus on improving whatever skill you're currently depressed about AND improving the other skills that help you use it, help you get the job, help you progress.
By the odds you'll never be THE best at something. With hard work you can be one of the best choices for employers and clients.
So get to work.
– Steven Savage