95th percentile isn't that hard to reach
On the flip side. Sometimes you&#x27;re just not that good at stuff despite your best efforts.<p>In college I really struggled with math. Which was a challenge because computer science has you take a lot of math classes. In my calculus class I studied so hard for the final. Did every problem in the book. And I still just got a B in the class.<p>At the same time my programming classes were really easy. I didn&#x27;t study at all and the homework was trivial.<p>Based on my interviewing history I&#x27;m not in the 95th percentile of programmers - I&#x27;m routinely outright rejected and don&#x27;t even land the on-site interview. And this is basically my best skill for which I&#x27;ve invested an enormous amount of time and energy.<p>The movie Amadeus really nails this idea. Salieri has one goal in life: to create beautiful music. And he achieved some success, but then he meets Mozart - &quot;
a boastful, lustful, smutty infantile boy...&quot; - yet he creates the most amazing music he&#x27;s ever heard.<p>&gt; All I wanted was to sing to God. He gave me that longing... and then made me mute. Why? Tell me that. If He didn&#x27;t want me to praise him with music, why implant the desire? Like a lust in my body! And then deny me the talent?<p>I&#x27;ve experienced that frustration many times in my life.<p>Salieri is a tragic figure though - his response is one of contempt and hostility to the injustice of his life. But he&#x27;s missed the point. All success and talent in life is a gift.<p>Maybe your frustrations in life are an opportunity to teach you humility and to be gracious to others.