95th percentile isn't that hard to reach
On the flip side. Sometimes you'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't study at all and the homework was trivial.<p>Based on my interviewing history I'm not in the 95th percentile of programmers - I'm routinely outright rejected and don't even land the on-site interview. And this is basically my best skill for which I'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 - "
a boastful, lustful, smutty infantile boy..." - yet he creates the most amazing music he's ever heard.<p>> 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'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'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'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.