One might say that the ability to evaluate one’s own ability—and to look at themselves honestly and objectively— is the most important skill of all. Without it, improvement is impossible. It is certainly more pleasurable to focus on our talents and strengths, but where does that get us? Arrogance and self-absorption inhibit growth.
What I have found with the successful people I have worked with is that they are focused much more on the work then on themselves, at least early on. It’s only when success comes and you have people whispering in your ear how great you are, that that awareness begins to fade. When it does, these people begin to risk all they things they worked so hard to build.