Here are a couple characteristics of the elite in a field (certainly exceptions exist). 1) they know that they are decent to the point that they no longer need

Here are a couple characteristics of the elite in a field (certainly exceptions exist). 1) they know that they are decent to the point that they no longer need peer approval and 2) they have a better understanding of how vast the ‘knowing what you don’t know’ really is. This can create interesting situations in which the best in a field will be the first to tell that they don’t know. I think you are getting to a good place since you realize that there is quite a bit left to learn. Perhaps instead of thinking: ‘Am I good enough’ think of it as ‘How can I improve’. The idea is to shift the focus toward being your best, which is largely under your control while how hard other people work is not. Those that are internally driven tend to do better since they are trying to maximize their situation. By helping your friends in order to improve your skill set it seems you are doing just that.