I believe every choice has a resulting consequence. Hard work builds confidence and a solid reputation. Equally poor choices ruin them.

Having skills and abilities however can be transient. You might be on top of your game for a while, then suddenly someone will replace you. This won’t matter if by using your skills and abilities you have also made good choices and built a solid foundation. You will find a way to reinvent yourself and who you truly are will shine through from a different perspective.