Delusions of grandeur, ego and pride, cause you not to take an honest assessment of where you really are.  You may not be as intelligent, effective, powerful, brilliant as you think.  When a humbling reality drops you to your knees, often you will rationalise, justify and reject criticism.  Self preservation demands it. 

Yet in your quiet reflection, choose to be humble, meek and teachable.

More than anything be grateful for the challenges that you face.  Be grateful that others that you have brushed up against have been unkind, insensitive and hurtful.  

Be grateful for the heartache, pain, loss and loneliness.  Be grateful for the bad times, and not just the good.  This is the source where your true greatness emerges.