My story is one of little interest. Just so happened to combine insecurity, attitude problem and nerves with the ability to wang the ball down quicker than anyone else.
I still have the press clippings and trophy of being presented as 'Most Outstanding Talent in the County'. I played County U19s and Senior Schools Rep. Was at a county for a short time (never close to a first team game).
Pro'ed in a number of different leagues. Played Rep cricket around the World, played for South African National Club Champions etc
The kicker being there was a group of English guys training in SA and I was introduced as "This is Kev, he is English as well. You will not have heard of him but if he had looked after himself he could have been great"
Barely a week goes by without someone asking why I never made it. Im the only one who knows that it never was going to happen as I didnt have the mentality for it.
When I first played County rep cricket at 17 one of the coaches asked me "Where the hell have you been hiding? We could have used you for years"
my reply was simple and to the point
"Ive not been hiding, just you ****ers have been looking in the wrong place"
Talent is one thing but when you fear failure, are high maintainance and let tiny things bother you then long term success is never likely. Interestingly, I always assumed I was normal ie there were planty of people doing what I did and that I wasnt anything special. Only looking back do I realise that I had a bit extra. Just wish people had told me then rather than waiting until Im too fat, old and injured to do anything about it.
EDIT- My fear of failure manifested in never training. I never worked out a day in my life. Id practice a lot but no fitness or gym work for me. Why? Well it always made me feel that if I failed I had a semi decent reason ie lack of fitness and injuries rather than someone having the upper hand on me. Still amazed how far I went carrying that mentality.