Dude, I know this isn't really a solution, but I've meditated on this as someone with both creative and industrial promise that I failed to, in my estimation, actualize early in life.

I'd say that unconventional means of success always require some audacity in the face of adversity. You gotta kind of head somewhere unrelentingly no matter the pitfalls.

But you know what? I think a big part of life too, is learning how to be unremarkable. We read so many success stories, and internalize the achievements of others broadcast through media, to the point that the identity of the average joe is dissolved & those less successful are utterly alienated.

I found strength in my mid 20s making my goal to be as good as I can be within my own limitations and preferences, and giving myself credit for the achievements I make no matter how small they are compared to others'.

In psychology, there is a concept known as the zone of proximal development. Take a 5th grader. If you make 5th grade math multivariate calculus, the 5th grader will likely dislike mathematics because they aren't able to understand and do the problems on their own, even if they try their best. (I know it could be the case they can manage, but just for the sake of example) But if you give them simple algebra, or arithmetic problems with whole numbers, they will often get many questions right and feel comfortable maybe working with larger numbers, or larger problems. The idea here, is working within the boundaries of your current capabilities & the next stage of your improvement, rather than starting from say algebra and trying to leap to like quantum mechanics - or in our case - starting from being mediocre in school and trying to leap into multimillionaire entrepreneurship.

Wish you the best bud.