You’ve heard the adage of how to boil a frog. By increasing the water temperature over time, the frog loses its ability to accurately ascertain the true temperature and finds itself in real hot water. (Sorry, couldn’t resist).

Your career is no different. You’ve worked hard to get to where you are. But if you become settled, stable and satisfied, you’ll soon be lulled into average, which is hot water for you.

Partners and aspiring partners MUST demonstrate capability in four areas: client service, new business, grooming talent and technical competence. These are non-negotiable. To be a HIGH CONTRIBUTING partner, you have to be excellent in two and good in the other two.

So, how do you assess your capability? If you’re like so many new and aspiring partners, you are pretty good in one, average in two and lacking in the last one. If you think you’re ok, that’s a sign your water is getting hot.

Rather than using your current standard to evaluate yourself, raise the bar. For instance, if you’re the technical expert in your firm, you’re excellent. But how do you compare your expertise at the regional or national level?

If you’re good to generate $X in your firm, it’s only average in other firms. Your client service may be your highest capability, but you have any number of clients who would appreciate more of your time, advice and a sense that their business mattered more to you.

You may consider yourself to be a great mentor and coach to your younger professionals. If that’s the case, why are you struggling to have people to whom you can delegate? Of course, the answer is they lack talent, not a result of your lack of time, ability and consistency.

This week, find some way to make yourself better and avoid boiling yourself to average. Put it on a note and read it several times a day because it will take a while to recalibrate your sense of the temperature.