Excellent article.

I'm actually happy when people just "want to get by" for two reasons
1) I creates less competition for people like myself who want to excel
2) Like you mentioned it is an eye opener for those who want to push to the limit. They are often convert able.

The best way to help people identify their areas of strength is to ask them what they are good at. Most people know deep inside but until they are put to the question often keep  their feelings buried.

SW