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There are certain times when we are appropriately entitled. If I pay for a product, I am entitled to receive that product. If I meet certain appropriate criteria, I am entitled to the established return. If I uphold my side of a contract, I am entitled to the stated benefits that come from it.

Entitlements are conditional. And in order for someone to be rightfully entitled, the conditions need to be established and agreed upon (almost always in advance). The problem with having a false sense of entitlement comes when individuals assume certain rewards based on their own arbitrary criteria.

For instance, a recent college graduate – after barely limping his way through college – may feel entitled to a certain salary based on his degree even though he’s done nothing to show his worth. Or a company veteran may feel entitled to taking longer lunch breaks based on his seniority even though there was no established rule of that being the case.

This sense of entitlement is damaging to success. If we assume we are entitled to certain rewards or benefits, we will feel frustrated, bitter, or even apathetic toward future work when they don’t come.

This isn’t to say people and employees aren’t occasionally treated unfairly. Sometimes a lesser-deserving individual does get the promotion and sometimes hard work doesn’t result in the expected reward. Some companies don’t compensate their employees appropriately or don’t have a positive workplace culture that rewards the hardest work or the greatest talent.

The fact of the matter is that life is not fair and sometimes you will get the short end of the stick. Sometimes your hard work won’t be rewarded or even acknowledged. But in moments like that, it’s important to rise above any false sense of entitlement you may have (and, if appropriate, approach a supervisor or manager to discuss any concerns you may have) and don’t let it inhibit your success.