The challenge for the Christian is to distinguish between a good idea/work and a God idea, so many good ideas are not God's plan for us.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Most know the first part but never gat to the second.

The works are that which God has prepared for each of us as individuals, work within our capabilities/giftings. In the parable of the talents they were give according to ability Matthew 25:15 - the talent wasn't the ability is was the work God has prepared for each individual - arrives as opportunities, may or may not involve money. Some are 5 talent people, some 2, some 1 - but God only asks us to do the works He prepared for us.

When we succeed He delights in us, and we still get the reward!