You'll need to try and push the envelope a bit, go busk and people will give you immediate feedback if something sucks. This will not be a gradual process, days of nothing clicking will be followed by a day when everything clicks into place, keep at it. Playing an instrument should feel like talking to a friend, any awkwardness is something you need to work on, that is the easiest way to get feedback on what needs to be added to you practice regime.
For me the same mental framework works for programming, or any other skill. As it turns out, trying to learn a musical instrument teaches you a lot about learning in general. For that alone it is a worthwhile endeavour :)
In general, performing adds a dimension to your playing, even if it's not the hardest music that you've played. If you don't have time for a band, I know it sounds kind of corny, but retirement homes love to have musicians. Some have money, others don't. The joy that it brings to people who are lonely and of limited mobility is incalculable.
Also, +1 to the other comments in this chain.
Hmmm love the idea of playing in retirement homes. Definitely did not think about that! By the way what instrument do you pay?
I have no lessons to give, but my only advice is that plateaus are normal, and the only way to win is to keep going. To borrow Feynman’s words, keep your pen on the paper.
It also helps to diversify. If you have been playing the guitar for a while and are plateauing, switch from electric to acoustic (or vice versa), or even bass. When you go back to guitar, you’ll have a deeper understanding.
IME this applies to any creative discipline.