Being The Best Will Not Make You Win

By: V. Toledo

An unpopular opinion, or at least an undervalued idea, is that success is not about being the best, but rather about being seen as the best by those in power. The world, as we know, is far from fair. For many, in an ideal world, personal merit would consistently be acknowledged and rewarded. However, the reality often tells a different story.  


Decisions such as job hiring and university admissions are influenced by implicit biases. Meaning, if success was purely merit-based, the smartest, hardest-working people would always rise to the top, However, when you analyze those who hold the highest positions, it becomes clear that human psychology plays a much larger role.  


This doesn’t mean that your personal values, work ethic, or dedication are wrong, nor does it mean that you should stop working hard. Instead, it means that if you want to be highly rewarded, you must begin to analyze what those in charge prioritize. 


Life is not fair. Although acknowledging this reality is often seen as a pursuit of power, manipulation, or deception, it is simply about understanding the “mark scheme” of success, just like students do to achieve high grades. Most leaders consider power to be their most valuable asset, whether for the good of all or for their personal benefit. However, success is not just about how much power a person has, but about knowing how to play the game skillfully. 


Throughout history, success has often belonged to those who understood perception, not just those who were the most skilled. For example, Steve Jobs was not the most talented and skilled engineer at Apple, nor did he invent the technology himself. He excelled at branding, persuasion, and understanding exactly what investors and consumers wanted. This set Steve Jobs apart from his colleagues and ultimately led him to become one of the richest men in the world. 


Success is not just about talent or effort: it is about how that talent is valued by those in power when it aligns with their priorities. While this may seem unfair, it is shown that recognition often has a greater impact than just skill, leaving many highly capable people overlooked. However, understanding this reality does not mean going against your personal values - it means ensuring your efforts are seen by the right people. Ultimately, success is not just about playing the game, it’s about knowing the rules and using them to your favor.