Being first in something is meaningless

First Comic

We are often told that the number one position is something to be proud of. Ultimately it is meaningless.

The argument goes that if you struggle and sacrifice and become number one, you will become famous, rich, or something else. That is true. You often get some short-term reward for that. However, for every benefit, there is a cost or hidden issue. For example, there is scientific research that shows you will lose 2-4 years of life if you are a silver medal winner.

Now to paraphrase a famous saying “What does a person gain if they win the battle, but lose the war?” I would not want to be any Olympic winner. I don’t want to be famous, I just want to exist.

First Comic
first comic

Is the short-term fame, fortune, or anything else worth the loss of life? I don’t think so. I wouldn’t trade anything for a day that would take me away from the people that I love. Why do we do it? Why do we kill ourselves for something that will never belong to us? At best, we are only renting everything, and at worst, we are just buying it for others to enjoy.

If you are the #1 person in your company that’s great you accomplished that. However, what did it cost you? Did it cost something that you shouldn’t have given up because it makes you less happy? Why give up your health, and sleep for something that will just shorten your life? How does that make sense?

I’m not saying you can’t be the best at something. Sure be the best. Realize though you are making tradeoffs, and you can’t take it back if you are not happy with what you have gained. Everything in life is a tradeoff. Research the consequences before you do something. I bet they will surprise you.

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