Why Being the Best Is Not Always Enough— And What to Do Instead

“You worked harder than anyone. You delivered results. You were the best at what you do.

And yet… someone else got the recognition. Someone else got the reward. Someone else got the prize.

Feels unfair, right?

But here’s the truth:

Being the best is not enough.

This is a harsh truth that many high achievers struggle to accept.

You can be the most talented, the hardest working, and even the most dominant performer in your field—and still, you might not get the recognition you deserve.

And nowhere is this more evident than in the debate around the 2024 Ballon d’Or in the world of Football.

Two names stand out: Vinícius Júnior (Vini Jr.) and Rodri.

Both were extraordinary. Both were arguably the best in their roles. But only one player walked away with football’s most prestigious individual award.

This lesson goes beyond football. It’s something Cal Newport talks about in his book Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You—where he challenges the idea that talent and passion alone lead to success. Instead, he argues that what truly matters is building rare and valuable skills that make you indispensable.

And that’s exactly why Rodri beat Vini Jr to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.