Forgive me if I sound cynical in this one.
As Kids
We grew up competing on a level playing field. Whether it be sports or in school. The rules were set and agreed upon, anyone that didn’t follow the rules would be penalized or taken out of the game/expelled.
With grades it involved solving a problem or completing an assignment. With sports we competed to assess the proficiency of a specific skill set for those involved. Who was the
- fastest
- strongest
- smartest
- most gifted
It can be summed up by saying who is the best.
The problem comes that so many things in a school setting are sterile. It was in a controlled setting. Just as how our reward system and our grading /comparison system doesn’t translate well into the real world, so too is the way we determine who comes out on top.
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As Adults
In the real world, just as in school. We have rules, this is true. If you don’t obey the law, you go to jail. However, its’ more then a matter of toeing the line with a rival and seeing who runs the fastest. Some people:
- Were born with influential parents
- Some are incredibly cunning and find a way to trip up rivals
- Some still “know a guy” that can pull some strings so that they get a better angle
- Even still, some are willing to outright cheat if they think they can get away with it
We have laws/statutes in place to counter this problem. But think of these problems that need to be patched up as leaks that need duct tape.
Every issue that arises adds another layer of intricacy, another leak to plug. And each given layer opens up another dimension for someone to find and capitalize on a loophole.
Therefore, schoolyard rules no longer apply. There’s always someone looking for an unfair angle:
- Can they phone up the right person?
- Is there a loophole they can squeeze success/resources out of?
- Can they blatantly cheat and get away with it?
As such, those that are the best don’t always wind up on top. Often times it comes down to who’s the most strategic, the most cunning and the most ruthless in getting what they want.
Kingston S. Lim
May 20, 2020
Mexico City, Mexico
About Kingston’s Journey Series: Kingston’s Journey is a lifelong series. This is the travel journal I take with me. Whether you have questions such as how to change my life or how to travel the world, I think you’ll find value in the life lessons I’ve experienced and documented in this travel notebook. They may serve as travel inspiration for you. In Chinese, there is a saying, “讀萬卷書不如行千里路.”
This means, instead of reading ten thousand books, why don’t you walk a thousand miles. This is my inspiration to travel every nation (or as many as possible) in my pursuit of my non traditional MBA/global degree by learning as much as possible and recording these life lessons learned only by travel. In the end, I think the achievement of dreams, personal growth & aspirations out there through travel and adventure will lead to a more fulfilling life. Living and experiencing the “now” is how I’ll make my life a great memory in the future.
Kingston S. Lim 
Fantastic post highlighting very, very relevant issues 😀
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Appreciate the love 👍
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No problem 😀
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True.✔
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That’s life. Thanks for this post.
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Pleasure
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Sad to says, your words hit the nail on the head. Only a few will be the best according to the world standards. So there has to be something more then success that marks a person as best. I know some “best”, people I would work with anytime, anywhere. For me, the best has to do with character and old fashion kindness, putting ones all in to what ever you are doing when no one is watching. There is a poem I like that brings me back to the best.
I Wonder
Lord, I would stand before thousand and speak for you
But I wonder
Would I wash the feet of a little old lady
In a room, where nobody saw or knew
Day after day,
I wonder Lord, would I
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I never thought of that Betty, often times we say someone is the best when they’re the greatest at what they do, but when someone helps you with something, it’s quite normal to express gratitude by saying “you’re the best” as well.
So the word “best” has more then one definition
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Very good! I believe the school environment indirectly influences children to compete. Your points are spot on. When I worked in corporate, the sayings always was, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know to success!”👍👣
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True true, so many times it’s about the connections you have rather then how smart you are.
That’s why “networking” is so emphasized in the professional world
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👍👣
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I agree! Thanks for this post. Very insightful.
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Thanks for reading 🤗
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these are realities in life. something we will have to live with. not the most ideal, but that’s how the ball bounces. street smarts, some call it.
great points. keep writing.
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Thank you, I will 💪
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I see that everyday in my workplace. Unfortunately the ones at the bottom pay the price. An articulate and truthful post.
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It is sadly, thank you for sharing your thoughts
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I hope you don’t mind my reblogging your post. But you’re right. Everything is a sterilized bubble. Not necessarily the best but the most promoted.
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You’re more then welcome to share with whoever you think will find this useful. Glad you enjoyed the read
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