First Doesn't Mean Best
Photo by FatCamera
People always think that if something is the first of its kind, it must be the best. But, this way of thinking is flawed. Just because something is first doesn't mean it's the best. Being first can often mean that something is worse than its competitors.
Just because something is first doesn't make it better than everything else. There are other factors to consider when determining whether something is best.
With the rise of social media and the increased pressure to succeed, many feel the need to be accepted in today's society.
People constantly try to be the best at everything they do. They want to be the first in line, the first to get the new iPhone, and the first to graduate from college. But is being first always the best?
First Doesn't Mean You're The Best
We strive for perfection and getting caught up in the idea that being first means you're the best is easy. But history is full of examples of people who were first but far from the best.
Why striving for perfection may not be so perfect
Take the Wright brothers, for example. They were the first to invent and fly the powered airplane, but their design was quickly surpassed by others who came after them. The same can be said for early automobiles and even computers.
So being first doesn't necessarily mean you're the best. Sometimes, it can mean just the opposite. Being first means you're the pioneer, the trailblazer, the one who has to figure out all the kinks. And that's not always an easy task.
Why does being first not mean you are the best?
Most people believe that being the first at something guarantees success. But history is full of examples of people who were not first but still managed to achieve great things.
So what does it take to be successful? Hard work, determination, and a bit of luck. Being first may help, but it is not the only factor determining success.
Many examples of people who were not first but still achieved greatness.
Abraham Lincoln was not the first president of the United States, but he is considered one of the greatest presidents in history.
Rosa Parks was not the first to protest against segregation, but her actions helped spark the Civil Rights Movement.
These examples show that being first is not always necessary to achieve succeInstead, what matters most is what you do with your opportunities.
The Pressure of Being First
Everyone is constantly trying to one-up each other; it's no surprise that the pressure to be first is immense.
Michelle Obama On the Pressure of Being 'The First' | Time
Whether getting the lead in the school play or being the valedictorian of your graduating class, society tells us that we must be first in everything we do.
So how do you deal with the pressure of being first?
1. Remember that there is no shame in second place. Just because you're not number one doesn't mean you're a failure.
2. Focus on your own goals, not what others are doing.
For some people, this pressure motivates them to achieve great things. But for others, it can be paralyzing. The fear of not being good enough can hold us back from trying.
Straight A's Not Mean Success In Life
Just because a person gets good grades does not mean they will succeed. Many other factors play into success, such as hard work, dedication, and determination.
Straight A's Don't Necessarily Lead to a Successful Life
While good grades can help a person get into a good college or land a good job, it is not the only thing that matters.
Many people have made something of themselves without getting straight A's. So, don't let your grades define you or your future.
Elon Musk Was Not The First
In the early days of SpaceX, when the company was starting, Elon Musk was not the first person people thought of when it came to space travel.
That title belonged to Richard Branson and his Virgin Galactic company. But over time, as SpaceX has continued to progress and achieve successes where others have failed, Musk has become the face of space travel for many people.
SpaceX vs Virgin Galactic: A Full Comparison
This is not to say that Musk is the only person working on making space travel a reality. Many other companies and individuals are working on this goal. But Musk's vision and drive have inspired many people to believe that space travel is possible and within our reach.
So while Elon Musk may not have been the first person people thought of when it comes to space travel, he has become an essential figure in making this dream a reality.
Steve Jobs Was Not The First
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is widely credited with ushering in the era of the modern touchscreen smartphone with the iPhone.
But he wasn't the first. Microsoft had a working prototype of a touchscreen phone more than a decade before the first iPhone was released.
The prototype, developed by Microsoft's research arm in 2001, used a touch-sensitive display and advanced voice recognition software to allow users to make calls and send text messages without ever having to press a button.
Microsoft Tablet PC - Wikipedia
While the prototype never made it to market, it did pave the way for other touchscreen devices like the BlackBerry and, eventually, the iPhone. So while Jobs may have popularized the touchscreen phone, he wasn't the first.
Better Be Real, Yourself, And Unique
In a world where everyone is trying to be someone else, it's important to remember to be yourself.
It's easy to get caught up in the comparison game and try to change yourself to fit into what you think is the "ideal" mold.
Be Real, Yourself, Unique, True, Honest, Humble And Happy - LifeHack
But the truth is, there is no ideal mold. We are all unique and special in our way.
So instead of wasting your time and energy trying to be someone you're not, focus on being the best version of yourself—honest real, authentic, and unique.
The world needs more people who are comfortable in their skin and confident in their abilities. So don't be afraid to show the world who lly am.
Final Thought
It's easy to get caught up in the race to be first. But is being first really all it's cracked up to be? It's a tough life being first. So why not take the pressure off and aim for last place instead?
There are many benefits to being first but also many benefits to being last. Being last allows you to learn from others, improve upon what has already been done, and take your time and do things right.
So next time you're stressed about being first, remember that it's not all it's cracked up to be.
