It’s a frustrating experience: you see people your age—or even younger—rising faster than you. They might cut corners, bend rules, or engage in behavior you know is wrong. And sometimes, it feels like they’re getting rewarded while you’re patiently working the honest way.
Here’s the hard truth: you will be surpassed by people who take unethical shortcuts, especially early in life. And that’s okay.
In the short term, the world can seem unfair. Ambition without ethics can move fast. But remember this: speed without foundation is unstable. People who rely on unethical tactics often face risks that aren’t visible at first—legal trouble, broken relationships, reputation damage, or hitting a ceiling in skill and trust.
Meanwhile, your consistent, honest effort is compounding silently. Every skill you build, every connection you nurture, and every strategic decision you make is stacking up. You’re not just moving forward—you’re building something that lasts.
The key is to focus on doing the right amount of work in the right fields:
Choose industries or skills that reward mastery.
Invest in relationships and trust—they’re hard to replicate.
Stay consistent; avoid the temptation to rush with shortcuts.Time has a way of balancing the scales. By the time the people who took unethical shortcuts plateau, you will have developed a skill set, network, and reputation that can surpass them—without the fragility of their shortcuts.So, if you feel discouraged seeing others surge ahead, don’t panic. Keep working, keep learning, and keep building. Your path may be slower, but it’s sustainable, ethical, and ultimately more rewarding.In the long run, people who work with integrity win not just in wealth or status, but in freedom, peace of mind, and lasting influence.
