Journey into Truth: Reflections on Faith, Leadership, and Personal Growth

You can be at your best and not the Best, and you can be the Best and not be at your Best.

Being at your best but not the best often depends on the environment, competition, and circumstances surrounding you—whether in academics, business, work, or even personal development.

I recall my junior secondary days, where we had JSS1A–JSS1F, and each class had its share of brilliant students excelling in their respective groups. In JSS1A, there was a student—let’s call him Mr. A—who was always leading his class. Consistently topping his peers, he seemed unbeatable within his group. Meanwhile, in other classes, different students were emerging as the best each term.

Then came the day the school decided to award the best student of the entire JSS1. Naturally, everyone assumed Mr. A would claim the title, given his track record in JSS1A. But when the winner was announced, to everyone’s surprise, a student from another class took the honor. That moment revealed an important truth: Mr. A was best in his immediate environment, but when the competition widened, he was no longer the best overall.

This mirrors the reality we often overlook. Excelling in a small space can give the illusion of greatness, but true excellence is determined when measured on a broader scale. As the saying goes, "A one-eyed man is considered king among the blind." It’s comfortable being at your best where you are, but the real question remains: Are you truly the best beyond that space?

This is why self-assessment is important. Take time to evaluate your standing in every area—your career, studies, business, or personal growth. Are you only excelling because of a limited playing field, or have you truly mastered your craft in a way that holds up even in a larger competition? However, if you’re content with where you are, there’s no pressure to chase comparisons. But always remember: there is room for improvement.

Being the Best but not at Your Best

Now let’s consider the case of Mr. B, the student who was awarded the best in JSS1 overall. Suppose he was later transferred to JSS1A, where Mr. A had once dominated. Feeling confident in his superiority, Mr. B could decide to relax, no longer striving to push his limits. Even so, he might still emerge as the best within that class simply because his natural ability outshines his peers. However, if a detailed assessment were conducted, comparing his current performance with his previous efforts, it would become clear: he is no longer at his best.

This is the reality many people face—being acknowledged as the best, yet deep down knowing they have stopped pushing themselves. Awards, promotions, and titles do not necessarily mean someone is performing at their peak. There’s a difference between maintaining an existing reputation and continuously striving for excellence.

A person may hold the top position in an office, a school, or a business, but without personal discipline and effort, their performance gradually declines. That’s why true greatness is not just about securing the top spot; it’s about constantly pushing forward, refining skills, and evolving beyond past achievements.

The Role of Association

Whether you want to be at your best, the best, or both, one factor plays a crucial role: association.

There are certain people you associate with, and your performance improves drastically—they challenge you, inspire growth, and push you beyond your limits. On the other hand, some associations can pull you down, making you comfortable with mediocrity. If you constantly surround yourself with individuals who do not challenge you, who do not inspire greater ambition, then even if you are the best in your environment, you may never truly be at your best.

Growth requires careful attention to your circle. Take a moment to analyze:

• Are the people around you helping you advance, or are they holding you back?

• Do they encourage discipline, improvement, and continuous learning?

• Or do they make you complacent, content with where you are?

To become the best version of yourself, choosing the right influences is key. Greatness thrives in the company of great minds.

At the end of the day, whether you are striving to be at your best, the best, or both, remember this: self-awareness, discipline, and the right environment make all the difference. Keep assessing, keep improving, and keep growing. There is always room for excellence.