I will cut the bs and give you an unconventional answer.

Your problem with worrying about prestige, competing with others, and "getting ahead" is within all of us, and it is embedded in our nature.

The cause of this, is that your feelings are dependent on external influences. This can strip you of all control over your life and quite literally makes you a puppet, constantly chasing validation from others, yet you will never feel fulfilled.

The solution? Discover yourself, and be confident in who you are. This is not cliche, feel good, echo chamber, circle jerking advice. If you can afford to (by afford I mean, you won't be homeless by the end of it), definitely take some time off. Cut out all the noise in the world and truly focus on yourself. Don't see it as a waste, but rather, you are investing in your own life, for your own benefit, regardless of what the guy next to you says or thinks.

People fear judgement more than it is warranted. Do you care if a mosquito sees you naked? Why do other people, who have no real part in your life, have such power over you?

Ultimately, the key to success is:

*Control your emotions

*Have good intentions, a goal, and the willpower to see it through

*Have confidence in yourself and your ability, and the rest will follow.

This is my first reddit post, EVER! whoopee