Optimize for gains not status. If you can realistically be 2% better but that requires 2x the work then you are a pretty terrible optimizer. There are other a

Optimize for gains not status. If you can realistically be 2% better but that requires 2x the work then you are a pretty terrible optimizer. There are other areas where you could as 10% more effort and get 2x better. If you optimize that way the value of yourself as a complete package grows. You will still be the best because you optimize the best but you will allocate your limited time more effectively. You just need to be well aware that you chose not the be the best at X so that you could be pretty good at Y and Z and that makes you a better unit.