#1

I've noticed a common theme in anime.
The characters always want to be #1.
I'll use Bakuman right now, since that's what I'm in the middle of reading.
Mashiro and Takagi want to get the top rating in Jump. That is their ultimate goal. To become #1 and get an anime.

Except they're so set on being #1 that they aren't at all satisfied when they do a fantastic job that's right near the top.
Even when they get 3rd place, they're not excited.

I can understand them wanting to improve, and to get known.
Pretty much everyone wants to get 1st place.
But they don't seem to understand that they can be happy even if they don't get 1st place.
This kind of thinking puts huge limits on happiness. It's like they're saying that they can never be happy unless they're #1. And being #1 happens very rarely for most people, and never for some people.
It's important to know how to be happy even if you're not #1. Because being 2nd place, or 5th place, can also be a fantastic thing.

I think it's pretty common though, for people to have trouble finding happiness among the ordinary.
Being #the best would be so exciting. But below that can be great too, as long as you learn and have a good time.

Do your best. Always strive to improve. But don't let that limit your happiness, and satisfaction at a job well done.