Anxiety
Such a powerful emotion. Capable of taking what others may view as a trophy, and to that person making it seem absolutely worthless.
On the other hand its directly responsible for pushing humanity to the apex of being. That same feeling of worthlessness in some is what causes others to never quite see perfection.
Key difference here is that the one who never reaches perfection continues to strive for it, using that anxiety as a source of motivation to keep pushing past boundaries in ways that others can't even fathom. While the one who sees worthlessness just gives up.