It is good to try to be better than others or as you mentioned ahead others but if it is the only thing one is focusing on then it is wrong because when the only goal in your mind would be to better than someone and one day when you understands that you got ahead of others your goal over and then you will feel a bit comfortable and thats not good for your work...
So that's just my personal thoughts you dont need to accept it, i just thought i should share it so i did.
Great post! Keep it up!