* big-fish-small-pond theory

while it is beneficial to be a big-fish-in-a-small-pond, one might not want to be the biggest fish. 

strive to be in 80-90th percentile fish: confident, able, still big (just not the biggest).

why?

the #1 fish always has a few other Alphas... just waiting to become the biggest.  if you can be a friend of the biggest fish while not getting involved in the politics of territorial control, you can enjoy plenty of leftovers.

it is important to note that those 'leftovers' might actually taste better (and treat you better) than the biggest fish gets treated!

1. he is the Alpha-Alpha (with all of the responsibilities that come with that).  repeating/remaining as the #1 is difficult.

2. Alpha-Alpha has to continually watch his back-fins... which takes additional time & energy (creating dis-stress).  he also has to try to keep his harem 'happy' (a daunting task, indeed): try keeping one of them happy. :(

3. his harem (the best-looking female fishes) have waaaaaay too many options, while also swimming angry -- since the Alpha-Alpha can be (ahem) 'distant' at times.  

4. it can get lonely, at the highest levels of the food-chain.  there are far-fewer peers to chum-around with.

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however...

the second tier (75th-85th percentile of female fishes) won't be swimming with Alpha-Alpha, which will give you more access, more opportunities, more options and more smiles.  

you will still be an Alpha, just not the top 5%...
...and that, my fishy friends, might be the best mating position in the whole pond.

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the fish-story lesson: strive to be better, but don't obsess with being the best.

it goes without saying, but the small beta-fish just hope (and beg) and watch the show.

go to school.  don't just believe, betas: learn how to be a bigger, better fish.