When people you think of as being at the same level as you in sports, work, academia, love, or anything else, move to a more advanced level before you, it can be very frustrating.
The first thing to ask yourself is 'am I being honest with myself?' In other words, are you REALLY equal to these people. If the answer is yes, here are some possible reasons that you're being left behind.
1. We don't live in a meritocracy
You might think that you've worked hard enough and you've enough innate talent to move up to a more advanced level in your field or sport. And you might be right! However, there's always more at play. Sometimes people are promoted because of who they know, or because the coach owes them a favour, or because they're popular... It's not fair and it means that merit is not always the priority but it could explain your predicament.
2. You're being deliberately persecuted
Even worse is the possibility that everyone can see you're talented and that you have a good work ethic but someone with power is deliberately holding you back. Think about what motivates the people around you and the people making the key decisions. Ask yourself if anyone has a reason to keep you in the position you're currently occupying.
