Just because you see other people leveling up their paycheck—and they don’t seem to have the skills, the emotional intelligence, or the work ethic—doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep sharpening yours.
It’s tempting to ask, “Why do they win when I’m doing everything right?”
But as I’ve learned through my own career—from NASA to entrepreneurship—comparison is a distraction.
Sometimes God lets you see other people’s success for a reason. It’s not your business to understand it; it’s your business to keep building your own.
Your responsibility is clear:
👉 Level up your skills.
👉 Level up your character.
👉 Level up your impact.
That’s how you level up your paycheck—the next-level paycheck.
The Faith Perspective on “Unfair Success”
I once read a passage from Psalm 37:1–2 that anchored me when envy tried to creep in:
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass, they will soon wither, like green plants, they will soon die away.”
That verse reminded me that some things are simply God’s business.
The people who seem to “win” without ethics or skill may rise quickly—but rarely stay there. Their success is temporary because it’s not built on impact, growth, or purpose.
Why Shortcuts Don’t Last
Fame, money, and power—those are the short-term trophies. They shine for a moment and fade just as fast.
But impact? Character? Eternal significance?
Those are long-game rewards.
They take time, patience, and faith to build. The next-level paycheck isn’t instant. It’s the byproduct of showing up consistently when it’s hard, when it’s quiet, and when no one’s watching.
The Myth of the “Talentless”
Let me tell you about a preacher I once knew. By every worldly measure, he was awful.
He stuttered, he lost his place, he repeated himself.
Every Sunday, he stood behind that pulpit and said,
“Church… we’ve got to love one another. Please, love one another.”
It wasn’t eloquent. It wasn’t polished. But it was powerful.
Twenty years later, I still remember his words.
Not his delivery—his impact.
That’s the truth about leadership.
You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference.
You just have to speak with conviction.
The preacher didn’t have charisma or polish, but he had sincerity—and sincerity endures.
So before you label someone “talentless,” or before you doubt your own voice because it’s not flashy enough, remember this:
Authenticity outlasts performance.
The Lesson I Learned from Saying “No” to the Wrong Things
When I started my company, Muse Technologies, I was clear on what I didn’t want to do.
I didn’t want to be another “speaker” or “leadership coach.” I’d spent years as a Chief Information Officer, and I wanted Muse to stand on legacy and substance—real contracts, real people, real work.
So I made a promise: no coaching, no speaking engagements.
And then God laughed.
Our very first contract?
A coaching contract.
Someone who knew I’d say no tricked me into saying yes. And that one “yes” I didn’t want to give changed everything.
What started as a reluctant coaching gig became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life—and it opened the door to hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue for Muse.
That’s when I learned:
Be careful what you turn down.
The opportunity you dismiss might be the one that changes everything.
The Next-Level Paycheck Isn’t Always About Money
Two of the worst jobs I ever had ended up being two of the best.
Why? Because they stretched me, refined me, and prepared me for the leadership assignments that came later.
The next-level paycheck isn’t just about what’s deposited into your account—it’s about the compound interest of experience.
You invest courage.
You invest discipline.
You invest integrity.
And eventually, the return comes—not just as money, but as purpose.
How to Play the Long Game
Here’s the truth: long-game leaders think differently.
They don’t chase every shiny opportunity—they build skill, character, and credibility that compound over time.
If you want to play the long game, start here:
- Trust the Process. You don’t need instant results; you need consistent progress.
- Honor Small Assignments. The project you think is “beneath you” might become your breakthrough.
- Stay Curious. Even when you know your craft, stay teachable. God can’t fill a cup that’s already full.
- Choose Integrity Over Image. Skills get you noticed; character keeps you trusted.
- Let Faith Be Your Compass. Some promotions aren’t visible yet—but they’re in motion.
When Others Rise Faster
You’ll meet people who seem to skip the line—who climb faster, shout louder, or “make it” sooner.
That’s okay. Your race is your assignment.
What they have may not be sustainable for you, and what you’re building may not even exist yet.
While they chase visibility, you’re building value.
While they chase followers, you’re cultivating faith.
While they chase trends, you’re shaping legacy.
Final Thought: Impact Over Instant
At the end of the day, the paycheck that matters most isn’t just financial—it’s emotional, spiritual, and generational.
It’s the result of knowing that you stayed the course, used your gifts, and grew in grace.
The short game gets you noticed.
The long game makes you remembered.
So if you’re in a slow season—stay the course.
Keep sharpening your skills.
Keep planting seeds of value and integrity.
Because when the harvest comes, it won’t just level up your paycheck—
it’ll level up your life.
