In track and field, every contestant runs the same distance under the same conditions; ability — the speed and endurance of an athlete — determines the winner. But what if a small group of participants wore rollerblades and received a head start while the rest were chained to leg irons from the beginning? This is the reality of meritocracy.

We have been taught that if we work hard, we will succeed. Thanks to our privileged background, this message resonates with us. However, this concept of meritocracy is inherently flawed because people are born unequal.

Taking education as an example. According to Yale Insights, the American elite can raise their children through prestigious schooling while the middle class is compelled to rely on public education that pales in comparison. Additionally, college admissions are sullied with bias because acceptance is often based on qualities other than merit. The difference in education alone will lead to disparities in job opportunities, income, and the starting points of future generations on the race to success.

While it’s not impossible to advance in our “meritocratic” society, relying on merit alone won’t get you far. A person’s connections and access to resources have a severe impact on their success. People with successful parents, for instance, can receive a preemptive start in their respective fields. Wealth also impacts how far your merit can be carried. Money provides access to exclusive opportunities such as internships and summer programs.

But even without resources, it’s still possible to achieve success in our pseudo-meritocratic society. Though it sounds cliche, attaining success in an unfavorable circumstance requires you to work smarter and harder. Chasing after your dreams on the meritocratic racetrack will feel like running on a treadmill that never stops. You may work for days, months, and years, only to realize you’re exactly where you started.

However, when you’re about to give up, imagine you’ve almost made it to convince yourself to keep going. You’re going to feel like Sisyphus — endlessly pushing a boulder uphill just to watch it come crashing back down. But if you’re willing to adapt and persevere, you’ll eventually get lucky; examples include a chance meeting with the right person or being early to an industry. Luck paired with skill and perseverance will create the rocket rollerblades that melt away the chains and send you gliding down the racetrack.

Hopefully, when you’re freely gliding ahead, you won’t forget those who struggled alongside you. Take a moment to reach out a helping hand and break the “meritocratic” cycle for another.