My thoughts, all JMO only:
Striving to be the best, or even being concerned with being the best, in music, IMO, is a misapplication of energies. Trying to be best is a misguided goal in music, because there's no way to quantify it. Not only that, but I feel it's a fools errand. I feel it gets in the way of what's really important.
What's really important? Each person should be able to reel off what's important to them without too much thought. I can only speak for myself here. For me, it's being able to feel music deeply, with the goal of duplicating those sounds in my head...on the drumkit. At a high level. Constantly clarifying in as much detail as I can, my own one of a kind unique voice. That's my "inner" goals. But more importantly, and the real reason for me playing...I try to feel music and execute it in a way that touches people's emotions. Even if it's just a little. Making them feel something positive. It's not about me or my abilities at all. It's much larger than that. It's all about how they feel watching the band. I try and make it all feel really good so it's enjoyable to experience. I don't try and show off how cleverly I can play because I'm not good at it, and I don't deliberately try and impress anyone with some cool drum thing because that usually backfires. I'm now concerned with the net result first, my individual part 2nd. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts kind of approach
Now I like accolades as much as the next guy, don't get me wrong. But I found the best way to get those accolades, for me, is to be the best supporting, deepest listening drummer I can be.... In my little world, I am the drummer people want backing them up because I am listening hard to what they are trying to accomplish, and all I want to do is help them get there. That attitude right there is my secret weapon, and one of the things that separates me from the rest of the pack who are still stuck in the "I have to impress everyone with my drumming" stage. Singers love me. A supportive approach can absolutely trump blazing chops in many situations. I found it works tons better to look past myself and try and help whoever has the floor to shine. I give them the beat they need/want, at a volume that doesn't divert attention from them. I try and play a little something in their spaces, so they know I'm listening and quickly reacting. It really creates an energy. People working off one another, not staring a hole in their instruments. So I actively seek that conversational aspect of playing. The audience picks up on it too. It elevates the proceedings. And it's easy in concept.
But comparing yourself, or anyone else for that matter, to any other person is just a huge waste of time. Is DaVinci better than Raphael? That's an impossible question. There's no right answer.
Wanting to be the best is a one man goal, while playing music is a team effort. Not the right attitude from a team effort POV right?