In her essay collection "Bad Feminist," Roxane Gay explores the complexities of success and the way early victories can lead to misconceptions about future achievements. She notes that when individuals experience immediate success in an endeavor, such as child actors in the entertainment industry, they may develop an inflated belief in their abilities, assuming that the same results will always follow. This mindset can create unrealistic expectations and pressure.

Gay's observation highlights the dangers of overconfidence that stems from initial triumphs. It serves as a reminder that success can be fleeting and that the lessons learned from failures and challenges are just as important as early accolades. Ultimately, Gay underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of success that acknowledges perseverance and growth rather than simply resting on past accomplishments.