Forever, because if you reach Number One, and you do not stay there, you eventually either end up as a has-been, or a failure. It's interesting that it also seems to carry over into the occupation that you choose in life.
Successes are movie stars, sports heroes, rock stars, and certain key politicians, etc.
How about the mailman who we see everyday, and always has a kind word or a smile to offer. After awhile it leaves a person feeling that unless they become the super-star anything else they do is meaningless and not contributing to the happiness of others. Yes, heroes are important, but they come in all shapes and sizes. They are not always on television every night. They sometimes walk about our world dropping words and thoughts here and there, but like seeds they grow,sometimes very fast.