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Success isn’t just about hard work. It’s about momentum.
Ever noticed how the same people get promoted, the same businesses dominate, and the same kids in school keep topping the charts? That’s not just talent or luck—it’s the Matthew Effect at play.
Simply put, small early advantages snowball into massive success over time. The rich get richer. The famous get more famous. The successful keep winning.
But here’s the kicker—if you understand how it works, you can use it to your advantage.
What is the Matthew Effect? (And Why It’s a Big Deal)
The Matthew Effect explains how early success leads to even more success, while those who start with less often fall further behind.
Coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton, the term was first used to explain why well-known scientists get more recognition than equally brilliant but lesser-known researchers1You can read the paper here: Merton, R. K. (1968). The Matthew Effect in Science. Science, 159(3810), 56. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.159.3810.56.. The same pattern exists in careers, businesses, education, and even personal relationships.
It’s also explained in further detail in the book, Matthew Effect by Daniel Rigney.
Where Did It All Start? The Parable of the Talents
The concept traces back to the Gospel of Matthew, where a master gives his three servants different amounts of gold (talents).
- The first two invest and multiply their talents—so they get rewarded with even more.
- The third buries his talent to keep it safe—and loses everything.
Moral of the story? Those who leverage opportunities get more. Those who play it safe fall behind.
For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
– Matthew 25:14-30
Now, let’s see how this plays out in real life.
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The Matthew Effect in the Workplace: Why Some People Keep Climbing
Promotions Breed More Promotions
The employee who gets an early promotion doesn’t just get a better salary—they get more leadership exposure, better projects, and VIP treatment.
Meanwhile, equally skilled colleagues who don’t get that break often struggle to catch up.
Experience Creates a Hiring Bias
When companies hire, they prefer candidates with more experience, which means the ones who got a good start keep getting better opportunities, while others struggle to break in.
Louder Voices Get Heard More
Ever noticed how some people always get credit in meetings—even when others contribute just as much? Once someone is seen as “the expert”, they keep getting attention, reinforcing their influence.
How to Make It Work for You at the Workplace
- Get noticed early—Speak up, volunteer for projects, and make sure people know what you bring to the table.
- Turn small wins into leverage—Every success (big or small) should lead to the next opportunity.
- Find mentors and champions—People who already have influence can help pull you up faster.
The Matthew Effect in Business: Why Big Brands Stay on Top
Market Leaders Attract More Customers
Think about Google, Apple, or Nike. They dominate not just because they have the best products, but because people trust them.
The more popular they become, the harder it is for competitors to break in.
Funding Follows Success
Startups that secure early investment attract more investors, while equally promising businesses struggle without financial backing.
Best-Selling Artists Keep Selling More
The moment a musician lands a hit song, radio stations, Spotify playlists, and social media push their music even harder making them even more successful.
How to Make It Work for You in the Business
- Build credibility fast—Use social proof, testimonials, and PR to establish authority early.
- Leverage partnerships—Collaborate with well-known brands or influencers to borrow their momentum.
- Make small wins visible—Showcasing progress (like customer reviews, case studies, or media features) attracts more success.
The Matthew Effect in Everyday Life
Education: The Reading Gap That Never Closes
Children who learn to read early develop better vocabularies, leading to higher academic success. Those who struggle with reading fall further behind in school—and it impacts their careers later on.
Sports: Early Stars Get More Coaching
Young athletes who show early talent get access to better coaching, scholarships, and professional training, which further widens the gap between them and their peers.
Social Media: Why Some Accounts Blow Up
Ever noticed how some Instagram or YouTube creators seem to explode overnight? Once an account gains traction, the algorithm prioritizes them, pushing their content to even more people—while smaller creators struggle to get noticed.
Diderot Effect explains how one small change, like getting a sleek new couch, creates a domino effect, making you want to upgrade everything else. Success works the same way. One viral post, one early boost, and suddenly, momentum kicks in.
Final Thoughts: It is a Cheat Code (If You Use It Right)
The Matthew Effect is neither good nor bad, it’s just how the world works. The real question is: Are you using it to your advantage?
- Get ahead early. Your first few wins matter the most, so be strategic about where you put your energy.
- Use momentum to your benefit. Success compounds—so keep stacking small wins.
- Help others. If you’re in a position of influence, create opportunities for those who deserve it.
Because real success isn’t just about keeping the lead—it’s about making sure the right people get a chance to win too.
Footnotes:
- 1You can read the paper here: Merton, R. K. (1968). The Matthew Effect in Science. Science, 159(3810), 56. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.159.3810.56.
