Don't only perform as required , keep your eyes open see around , think beyond the visible logically and rationally and if you aspire for the top rounds where there is elimination rounds, act and defend politically. Of course you must deserve the top slot. 
But mind it , top slot goes to the fittest fighter and not to the best and deserving.
If you dream for the top ,first deserve it and then be in war for it. 
If you do not fight tooth and nail and if you do not have killing instinct or if you are really soft or kindhearted or emotional or if you cannot mix and fix or if you insist upon purity , equality, standard, at top level war , you take the risk of imminent elimination.
At top level virtues get differently defined.
For top slot dream , deserve and fight mercilessly without any inhibition.
The way to top goes through political moves - a sly chess player's strategy.
Survive deservingly and kill when and where ever necessary- even plan for the killing until you yourself are crowned.