Yes thats is common, more than you can imagine.
I understand what you're talking about, because thats something that i live everyday, usualy in a group there're people who read, research, do things, learn everyday and other just do their work, not more.
The best would be to continue the way you are, and as you say, "accept them as they are".
You're climbing a leader to success , and they are just looking as you do it.
Just continue as you are doing

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Dreams they just disapear into the shadows,
then they become true....

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