when it's not yet your turn, don't be tempted to think people ahead of you are using juju to succeed. it's their turn. keep on clapping for them and do not envy them. your turn will definitely come if you remain consistent and never give up.
You said it right OP, I'll add that its not only by clapping for them, but by learning from them. You've to be humble enough to learn what they're doing better than you, how they're doing it and if possible, learn positive attitude that they display towards their business that's soaring it. Armed with those knowledge, you can bring it home to your own business and improve the way you handle yours. Be reminded that you cannot be doing something the same way always and be expecting a different result. There's need for upgrade and change of strategy when its obvious your old strategy isn't working anymore. You also need to remain focused in your own hustle and not switch career or business simply because your friends businesses are seeming more productive. Appreciate them, learn from them and move on with the belief that your time is coming.
But do you know that there are friends and relatives whose dreams and prayers in life is for you to fail.
And the moment you fail, they have succeeded. they will be so happy because they have achieved their lifetime ambition.
Personally, I hate to admit that someone is planning or praying for my downfall cos it saps productiveness out of me. I like being positive and having consistent desire for progress. Having the mindset that someone is against you will always give you an excuse where you should put in the extra effort needed to succeed.
One thing I've always known is that consistency and hard work leads to success, always be positive about yourself. Witchcraft and manipulation has expiry date but God's blessings don't. You also need to be prepared at all times for opportunities cos they present themselves in patterns you least expect. Just believe, work hard, don't envy, be diligent, learn, continue improving yourself and success is sure for you.