Stop Comparing, Start Growing

Success does not grow in comparison; it grows in focus. Over the years, women have made significant strides in every sphere of life. From managing homes to leading organisations, from nurturing families to building successful careers, women have proved that strength and resilience are deeply rooted in their nature. Financial independence has become a significant milestone for many women today, bringing with it confidence, dignity, and the freedom to shape one’s own destiny. However, along...

min read

Success does not grow in comparison; it grows in focus. Over the years, women have made significant strides in every sphere of life. From managing homes to leading organisations, from nurturing families to building successful careers, women have proved that strength and resilience are deeply rooted in their nature. Financial independence has become a significant milestone for many women today, bringing with it confidence, dignity, and the freedom to shape one’s own destiny. However, along with growth has come another silent challenge — the tendency to constantly observe, compare, and sometimes even compete with the journeys of others. But a crucial question arises: Is it necessary to track the growth of others in order to grow ourselves? From my personal experience of more than two decades as an entrepreneur, I have realised something very powerful — true growth begins the moment we stop looking sideways and start looking within. A Small Beginning I had a flourishing career of teaching abroad, but when I restarted my career after moving back to India, my beginning was extremely small. My very first assignment was a simple home tuition for a single student, and the amount I earned was meagre. There was nothing glamorous about it. No recognition, no large batches, no big earnings. Just one student and one opportunity. But instead of worrying about how others were doing, how many students they had, or how much they were earning, I made a conscious decision—my only focus would be on improving myself. I focused on teaching better, preparing better, and becoming more disciplined and consistent. And slowly, without even realising it, things began to grow. One student became two, two became a small group, and gradually, over the years, the work expanded beyond what I had initially imagined. Looking back today, I can confidently say that the growth did not happen because I competed with others. It happened because I competed with myself yesterday. Comparison Creates Noise When we keep watching others' journeys too closely, we unknowingly divert our own energy. Comparison creates unnecessary noise in our minds. It brings doubts, insecurities, and sometimes even negativity. Instead of walking our own path with clarity, we start questioning our speed, our direction, and our worth. True success grows through focus, not comparison. Every woman has her own story, her own pace, and her own struggles that others may never see. The path of one person can never be identical to another's. So comparing journeys is like comparing two different rivers flowing towards the same ocean — each with its own route, its own curves, and its own rhythm. As women, we already carry many responsibilities. We balance emotions, relationships, work, and society's expectations. In such a life, the last thing we need is the burden of comparison with one another. Instead, what we truly need is support for each other. When women encourage women, something extraordinary happens. Confidence grows. Opportunities multiply. Strength becomes collective rather than individual. There is enough space in the world for every woman to create her own identity. Each of us can build our own niche without stepping on someone else's path. Choose Encouragement Envy weakens us, but encouragement empowers us. Rather than questioning how someone else is progressing, we can ask a more meaningful question: "How can I grow a little better than I was yesterday?" Lift As You Rise Today, after twenty years of experience, the most valuable lesson I have learned is simple yet profound — focus on your own work with honesty and dedication, and success will quietly follow you. We, women, are capable, resilient, and creative. We do not need to pull each other down or compete in unhealthy ways. Instead, we can lift each other up while building our own dreams. Because when one woman rises, she does not rise alone. She inspires many others to believe that they can rise, too. And perhaps that is the most beautiful form of success. (The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

Are Women Better Investors Than Men?

Kaustubh Kale
Feb 28
2 min read

As we enter March and celebrate International Women’s Day this month, much of the spotlight rightly falls on women’s achievements in business, leadership, science, and public life. Yet one area where women often outperform men - and still receive too little recognition - is investing.

Money management is often seen as a male-dominated space. However, across households and financial markets, women have quietly and consistently demonstrated qualities that make them better investors. Their patience, discipline, and long-term thinking often lead to stronger financial outcomes.

Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Saraswati symbolizes knowledge and Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes wealth. These two pillars - knowledge and wealth - are deeply connected in investing. Wise wealth creation comes not from speed or speculation, but from understanding, learning, and sound decision-making.

In this, women often excel. They tend to take the time to understand financial matters, ask the right questions, and make informed choices instead of chasing trends.

Why Women Make Better Investors

Patience and Long-Term Vision: Men are often more prone to impulsive decisions, frequent trading, or the temptation of quick gains. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to stay invested with a long-term mindset. Their ability to remain calm during market volatility can significantly improve returns over time.

Disciplined and Goal-Based: Women are naturally strong at budgeting, planning, and aligning money with life goals - whether it is children’s education, buying a home, or retirement security. Their emotional connection to these goals often helps them remain consistent and disciplined in investing.

Risk-Aware, Not Risk-Averse: Women are often misunderstood as risk-averse. In reality, they are usually risk-aware. They tend to take calculated risks and prefer appropriate asset allocation instead of reckless exposure. This balanced approach can help create wealth while managing downside risk.

Trust and Willingness to Learn: Women are often more open to financial education and more willing to seek guidance from qualified financial advisors. Unlike many men who may overestimate their investing ability, women often approach investing with humility and a learning mindset. Once they trust the right expert, they are more likely to stay committed to a sensible long-term plan.

Women Leading the Financial World

These qualities also explain why many leading financial institutions today are successfully led by women. Their blend of strategic thinking, discipline, and emotional intelligence makes them exceptional money managers - both personally and professionally.

Final Thoughts

As more women recognize these natural strengths, they can take even greater control of their financial futures - and build lasting wealth with confidence.

(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

1 Comment

foweh69528

Mar 03

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