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By:

Asha Tripathi

14 April 2025 at 1:35:28 pm

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...

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 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.)

It’s Never Too Late to Dream

Travel opens our minds and hearts. It teaches us that new dreams are always within reach. So don’t wait — take that step.

Sumati ji, a primary school teacher and single parent from a small town, had spent her life raising her daughter and teaching children. She lived simply and selflessly, her world revolving around her students, home, and only child.


Years later, when her daughter began working, she gently urged her mother to do something for herself. “You’ve done everything for me, Ma. Now it’s your turn to live a little,” she said. Those words planted a seed. At nearly 70, Sumati ji decided to travel abroad for the first time.


In 2016, she joined my group tour to Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia — her dream destinations. But there was one obstacle — she didn’t have a passport. Having heard about me and my travel work, she called softly, “Archita, I’ve always wanted to see the world. Can you help me?”


Her sincerity touched me deeply. I guided her through the passport process, booked her seat on our TSM group, and even took her shopping for a few outfits. When she tried them on, she smiled shyly and said, “I’ll proudly wear your choice of dresses on this tour.” That simple line stayed with me — a reminder that joy can bloom at any age.


Before we left, she told me, “Archita, I want to experience everything I’ve never done before. I may never get another chance. Please guide me.” From that moment, I knew this journey would be special.


Our tour began in Singapore, a city renowned for its order, beauty, and charm. We explored Little India, Chinatown, and Merlion Park, where the half-lion, half-fish statue stands proudly by the bay. As we clicked photos, Sumati ji gazed at the skyline, eyes shining with wonder. She enjoyed her first cable car ride to Sentosa Island, waving playfully at passing cabins. By the beach, she tasted her first ice cream abroad and said with a smile, “It feels like I’m in a movie!” Her joy was infectious — soon, everyone was smiling too.


Next, we flew to Thailand, the land of smiles. In Bangkok, the group admired the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha, and the serene Wat Pho with its Reclining Buddha. During a boat cruise on the Chao Phraya River, a cool breeze brushed our faces as temples and city life drifted by. Sumati ji held my hand and whispered, “I can’t believe I’m really here.”


In Pattaya, we explored the lively Floating Market, full of colour, aroma, and laughter. Everyone shopped for souvenirs, tried local snacks, and bargained in broken Thai. Sumati ji laughed at her attempts, delighted when a vendor praised her smile. That evening, we watched the dazzling Alcazar Show, where music and dance lit up the stage. To everyone’s surprise, she began tapping her feet to the rhythm, and soon the whole group was clapping and dancing with her. She brought out the child in all of us.


Our final stop was Malaysia, where adventure reached new heights. In Kuala Lumpur, the group visited the Petronas Twin Towers, taking countless photos beneath their glowing lights. At Batu Caves, Sumati ji climbed a few steps slowly but proudly, cheered on by our group like family. Then came the long-awaited visit to Genting Highlands, nestled among misty hills and alive with excitement.


Among the many rides was a towering free-fall drop, nearly 20 storeys high. Most of us hesitated, staring nervously at the vertical track. Then came bursts of laughter — and there she was! Sumati ji, strapped in, riding the free-fall with her arms raised high.


To everyone’s amazement, she didn’t stop at one — she rode it four times in a row! Her silver hair flew in the wind, her face glowing with pure joy. Foreigners and locals clapped, some even taking selfies. She turned to the crowd, proudly pointing at me, and said, “Because of her, I came on this tour. I never imagined I’d do this in my life!” Our whole group applauded, many with tears in their eyes. That moment was more than travel — it was a transformation.


When we returned to India, her daughter waited at the airport, eyes brimming with tears. She hugged me tightly, kissed my forehead, and blessed me warmly. With folded hands, I touched her feet and said softly, “You are my inspiration. Be safe, be happy.”


That journey wasn’t just about Singapore, Thailand, or Malaysia. It was about courage, friendship, and discovery — about a woman who, at seventy, chose to live for herself, surrounded by a group that celebrated her every step.


After 25 years in the travel industry, I’ve learnt that travel is life’s greatest teacher. It reminds us there’s always room for new dreams. So don’t wait — take that step. Give yourself the gift of travel: meet new people, taste new food, feel new climates, and embrace the experiences waiting for you.


Our Earth is calling. The world is waiting.

(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be connected at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

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