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...

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.)

Women and Wealth: Why Financial Independence Is No Longer Optional

Sayli Gadakh
Feb 24
3 min read

When women grow financially, families grow stronger — and so does the nation.

As a chartered accountant, I have worked with families across income groups and professions. One reality stands out — women today are more educated and capable than ever. They manage homes, raise children and contribute to businesses, yet financial decisions in many households remain male-dominated.

In an era of equal partnership, financial independence for women is not about competition but security and dignity. A financially informed woman strengthens her family and, if life takes an unexpected turn, can confidently raise and educate her children. That is the true essence of women’s empowerment.

Financial Participation

India has made strong gains in women’s education. Female literacy has crossed 74 per cent, and young women are entering fields once out of reach. Yet this progress is not mirrored in financial participation. Female labour force participation remains between 32 per cent and 37 per cent, well below the global average of nearly 49 per cent.

Even among earning women, many are not involved in investments, tax planning or long-term decisions.

There are encouraging signs, however. Women’s participation in stock market investing has crossed 24 per cent, touching nearly 28 per cent in some states. Financial awareness is rising — a shift that is both social and economic.

The financial landscape has changed in the past decade. Rising inflation, higher healthcare and education costs, and evolving tax rules have made planning more complex.

In this environment, financial independence for women is no longer optional. Economic uncertainty — job losses, medical emergencies or business setbacks — can affect any family. A financially aware woman can manage crises calmly and make sound decisions.

Women’s longer life expectancy also means longer retirements and a greater need for independent savings. Without planning, later-life dependence becomes a risk.

As living costs rise, relying on one person’s financial knowledge increases vulnerability. When both partners are informed, families are more secure.

Legal awareness matters too. Missing nominations, unclear ownership and tax gaps create avoidable stress. Financial literacy helps prevent such complications.

Untapped Economic Power of Women

Economists note that higher women’s workforce participation could significantly boost India’s GDP and drive long-term growth. India aims to raise female labour force participation to 55 per cent by 2030.

Financially empowered women build secure households and contribute directly to national development.

Financial Gaps

Across income levels, certain gaps are common:

· No emergency fund

· Overreliance on savings accounts that lose value to inflation

· Inadequate term and health insurance

· No structured retirement plan

· Investments without regular review

· Limited awareness of tax benefits

These are not income issues but gaps in planning and discipline.

Small Steps

Financial independence does not require a high salary. It begins with simple, consistent actions:

Build an emergency fund covering at least six months of expenses.
Start SIPs for long-term wealth creation.
Take adequate health and life insurance.
Keep nominations and documents updated.
File income tax returns regularly, even below the taxable limit.
Review financial goals annually.

Consistency matters more than the amount invested.

Partnership

The role of women in Indian families has evolved. Today, a woman not only manages the home but also contributes to income and shapes her children’s future.

Financial awareness ensures that:

• She supports family goals with confidence.

• She makes informed, independent decisions.

• She secures her children’s future, even in adversity.

This is not just financial independence — it is family stability and social progress.

Guidance

Seeking advice from a chartered accountant or financial advisor is wise. Professional guidance helps structure investments, optimise taxes and align plans with long-term goals. However, awareness must remain with the individual — no financial document should be signed without full understanding.

Strong Women

Women today are professionals, entrepreneurs, homemakers and leaders. Their financial participation must match their contribution at home and in the economy.

Financial independence provides:

• Security in uncertain times

• Confidence in decisions

• Dignity at every stage of life

Most importantly, it ensures a woman is never helpless. She can stand strong for herself and her family.

In today’s economy, financial literacy for women is essential. When women grow financially, families grow stronger — and so does the nation.

(The writer is a Chartered Accountant based in Thane. Views personal.)

1 Comment

foweh69528

Mar 03

Great article with clear explanations and practical insights. I also checked NiftyTrader while researching the latest Silver Rate Today in Bangalore online.