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Outperforming Yourself: The True Path to Long-Term Wealth

Investor Guide

Outperforming Yourself: The True Path to Long-Term Wealth

Most of us are conditioned to think in terms of competition. From school exams to career progress, from business to investing, we are told that success means beating others. But what if the real measure of success lies not in comparison, but in continuity?

This is where the concept of the infinite game comes in.

 

Finite vs. Infinite Games

In a finite game, the players, rules, and goals are fixed. Think of a cricket match or a chess game. There is a clear beginning and end, and someone emerges as the winner while others lose.

But in an infinite game—like business, investing, relationships, or even life—there are no permanent winners or losers. The game goes on. The goal isn’t to “win” but to keep playing, evolving, and sustaining.

 

Why the Only Real Competitor Is You

Competing with others becomes irrelevant if the game has no finish line. Someone might seem ahead today, and you might overtake tomorrow. Markets change, opportunities evolve, and circumstances shift.

What matters is whether you are better than you were yesterday.

  • Are you learning more than you did last year?
  • Are your decisions more thoughtful than they used to be?
  • Are you closer to your actual goals—not someone else’s?

This is the essence of infinite competition: it’s not against the world, but against your own past self.

 

Application in Investing and Life

In investing, for example, chasing others’ returns or copying the “hot tip of the day” leads only to frustration. The wiser approach is to refine your process, stay disciplined, and progress steadily over time.

In life, too, constantly comparing with peers can drain energy and create false benchmarks. Instead, measuring yourself against your own journey fosters growth, peace, and resilience.


The Takeaway

The infinite game teaches us that true success is not about being ahead of others—it’s about staying in the game, adapting, and becoming a stronger version of ourselves.

 


For your success!

Dr. Anil Kumar Asnani

SEBI Reg. Research Analyst

Whatsapp: 9755920780

Mobile: 9131361959

Website: https://www.smartverc.com

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