WHAT'S GOOD FOR OTHERS MAY NOT BE GOOD FOR YOU

by Dr Abhishek Gilara

In today’s connected world, we’re constantly exposed to what others are doing—what works for them, what makes them happy, and what brings them success. It’s natural to assume that if something benefits someone else, it might benefit us too.

But that’s not always true. In fact, one of life’s quiet wisdoms is this: what’s good for others may not necessarily be good—or even practical—for you.

A Lesson from the Golf Course

Some time ago, a few friends of mine passionately encouraged me to try golf. They swore by it—its calm, its class, its challenge. I respected their passion and gave it a sincere shot. For 3–4 months, I practised, learnt, and tried to enjoy it.

But soon, I faced a reality unique to my city, Jaipur. There’s only one golf course in the entire area. Getting a slot meant long waiting periods. A game that should’ve taken an hour stretched into three. Add another 40 minutes struggling for parking, and golf became more of a time burden than a pleasure.

Now, compare that to my relative in Jakarta. The city has nearly 30 golf courses, offering smooth entry, quick games, and easy access. For him, golf is an ideal sport—efficient, accessible, and enjoyable.

For me? It just didn’t fit. So, I let it go—not because golf is a bad sport, but because it wasn’t right for me.

The Business Angle

The same principle applies to business.

A friend of mine makes a fortune selling warm clothing in a cold region. But I live in the dry heat of Rajasthan. If I tried to replicate his model here, it would fail—not because I’m doing it wrong, but because the environment is different.

The Takeaway

The point is simple, yet powerful: don’t blindly follow trends. Don’t fall for peer pressure.

Your city, your schedule, your resources, your lifestyle—they’re unique. Success isn’t about copying others; it’s about understanding yourself.

Ask yourself:

• Does this make sense for me?

• Is this sustainable in my situation?

• Am I doing this out of desire—or out of comparison?

Only when you pause to reflect can you design a life that is true to who you are, not just a shadow of someone else’s.

Because what’s right for them...might be completely wrong for you.