26-year-old saved Rs 28 lakh, but feels 'already behind'. Ankur Warikoo shares his heart-warming response

At 26, most people are scrambling to figure out their finances, careers, and life goals. One young professional had already saved Rs 28 lakh but felt an overwhelming sense of being “behind.” Ankur Warikoo addressed this anxiety head-on, turning a common feeling into a lesson in perspective and patience. In a world obsessed with comparison and timelines, his response highlights why measuring success against others can cloud the reality of personal achievement and long-term growth.

Ankur pointed out that saving Rs 28 lakh at 26 is an extraordinary milestone—more than a lakh for every year of life so far. Yet, feeling behind isn’t rooted in fact; it’s a perception shaped by comparison and societal expectations. The real achievement lies in earning, saving, and having decades ahead to grow even further. The pressure many feel comes from imagining a race that doesn’t exist, letting anxiety dictate their sense of timing.



He emphasised that the journey shouldn’t be miserable or rushed. Instead, it’s about appreciating what has been accomplished, taking pride in financial discipline, and recognising that personal growth is a long-term process. Anxiety often tricks people into thinking they’re late to milestones, but progress doesn’t follow anyone else’s clock. By focusing on consistency, patience, and self-measured growth, individuals can turn what feels like pressure into a roadmap for sustained success.

Internet reacts

The internet responded enthusiastically to Ankur Warikoo’s perspective. Many noted that the feeling of being behind often stems from comparison rather than reality. In careers and finances, growth happens at different speeds for everyone, and reaching such savings at 26 reflects discipline and clarity. Others highlighted how anxiety creates a false sense of urgency, making people feel behind without even knowing what they are truly chasing. Many emphasised that the idea of being “behind” is just a feeling, not a fact, and stressed the importance of staying grounded in one’s own progress amidst a world constantly driven by comparison.