Hi Reader,

I have a simple question for you.

Would you like to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond?

On one hand, being a big fish in a small pond gives you relative comfort and recognition, and on the other hand, being a small fish in a big pond, you will be swimming with the sharks but will have immense growth potential.

I often ponder upon this question about which is good and which is bad and I think I have an answer.

But first, (Story Time!!)

Just recently on Saraswati Puja (a celebration honoring the Hindu goddess of knowledge), I was taken back into my memory lane. Each year my school used to organize a fest for the Puja. Every year, a select few, myself included, were handpicked to advise the management on its planning. I was the class topper then (among a class of 50) which gave me recognition and an advantage to have a say in the decisions our school took. I was enjoying the comfort and had virtually no threats. I was the big fish in a small pond here.

Life was going great until I changed my school and went to the top school in my district. End of that year, I scored the same percentage as my last school but was now pushed into the top 20 (among a class of 170). I became a small fish in a big pond of the best of the best students.

But it gave me a reason to fight for that recognition (Spoiler Alert: I remained in the top 20) instead I discovered something even better and found success in achieving my goal.

I shifted my focus to leadership positions and volunteering. For the entirety of the next 2 years, I involved myself in every extracurricular the school had to offer, slowly I picked up the pace and by the end, I was on the student council, in the school’s march past team then becoming a march past trainer for my house.

So, now having gone through the evolution from a Big Fish to a Small Fish to a Decent-sized Fish what has changed and what’s my verdict on the “Big Fish, Small Fish” thing?

For me, neither option is inherently “best.” Both have their pros and cons.

While being the Big Fish in a Small Pond gives you:

• Comfort and recognition
• Sense of accomplishment
• Less competition

It also pushes you towards,

• Stagnation (Lack of challenge) and
• Limited exposure

Similarly being the Small Fish in the Big Pond does have:

• More Competition
• Lack of immediate recognition

It gives you,

• Exposure to new perspectives
• Networking potential and most importantly,
• The opportunity for Growth and learning

So, which pond is right for you? I would say instead of focusing on a single “best” option, consider these factors:

• Your personality: Do you thrive on challenge and constant learning, or do you prefer a more stable and predictable environment?
• Your goals: Are you seeking immediate recognition and leadership roles, or are you focused on long-term growth and development?
• Your priorities: Are you more concerned with comfort and security, or are you willing to face challenges for potential rewards?

I believe the best pond is the one that best suits your unique needs and aspirations.

Also, Don’t just think about the size of the pond – consider its quality too. Is it a nurturing environment with supportive peers? Does it offer the resources and challenges you need to thrive?

Choose a pond that not only fits your size but also nourishes your growth!

Ultimately It should boil down to your preferences and personality.

Thank you for reading the article.

If you feel I was wrong at something or over-simplified something, please feel free to reach out to me, I would love to discuss them with you.

If you feel that this article helped you in any way. Please email me back at: sumit@sumitsah.com, that would make my day.

Thank you again for sticking around. Have a good day ahead.

I will see you around 😉

– Sumit