This weekend, as the engines roar at the Canadian Grand Prix, I’ll be cheering for Team Haas.
As the Canadian Grand Prix roars into action this weekend, I’ll be cheering for Team Haas.
If you follow Formula One, you know Haas isn’t expected to win. They don’t have the budget, the star drivers, or the legacy of the top teams. But they show up, race after race, knowing full well they won’t be standing on the podium most Sundays.
Still—they’re out there, competing.
And that’s the point.
But here’s the twist: when it comes to personal finance, unlike Formula One, you’re not racing anyone else.
In F1, Only a Few Can Win
Formula One is a game of margins and millions. Ten teams line up, but only three or four have a real shot at winning races. The rest? They’re fighting to score even a single point.
Haas, with a staff and budget that’s over 50% smaller than their competitors, knows that every top-10 finish is a hard-won victory. For them, fifth place feels like gold.
But if we judge Haas only by whether they beat Mercedes or Red Bull, we’d miss the point entirely. Their race isn't about beating them. It’s about doing their best with what they have.
And in that way, they’re more relatable than the giants at the top.
In Personal Finance, There Is No Leaderboard
Unlike F1, personal finance doesn’t come with a starting grid or a podium ceremony.
You’re not trying to “beat” anyone else. Your financial life isn’t measured in comparison to a neighbor’s, a coworker’s, or some influencer’s curated version of success.
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You’re racing against your own goals.
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Your victories are defined by your values.
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Your progress is measured by where you started and how far you've come—not where others are.
Someone else might “win” the race—big salary, flashy investments, early retirement—but if their financial life doesn’t align with their purpose, even their wins might feel hollow.
Meanwhile, someone else might come in "last" every race and still feel on top of the world—because they’re in the arena, living a dream that others only wish they could pursue.
Every Lap Counts—Even the Hard Ones
Plenty of drivers would give anything to be in F1—even if it meant finishing last in every race. Just being on the track is a privilege few ever get.
The same is true with your finances. Millions of people never even start the race—because they’re afraid, uninformed, overwhelmed, or under-resourced.
If you’ve started saving, budgeting, investing—even a little—you’re already ahead of where you were yesterday. And that’s what counts.
Don’t Let Comparison Steal Your Progress
It’s tempting to measure our success against someone else’s highlight reel. But the truth is, you don’t know their race—you don’t know their goals, their sacrifices, their pressure, or their finish line.
You only need to ask yourself:
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Am I making progress?
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Am I being intentional?
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Am I working toward a future that reflects my values?
If the answer is yes, then you’re right where you need to be.
The Takeaway: Run Your Race
So as the teams line up this weekend and the lights go out, remember this:
In life—and especially in money—you’re not racing against anyone else. You’re not judged by podiums or points.
You win by showing up, learning from each lap, and pushing a little farther each time.
Some days will be messy. Some races won’t go your way. But you’re in it—and that alone puts you ahead of the pack.
Stay in your lane. Trust your pace. Run your race.
Because in personal finance, the only competition that matters is the person you were yesterday.
Looking for a guide to help you take the next step onto the financial grid? Reach out to Sterling Edge Financial and schedule a time to get started.
Kit Lancaster, CFP®
Founder, Sterling Edge Financial
https://www.sterlingedgefinancial.com/
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This content is being provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure profit or protect against loss. Indices mentioned are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing involves risk. Depending on the types of investments, there may be varying degrees of risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal.
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