Motivation is not One Size fits all

Life experience

Why Your Friend’s Hustle Might Not Be Your Jam (And That’s Okay!) 😇

You know how it is. You’re scrolling through Instagram, and boom — another “study 16 hours a day” or “wake up at 4 AM” post pops up. Or maybe it’s your super-achiever cousin who’s always talking about their latest marathon or side hustle. And while you admire them, a little voice inside you whispers, “Yaar, I just want to finish my daily tasks and maybe binge-watch a web series tonight!”

If that sounds familiar, trust me, you’re not alone. We’re constantly bombarded with ideas of what “motivated” looks like, but here’s the honest truth:

Motivation is not one-size-fits-all. It’s like biryani — everyone has their own preferred spice level, right?

The Sharma Ji’s Son Syndrome

We’ve all grown up with the legend of “Sharma Ji’s son” — the mythical figure who tops every exam, gets into the best college, and lands the highest-paying job. And while he might be motivated by parental approval, societal expectations, or a desire for a stable future (all valid, by the way!), that might not be what gets you out of bed.

Think about it:

• Your friend, the coding whiz: He loves the challenge of solving complex problems. The thrill of seeing his code work is enough to keep him up all night.
• Your classmate, the social butterfly: She thrives on group projects and networking. The idea of meeting new people and collaborating excites her more than anything.
• And then there’s you: Maybe you’re motivated by learning new skills, the satisfaction of doing a job well, or simply having enough time for your hobbies and family after work. Perhaps the thought of a relaxed evening with friends and a cup of chai might be your biggest driver.

None of these are “better” or “worse” forms of motivation. They’re just different.

What Really Drives Us?

In our bustling cities, from college campuses to corporate cubicles, we see all sorts of motivations at play:

• The “Paisa-Vasool” Motivation: Let’s be real, a good salary and financial security are huge motivators for many, especially with the cost of living nowadays. Knowing you can support your family or treat yourself to that new gadget can be a powerful push.
• The “Learning & Growth” Guru: Some of us just love to learn! The idea of mastering a new software, understanding a complex concept, or developing a new skill is its own reward. We’re driven by the desire to grow and improve.
• The “Impact Seeker”: For others, it’s about making a difference. Whether it’s contributing to a big project at work or helping out in the community, seeing the positive impact of their efforts fuels them.
• The “Work-Life Balance” Champion: And then there are those who are motivated by the promise of a good work-life balance. We want to do well at work, but also have time for our passions, friends, and family. The thought of a weekend trip to a nearby hill station or just chilling at home keeps us going through the week.

Find Your Own Fuel

The key here is to stop comparing your internal engine to someone else’s. What works for your startup-founder friend might lead to burnout for you. What inspires your perfectionist colleague might make you feel overwhelmed.

Instead, take a moment to understand what truly energizes you.

• Is it a deadline?
• Is it the promise of a small reward (like that chai break)?
• Is it breaking down a big task into tiny, manageable steps?
• Is it the satisfaction of learning something new?
• Is it the thought of achieving a personal goal, big or small?

Your motivation might even change depending on the task or the day! And that’s perfectly normal.

So, the next time you feel a bit low or wonder why you’re not as “motivated” as others seem to be, remember this: there’s no single magic formula. What works for Sharma Ji’s son might not work for you, and that’s absolutely fine. Find your own rhythm, your own spark, and your own way to keep moving forward.