From IIT to AI: How One Graduate Made Millions Without Following the ‘Hustle Culture’ Blueprint
From IIT to AI: How One Graduate Made Millions Without Following the ‘Hustle Culture’ Blueprint
Aman Goel, the co-founder and CEO of GreyLabs AI based in Mumbai, has ignited a conversation about success and productivity with his recent post on X. In sharing his personal journey, Goel challenges the common belief that ideal habits are crucial for achieving success. “I don’t wake up at 5 AM. I don’t take cold showers. I don’t read books. I don’t follow the ‘ideal habits’ that people claim are essential to becoming a millionaire,” he stated. “Yet, here I am, a multi-millionaire in my 20s.”
I don't wake up at 5 AM. I don't take cold showers. I don't read books. I don't follow the "ideal habits" that people claim are essential to becoming a millionaire.
— Aman Goel (@amangoeliitb) December 16, 2024
Yet, here I am—a multi-millionaire in my 20s.
– I wake up at 8:30 AM, sometimes even 9 AM. I sleep for 8 hours…
His perspective directly contrasts with the narratives often pushed by self-help influencers, who advocate for strict routines as a means to attain financial and personal success.
Goel’s unique path to success is further illustrated by his academic and professional background. He graduated from IIT Bombay in 2017 with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering and co-founded Cogno AI, which was later acquired by Exotel. Now, he leads GreyLabs AI, an AI solutions company in Mumbai.
In his post, Goel elaborated on how his routine diverges from the hustle culture norms. “Most days, I wake up at 8:30 AM or even 9 AM. I can’t remember the last time I picked up a book. I prefer learning through quicker methods like social media and podcasts,” he shared, emphasizing that success can come from diverse approaches rather than conforming to a one-size-fits-all routine.
The Key to Success
Instead of sticking to strict routines, Goel emphasizes the importance of focusing on the core principles of achieving business success. He presented a straightforward three-step strategy for aspiring entrepreneurs:
• Create something of value.
• Market it to customers.
• Repeat the process until you achieve significant earnings.
“It doesn’t matter if you wake up at noon. It doesn’t matter if you never read a book. Success isn’t about ‘ideal’ routines; it’s about taking action and providing value,” Goel stated.
A Customized Approach
Goel urged his followers to adopt routines that suit their individual needs instead of copying social media influencers. However, he made it clear that he doesn’t disregard the significance of good habits entirely. “This post isn’t meant to downplay the benefits of good habits, like waking up early. It’s meant to convey that you shouldn’t feel pressured to follow something just because of the FOMO created by hustle culture,” he clarified.
Reactions on Social Media
The post, which has gained more than 50,000 views, sparked a variety of responses on X. While many users appreciated Goel’s practical insights, others credited his achievements to his academic success rather than his daily habits.
“Good habits simply enhance your chances of success. Not every college dropout ends up creating a successful startup. The likelihood of someone succeeding with A and A+ grades is higher than that of college dropouts,” commented user Sambhav Daga.
Another user noted, “Comparing random averages to yourself, who is ranked 33 in the JEE, is just laughable,” referencing Goel’s notable position in the highly competitive Joint Entrance Examination.
In conclusion, this IIT Bombay graduate’s experience shows that success isn’t just about following hustle culture. By focusing on clever strategies, creativity, and a balanced life, he found his own way to financial success.
