“Success Doesn’t Require Ideal Habits,” Says GreyLabs AI CEO Aman Goel

Aman Goel, co-founder and CEO of GreyLabs AI in Mumbai, has sparked a debate about success and productivity with his recent post on X (formerly Twitter). Goel challenges the belief that strict routines and habits are essential for 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.

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…

— Aman Goel (@amangoeliitb) December 16, 2024

“I don’t wake up at 5 AM, I don’t take cold showers, and I don’t read books. I don’t follow the ‘ideal habits’ that people say are necessary to become a millionaire,” Goel shared. “Yet here I am, a multi-millionaire in my 20s.”

Goel’s story is a direct contrast to the advice often given by self-help influencers, who push routines like waking up early, reading daily, or following strict schedules.

Goel’s Success Story

Aman Goel graduated in 2017 from IIT Bombay with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. He co-founded Cogno AI, a company later acquired by Exotel, and now leads GreyLabs AI, an AI solutions company.

Goel explained how his lifestyle differs from typical hustle culture:
“Most days, I wake up at 8:30 or 9 AM. I haven’t read a book in ages. I prefer learning through social media or podcasts, which are quicker,” he said.

Goel’s Simple Strategy for Success

Rather than sticking to rigid routines, Goel believes success comes from three simple steps:

1. Create something of value.
2. Market it to customers.
3. Repeat the process until you earn significant profits.

He emphasized: “It doesn’t matter if you wake up at noon. It doesn’t matter if you never read a book. Success is about taking action and providing value to others.”

A Personal Approach

Goel encouraged people to follow routines that work for them, rather than blindly copying others:
“This isn’t to say good habits are useless. Waking up early or reading can be beneficial. But you shouldn’t feel pressured to follow these routines just because of FOMO (fear of missing out) created by hustle culture,” he clarified.

Social Media Reactions

Goel’s post, which received over 50,000 views, sparked mixed reactions. While some users appreciated his realistic perspective, others argued that his academic achievements played a bigger role in his success.

One user commented: “Good habits increase your chances of success. Not everyone can drop out of college and still succeed. Those with top grades have higher chances.”

Another added: “It’s funny to compare yourself to the average person when you ranked 33rd in JEE, one of the toughest exams in India.”

Takeaway

Aman Goel’s story shows that success doesn’t always require following strict habits or hustle culture. By focusing on smart strategies, creativity, and doing what works for him, Goel has achieved remarkable success at a young age. His message is clear: find your own path and don’t feel pressured to conform to others’ routines.