Who was your biggest motivation?

A few days ago, I was interviewed by Disha Prasad for her CEO Series on the YouTube channel Disha Dioxide (my interview is under editing). Among the many thought-provoking questions she asked, one stood out to me: “Who was your biggest motivator?”

It’s a question I imagine many of us have pondered at some point. Most people would name a family member, mentor, or a public figure they deeply admire. And while these are excellent answers, my response was a little unconventional. Without hesitation, I said, “My biggest motivator is my ego.”

Yes, my ego.

Let me explain. When I talk about ego, I don’t mean arrogance or an inflated sense of self-importance. For me, ego is that internal force that doesn’t allow me to settle for mediocrity. It’s the voice in my head that challenges me to push harder, to aim higher, and to do better.

Here’s the thing: none of us enjoys receiving negative feedback. Nobody likes the feeling of falling short. My ego ensures I don’t give anyone a reason to doubt my efforts or my commitment. It drives me to approach every task—big or small—with determination and the intent to excel. And that’s not because of external pressure but because I hold myself to a high standard.

This realization—that I am my own biggest motivator—has been a game-changer. Think about it: why rely on someone else to fuel your ambition when you already have the tools you need within you? Self-motivation is the most sustainable kind of motivation. It’s with you 24/7, always pushing you to improve and grow. The key is to recognize it, harness it, and channel it into productive action.

This approach has not only shaped my personal growth but also influenced how I contribute to the broader picture. When you consistently strive for excellence, it reflects in the work you deliver and the impact you create. When each of us brings our best selves to the table, we elevate the success of our teams, our organizations, and the people around us.

That’s the power of self-driven motivation. It’s not about competing with others; it’s about competing with yourself—becoming a little better each day than you were the day before. It’s about setting a standard of excellence, not because someone else expects it, but because you demand it of yourself.

So, when Disha asked me, “Who motivates you?” my answer wasn’t just about ego; it was about taking responsibility for my growth. And the truth is, we all have that power within us. The trick is to embrace it, nurture it, and use it to fuel our journey to the top.

Because when you rely on the best version of yourself, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. I hope this way of thinking about motivation helps you Shoot to the Top!