Entrepreneurial success doesn’t always require waking up at 5 AM, taking cold showers, or reading a book a week. Aman Goel, a 2017 IIT Bombay graduate and co-founder of GreyLabs AI, has proven this with his unconventional journey to becoming a multi-millionaire in his 20s. His recent X post, which garnered over 50,000 views, challenges the rigid routines pushed by hustle culture influencers, offering a refreshing perspective for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Who Is Aman Goel?
Aman Goel’s story is one of talent, pragmatism, and defiance of norms. After securing an impressive JEE rank of 33, he graduated from IIT Bombay with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. He co-founded Cogno AI, which was later acquired by Exotel, and now leads GreyLabs AI, a Mumbai-based company delivering cutting-edge AI solutions. His success, however, isn’t tied to the stereotypical habits promoted by self-help gurus.
In his viral X post, Goel shared, “I don’t wake up at 5 AM. I don’t take cold showers. I don’t read books. Yet, here I am—a multi-millionaire in my 20s.” Instead of rigid routines, he focuses on learning through quick, accessible methods like podcasts and social media. This approach resonates with a generation tired of one-size-fits-all success formulas.
Redefining the Path to Entrepreneurial Success
Goel’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: success comes from creating value and taking action, not from following a prescribed routine. He outlined a three-step formula for aspiring entrepreneurs:
1. Build something valuable – Create a product or service that solves a real problem.
2. Sell it to customers – Focus on effective marketing and customer satisfaction.
3. Repeat the process– Scale your efforts to grow your business and revenue.
This pragmatic approach cuts through the noise of hustle culture, which often glorifies grueling schedules over tangible results. Goel emphasizes that waking up at noon or skipping books doesn’t disqualify you from entrepreneurial success. What matters is delivering value consistently.
Why Hustle Culture Misses the Mark
Hustle culture often creates a fear of missing out (FOMO), pushing people to adopt habits that may not suit their lifestyle or goals. Goel doesn’t dismiss good habits entirely—waking up early or reading can be beneficial—but he argues they’re not prerequisites for success. “This post is not to undermine good habits,” he clarified. “It’s to say you don’t have to do something just because hustle influencers create FOMO.”
His message resonates because it empowers individuals to craft routines that align with their unique needs. For example, Goel prefers learning from podcasts and social media, which are faster and more flexible than traditional reading. This approach allows him to stay informed while focusing on his business priorities.
The Online Debate
Goel’s post sparked a lively discussion on X. Some users praised his practical advice, appreciating the focus on action over rigid routines. Others, however, attributed his achievements to his academic pedigree. One user, Sambhav Daga, commented, “Good habits just increase your probability to win. The probability of someone succeeding with A and A+ grades is more than college dropouts.” Another user humorously noted, “Comparing random mids to yourself who is a JEE rank 33, laughed.”
While Goel’s IIT background and JEE rank undoubtedly opened doors, his success stems from his ability to translate academic excellence into real-world results. His story highlights that entrepreneurial success is about leveraging your strengths, not conforming to external expectations.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Goel’s journey offers valuable takeaways for anyone pursuing entrepreneurial success:
– Focus on Value Creation: Identify a problem and build a solution that customers are willing to pay for.
– Embrace Flexibility: Create a routine that works for you, not one dictated by influencers.
– Take Action: Success comes from consistent effort, not perfectionism or rigid habits.
By prioritizing results over rituals, Goel challenges the status quo and inspires a more individualized approach to entrepreneurship. His story is a reminder that entrepreneurial success is achievable through diverse paths, whether you’re an early riser or a night owl.
Conclusion
Aman Goel’s rise to millions in his 20s proves that entrepreneurial success doesn’t require following hustle culture’s playbook. By focusing on value creation and rejecting one-size-fits-all routines, he’s carved a unique path to success. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, his story encourages you to define success on your terms. Start building, selling, and scaling today—your way.