IAS/BAS(SDM) in itself are the strongest motivating forces. Thus they were self motivating.
Secondly, I had clearity regarding career goals. I wanted to become a top bureaucrat( work in the PMO, To be precise) and I never lost the sight of that end goal.
Thirdly, Family Obligations.
My grandfather was a school teacher with 6 kids, most in group 3 or group 2 services after promotion.
It was my job to do the structural transformation by getting into IAS/State Administrative Services ie taking the legacy forward. This constantly played in my mind.
Fourthly, impact of popular culture.
Movies like Sarfarosh and Rang De Basanti made a huge impact on a 15 year old kid in an impressionable age. To bring positive change, as naive as it may sound, was the original motivation to get into these elite services.
Attitude of No Retreat, No Surrender. When IRA was trying to assassinate Margaret Thatcher, the British PM, they knew that they have to be lucky only once and PM Thatcher had to be lucky all the time. Similarly, I also knew that my luck needs to work only once as hard work and dedication was there from the beginning. I know it's a crude analogy but it's late and I am being brutally honest.
Finally, support of parents till my father was alive and after his departure of my mother who never pushed me to take any petty jobs. My brother in law who was like CAG to my PAC ie friend, philosopher and guide and my immediate family and friends.
Last but not the least, my Mentors and teachers right from Baliyan and Pawan sir to Ayush and Asif sir. A tree has water of many rains behind it's growth. So it was a collective effort.
@Neyawn I am still struggling with my health as my body type has the propensity to gain weight very quickly.
This when added with 100% strike rate for genetic liver illness in the family always keeps me on my toes.
Mortal fear does that to people.
So I regularly go to the gym which helps me in getting my head straight.
