The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is often hailed for his hard work and dedication. So much so that people who have worked closely with PM Modi have often shared that he works roughly 18 hours a day. Touching upon this topic, in a recent interview, US podcaster Lex Fridman asked Narendra Modi what makes him work so hard and keeps him going. Answering this, PM Modi shared the source of motivation– and his answer will not only surprise you, but also inspire you.
“I’ve heard from many people that you are the hardest worker they know. What’s your philosophy behind that? Maybe you put in crazy hours every single day. Do you ever get tired? What’s your source of strength and perseverance through all of that?,” Lex Fridman asked PM Modi in the podcast.
Responding to it, Narendra Modi humbly said, “Look, first of all, I don’t believe I’m the only one working. I look at the people around me and always think these people work harder than I do. When I think about farmers, I realize how hard they work. They toil and sweat under the open sky day after day. When I look at our country’s soldiers, I think about how many hours someone spends working tirelessly in snow, deserts, or even underwater day and night. When I see a laborer, I think about how hard they’re working. I always think about how hard our mothers and sisters work in every family for the happiness of the family. They’re the first to wake up and the last to go to bed, taking care of everyone in the family, while also managing social responsibilities. Thinking of all this, I’m in awe of how hard people work. So I think, “How can I sleep? How can I relax?” So naturally the motivation is right in front of my eyes. Those very things around me keep me motivated.”
Talking about how his sense of responsibilities towards his country keeps him going, he further said, “Secondly, my responsibilities keep pushing me forward. The responsibilities entrusted to me by my fellow citizens always remind me that I’m not here to enjoy privileges. I will always give it my absolute best. Perhaps there are a couple of things I may not accomplish, but there will never be a lack of effort or hard work from me. When I was campaigning in 2014, I had made a promise first in Gujarat and later across India. I promised my fellow citizens that I will never fall behind in hard work for my country. Secondly, I promised I would never act with bad intentions, and thirdly, I vowed I’d never do anything for personal gain.”
PM Modi shared that for him serving the nation is what inspires him, and keeps him going. “Today it’s been 24 years. For such a long period, the people have entrusted me as head of government. I’ve continuously held myself to these three standards, and I still live by them today. My inspiration comes from serving 1.4 billion people from understanding and fulfilling their aspirations and addressing their needs. I’m always determined to do as much as I can, work as hard as possible. Even today, my energy remains just as strong,” he said.
What are your views on the motivation behind PM Modi’s hard work and leadership skills? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
5 common habits of successful leaders
Successful leaders often share some common habits that lead to their effectiveness, like:
1. Clear vision
They have a strong vision for the future and set clear, achievable goals.
2. Effective communication
They listen actively and express their ideas clearly. They also provide constructive feedback and encourage open dialogue with others, when needed.
3. Problem-solving skills
They analyze situations quickly and make informed decisions. They also take responsibility for their choices and adapt when needed.
4. Continuous learning
They seek new knowledge, skills, and experiences to improve themselves. Instead of feeling dejected due to their failures, they learn from them and grow as a person.
5. They inspire others
They delegate tasks effectively and trust their team.
