Success in any area, be it school, work, business, or personal life relies not solely on luck or innate talent. Instead, it derives from two key, interconnected forces: a strong, unwavering drive and effective time management. These are more than mere concepts; they are practical tools that anyone aiming for success employs often unconsciously to convert aspirations into tangible outcomes. This article will explore the true meaning of 'killing instinct,' illustrate how it manifests across various aspects of life, and highlight why managing our 24 hours a day is the great equaliser-what ultimately distinguishes ordinary individuals from the truly exceptional.
What is Killing Instinct?
The phrase "killing instinct" may seem intense, but in the realm of success, it represents a passionate drive within us - an unstoppable determination that refuses mediocrity. It motivates individuals to lead, aim for achievement, and pursue their goals relentlessly. This trait ensures we do not just participate but play to win; not just attempt, but persevere; not merely begin, but complete what we start with resolve.
In simple terms, killing instinct is all about not settling for just "good enough." It is about having that sharp sense of the right moment and acting without hesitation. Even when you are tired, feeling down, or facing obstacles, a person with this instinct keeps pushing forward. Such a person does not wait for perfect conditions; instead, such a person creates his own through determination, effort, and perseverance. No making excuses or giving up when things get tough-it is about doubling down and moving forward. This kind of instinct is what takes a good performer and turns them into a champion, or a decent professional into a truly respected leader.
Killing Instinct in Different Fields
In Sports
In sports, that fighting spirit truly shines during those intense moments. It is what sets a good player apart from a champion. When a tennis player finds himself/herself behind 5-1 in the final set, someone with this natural drive does not give up. Instead, he doubles his efforts, fine-tunes his tactics, and keeps fighting hard to turn things around and win the set and match. Similarly, when a football team is ahead 2-0 in the 80th minute, it does not just relax and play it safe; it keeps pushing forward with determination to secure the win and avoid a late comeback.
Indian sportspersons are often celebrated for their resilience, and it is entirely natural for them to face some criticism at times, especially when they miss that 'killer instinct' during crucial moments, like in hockey or cricket. When that little dip in aggression occurs, it can give the opposing team a lovely opportunity to stage a comeback. Being a fantastic player is not just about technical skills; it is also about nurturing that unwavering desire to win and finish on a high note. A true champion naturally senses when the opponent is wavering and confidently steps up the pressure to secure the victory. That is really what the essence of a killer instinct is all about.
In Business/profession and Entrepreneurship
In the world of business/profession, having a strong instinct to succeed means noticing opportunities and jumping on them quickly, even before competitors can. It involves having the courage to take thoughtful risks when needed, and the resilience to make difficult choices-like trimming losses, reorganising, or exploring new markets-even when others might hesitate. This proactive mindset can make all the difference in achieving success. For a practising Chartered Accountant, this instinct reflects in timely advisory, proactive compliance planning, and the courage to give correct-even uncomfortable-professional advice.
Similarly, a startup founder with a strong drive does not wait for the "perfect conditions"-they launch their product early, learn from customer feedback, and make improvements quickly to capture market share. In the same spirit, a sales professional with this drive does not settle for a "maybe" from a client; they follow up with persistence, address any concerns, and successfully close deals. These individuals are not just skilled at their work; they are truly impactful because they know how to switch into action mode swiftly and confidently.
In Academics and Professional Exams
For students and professionals gearing up for challenging exams like CA, CS, CMA, or UPSC, that fighting spirit really shows when you refuse to leave any topic half-done, even on tough days. It is about tackling extra questions habitually, revisiting difficult chapters multiple times, and practising mock tests under real exam conditions. It is that mental strength to keep pushing forward, even while others are relaxing or finding reasons to pause.
A student with a strong drive does not simply say, "I have studied 80% of the syllabus; that should be enough." Instead, they think, "How can I cover the remaining 20% and then review everything again?" That extra effort, that commitment to never giving up, is what truly sets top performers apart. Success in professional exams is not just about being naturally brilliant; it is about being persistent, and that is the heart of a strong drive.
In the Military and Corporate Leadership
In the military, having a killing instinct means staying calm under fire, making quick decisions, and seeing the mission through no matter what. It is not about being harsh, but about having the determination to complete the goal, even when you are afraid, tired, or unsure. It is about leading by example and inspiring others to go beyond their limits.
In the realm of corporate leadership, a leader with a strong instinct for action does not freeze in a crisis-he thoughtfully analyses the situation, makes a decision, and takes decisive action. He openly takes responsibility for failures and motivates the team to get back on track. He sees projects through to completion with a clear purpose, never leaving them unfinished. These leaders are more than just managers; they are finishers, and that's what truly makes them practical and admirable.
Why Killing Instinct is Non-Negotiable for Success
Success rarely follows a straight line; it involves obstacles, setbacks, and periods when surrendering seems tempting. In those times, talent and intelligence are insufficient-we need a resilient spirit. This drive declares, "I won't give up until I succeed," "I'll find a way, no matter how hard," and "I'll take responsibility and avoid making excuses."
Without this instinct, great ideas may go unspoken, and promising careers might never progress beyond 'average.' Talented individuals could feel like they have become could-have-beens. However, with a touch of killer instinct, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary outcomes. Setbacks transform into growth opportunities, and what once seemed unreachable can become reality. This instinct pushes us to work those extra hours, revisit complex topics, follow up with challenging clients, and persist even when others want to give up.
God's Equal Gift: 24 Hours, 12 Months, 365 Days
Time is one of the most precious and generous gifts from God. No matter who we are-rich or poor, powerful or ordinary-we all receive exactly 24 hours each day, 12 months in a year, and 365 days (or 366 in a leap year). It is a reminder that time is truly the most fair and equal resource we have. What makes the difference is not how much time we have, but how we choose to use it, which can turn ordinary moments into meaningful ones.
Many people utilise their 24 hours to learn new skills, grow their businesses, serve their communities, and aim for professional excellence. On the other hand, some might spend the same time complaining, procrastinating, blaming circumstances, and staying stuck in mediocrity. The key difference between success and failure-between a respected CA and one who goes through the motions-is how those 24 hours are embraced and utilised. Hence, time does not discriminate-it only reflects our priorities.
Optimum Utilisation of Time: The Foundation of Success
Making the most of your time means valuing each moment and using it wisely to get closer to your dreams. Remember, it is not just about staying busy, but about being truly effective. Since time is a precious gift that cannot be renewed once it is gone, every hour counts and should be cherished.
Time belongs equally to all of us - everyone has 24 hours in a day. The key to success is making the most of that time. Remember, time is a tool we hold in our hands, not a master over us. When we manage our time wisely and stay disciplined, we can turn our potential into real performance and dreams into excellent achievements.
How to Attain a Goal: A Step-by-Step Framework
To achieve any vital goal within a specific timeframe, having a clear and organised plan is really helpful. Here is a simple, proven approach that can work for all kinds of goals-whether you are preparing for the CA Final Examinations, expanding your practice, or publishing articles.
Step 1: Define the Broad Objective Clearly
Start by jotting down your big goal in clear, measurable terms. Vague goals like "do well" or "be successful" are hard to manage, but a specific, written goal can be broken down into smaller steps and tackled one at a time. For example:
(1) Pass the CA Final exam with a good ranking on my next attempt.
(2) Grow my CA practice to reach ₹ five crore in turnover within 3 years.
(3) Write and publish 100 articles on CAclubindia or any other online portal over the next year.
Once you have a clear overall goal, the next fun step is to break it into smaller, manageable actions.
Step 2: Split the Broad Objective into Small, Actionable Steps
Break down your big goal into small, manageable steps that you can complete one at a time. Make each step clear and measurable, and set a deadline for it. For example, if you aim to achieve a rank in the CA Final, your steps might include:
(1) Finish the syllabus for all six papers by a specific date.(2) Practice five past exam papers for each subject.(3) Review each subject at least three times.(4) Take 10 mock tests in exam-like conditions.(5) Review your mistakes and focus on improving weak spots.(6) Stick to a daily study routine of 8-10 hours.
Each of these steps is simple to handle and track, and together they create a clear path to the final goal.
Step 3: Allocate Maximum Time and Energy to These Steps
Once you've written down your steps, the next exciting part is to dedicate your best time and energy to turning those steps into action. Think of it as giving your priorities the spotlight they deserve, rather than getting sidetracked by unnecessary social media, lengthy meetings, or idle gossip. It is about protecting your precious study or work hours from distractions and using helpful techniques like time-blocking or deep work sessions to stay focused and energised. With sustained commitment, plans gradually translate into measurable achievements.
For a working CA (whether in a job or self-practice), dedicating 2-3 hours each day after work, setting aside weekends for extended revision, and steering clear of the "I will do it tomorrow" mindset can make a big difference. Those who go the extra mile beyond their usual work hours often develop a stronger understanding and gain more respect in their field.
Step 4: Periodically Review and Revise the Steps
Circumstances change, so it is essential to review your list of steps regularly-weekly or monthly-and update it as needed. If someone is spending more time than anticipated, do not hesitate to adjust the schedule and give more time to that area. When a new GST Notification or Circular is issued, make sure to add a step to learn and practice the latest information. If progress is slow, take a moment to identify the cause-like needing more practice or strengthening understanding-and then take appropriate steps to improve.
This habit of review and revision helps keep the plan practical and closely connected to real-world conditions. It also keeps the drive and determination alive by encouraging a person to stay engaged, responsible, and focused on the goal.
Step 5: Avoid Self-Pity and Excuses
Many people find it easy to fall into self-pity or make excuses, especially when progress feels slow. It is tempting to say, "I'm too busy with office work," "My family responsibilities are overwhelming," or "I'm not as smart as others." While these are real challenges, truly motivated individuals do not let them hold them back for long. Instead, they acknowledge the obstacles but focus on what they can take charge of. They get creative-studying or working during early mornings, lunch breaks, or even while commuting-and they fully own their journey of growth.
The Role of Killing Instinct in Time Utilisation
The killing instinct is like a special inner drive that inspires us to wake up early and study when others are still asleep. It motivates us to work late after hours while others relax, to keep revising tough topics even when it feels tough. This instinct is what turns a CA from merely passing exams into aiming for high ranks, from just doing work into doing it excellently, and from simply earning to building a respected and trusted practice. It is that passionate spark that helps us go above and beyond, making all the difference on our journey.
When you have that natural drive alongside good time management, even a little time can lead to excellent results. It is this special mix of passion and discipline that helps everyday professionals become truly remarkable achievers.
Conclusion: Consistent Extra Efforts Make the Real Difference
Success is not due to luck; it stems from two key tools working in tandem: a killing instinct and effective time management. The killing instinct fuels inner drive, a refusal to settle for mediocrity, and a desire to complete tasks. Effective time management ensures that every hour, month, and day is dedicated to disciplined, focused effort, steadily progressing toward the goal.
Only those who make consistent extra efforts and combine both these elements can truly stand out. In the CA profession, it's the dedicated individuals who put in extra effort after regular office hours that can deepen their knowledge, earn greater respect, and achieve long-lasting success. So, if you're really committed to reaching your goals:
(1) Split it into small, written steps.
(2) Give your maximum time and energy to those steps.
(3) Periodically review and revise the plan.
(4) Avoid self-pity and excuses.
(5) And above all, keep that killing instinct alive - because only extra efforts can make a genuine difference.
Hopefully, this article encourages many professionals to make the most of their time and approach their goals with determination and passion, turning their dreams into reality.
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