I had a discussion with a friend in college about this. We were both doing dual bachelors in Music and Physics, graduation was approaching, and it was coming t

I had a discussion with a friend in college about this. We were both doing dual bachelors in Music and Physics, graduation was approaching, and it was coming time for each of us to choose whether we'd pursue research, art, or other. He was perhaps smarter than me and worked harder. I asked him what it was that motivated him, and he said that it was a sense of guilt that had been instilled in him by his parents. I told him that guilt is a destructive motivator, at least in the long run. He replied that it actually worked well for him and he was glad to have it. I also am sometimes motivated by guilt. Does it bother me because I'm more aware of it, or am I right in thinking that there are better motivations within reach?