“Almost everything–all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure–these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs

We all want the glory of success, glamor and the materialistic spoils of life. However, for some reason only a small percentage of folks understand these aspirations to be realistic goals. As you look around your office, what do you see? You see three different types of people: the Overworked/Disgruntled Sap, the Satisfied/Mediocre Sap, or the Job Breed. Take a closer look and you will notice exactly what I am speaking of in both yourself and your coworkers.  Now, let’s go through the lot.

First, we must look at the disgruntled sap that complains about work and about what he deems to be an unsatisfying life. He/she feels like they are being overworked for a salary that is beneath them and their abilities. They have been telling others that they will be quitting in a week or two stemming all the way back to their first day on the job, but nonetheless have been an employee for the last five to fifteen years.

We often wonder what causes them to be this way. Those belonging to this group of people are negative and thrive on the failures of others. They are continuously unhappy with the situation they put themselves in and feel like it is far too late to pursue their dreams. This person is like a cancer to any entrepreneurial mind. AVOID AT ALL COST!

The Satisfied/Mediocre Sap, on the other hand, is the opposite; he is a valuable asset to the company. These types only see themselves as a small piece of the puzzle while completing a good chunk of the company’s important tasks. He is content with being an average Joe; lives in a one bed-room apartment, has an average looking girlfriend, drives around a 5-year old Honda Accord and in reality is nothing more than an employee of some billion dollar company.

You are likely to see this person as a pushover. These folks can only be saved if they are sharked. Sharked is a term that I coined to express the event of experiencing a drastic moment that sparks an epiphany, changing the perspective from which one sees oneself and one’s life.

Lastly, we have those that are part of what I call the “Job Breed”. This type of person has learned to control what the others have not, the NEED of money and their irrational fears. This character works for the joy of learning. He/she dreams of one day starting their own company and has planned out the necessary steps required to get their life to where they want it to be.

He/she would rather die reaching for success than not trying at all. This person is ambitious, spontaneous, carefree and in many cases charming. Some may view them as being a simple “dreamer” or a “misguided fool”, but the Job Breeder will have the last laugh. Little do these other saps know that the Job Breed is quietly working on a venture that will lead to his success and with it, eternal happiness and satisfaction.

He saves up those bi-weekly checks to fund his ventures.  He knows that anything is possible. A wise entrepreneur once told me, “If you will it, it will happen”.

It is sometimes prudent to keep your plans to yourself. People tend to be jealous of other people’s dreams and successes. These people will put on a smile while secretly praying for your failure. The fearless element of the Job Breeder is crucial, but what keeps the fire burning is ambition. Ambition is the fuel that keeps a positive mind focused and it is something that you can’t fake.  You are either hungry or you’re not.

“Stay hungry, stay foolish”- Steve Jobs

 Trice LaQuinte | Elite.