All of the sweat that dripped from body, all the groans and aches and pains have lead to this. All the practice, all the time, and all the defeats that have been endured have lead to this.

Day in and out I try to be better. I try to do one more than the next guy and if finally lead to this. Quitting is not an option now. Mediocrity is not an option. Perfection of excellence is the only option.

I will be victorious.

My motivation is simple, do not ever let yourself down.

Of the group of us who started together, Eddie had proven the most suited for corporate life. He was above me, but not directly, on the company's org. chart. Clearly, he felt his standing, in this situation, obligated him to deliver a motivational speech.

He leaned in, so uncomfortably close I couldn't make eye contact. I focused on his collar. While he spouted empty slogans (If I'm relaxing, I'm not achieving. Your dreams shouldn't let you sleep.), I noticed, under his perfect Windsor knot, the top button of his shirt had worked its way undone.