The constant problem that I find when interviewing people is not talent. There is more available talent today than ever before. There used to be no talent. Finding a college grad was rare. A masters student was a find. A doctorate was unheard of. Now education has been commoditized. Everyone has a degree. Even the flunkees of High School are able to get 4 year university degrees through community colleges (which is a good thing. I was a High School flunkee).

So how can we separate ourselves from the rest of the pack? I see most people screaming, “More education!”, “More degrees”, “More certifications!”. But in the end, what does that mean? There isn’t a degree that specializes in bringing unknown political figures to world superpowers. There isn’t a certification that guarantees successful product launches. More education is more preparation, more delay to actually achieving goals and changing our world. (emphasis on our because most people want to change the entire world. They want to change their own world, being their friends and family. Making the lives of those around them better)

So what do I want to see in the people I interview? Motivation. We need people that are motivated to teach themselves the tools needed to succeed. To lead those around them because we all need it. To tie themselves to their work and translate their job into something that they do. It’s not your job. It’s your life. 1/3 of your life to sleep. Nearly 1/4 of your life goes into “work”. Your work is you. Why aren’t you motivated to live your life?