How do you feel after work?

At the end of a work day, do you feel tired? Ready to take a load off with half a case of beers and a lot of video games? How about before you clock out — are you counting the seconds when your time is no longer leased and you’re free again?

Or, do you wake up in the morning excited to tackle the day, with no discerning moment when you actually began working? At the end of the day, you are mentally charged from being so engaged with your tasks, but physically your body needs rest, so you go to sleep in order to wake back up and do it all over.

When you are operating in the second category, you are doing what no one else will be able to compete with you on. They might follow your lead, or do their best to emulate your success for a cashout. But the difference between a mercenary and a zealot is incomparable.

If you’re not quite there yet, that’s alright. Don’t quit your job. Learn what you need to survive and stay warmed up, in the habit of laboring. When your door opens, charge through.