There are many realizations that occur once the transition is made from the corporate office to the startup garage. One of these is the answer to the question: “What am I doing this for?”

Everything we do should have purpose. When we buy toothpaste it’s for the purpose of brushing our teeth, we pay for gas so we can drive from point A to point B, but why does one start a business? If your answer is “To make money,” then chances are you’ll be part of the statistic which constitutes failing startups. An analysis of my motives revealed something that I’m comfortable with; a justification for my endeavors which lies outside the realm of financial gain.

To me, it’s all about being able to pursue spontaneous delusions of grandeur. Ideas only become great after they’ve been successful; until then they are only delusions. Think about it, Galileo was exiled because of his then wayward astrological ideas, Tesla was ridiculed for claiming that we would never be able to explore the vast regions of Space. Only today do we see them as innovators of thought, pioneers of the unknown.

I don’t believe young minds are afforded this liberty when they first start working. Perhaps, after 10-15 years of diligence would someone like myself be entrusted to make the decisions on whether we should go with Dell or IBM for our laptops. Seriously though, with what I’ve seen (and heard) the only way I figure happiness in my work is if I’m allowed the freedom to create, manage, execute, and deliver.

Put me in the driver seat and I’ll get to the finish line first, give me the 1st place trophy! The last thing I want to do is ride in a bus on cruise control and receive a consolation prize.

It’s about facing the challenge and ultimately winning; being the best is all the gratification one could ask for…don’t twist my arm to give me the winner’s check either!

-Jay S.